Jessie Fuentes

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward reports that this week’s City Hall meeting with the Civic Federation focused on the FY 2026 budget proposal, and the public‑safety committee held a session on community resources and ICE response. The ward is reviewing several zoning‑change requests—including 3446 W. North Ave and 1118 N. California—while announcing a permanent northbound lane closure on California Avenue effective Oct. 31. Other highlights include the ASI Health & Workforce Development Center community meeting, the upcoming Community Safety Town Hall on Nov. 19, and a series of community events such as Parents for Peace and Justice’s holiday dinner and the Halloween Trunk‑or‑Treat celebration.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward announced that budget season has begun, with a briefing from the Better Government Association and plans to issue a community survey on proposed taxes. She also highlighted the ward’s zoning intake process, noting current requests for changes at several properties and the upcoming community‑input meetings. Outside of budget and zoning, the newsletter covered a Ward Night at Dope Drip Café, a Senior Wellness Fair at Humboldt Park, and Halloween community events.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward announced the upcoming budget meetings following the mayor’s 2025 budget address and a public hearing on October 22 for the proposed landmark designation of the Humboldt and Sacramento Extension to the Logan Square Boulevards District, while the ward’s zoning office is reviewing several property‑change requests. The newsletter also highlighted street‑safety initiatives such as the 26th Ward lighting improvements and CDOT street‑work updates, and promoted community events including the Halloween Fest, Senior Wellness Fair, and Pop‑Up Ward Night. Additional highlights include the “Signs and Whistles” ICE‑watch program, the Home Owner Relief Fund event, and a range of youth and job‑opportunity resources.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward reports that the ward’s zoning committee is currently reviewing requests for changes at several properties—including 3446 W North Ave and 1701 N Kimball—while the proposed extension of the Logan Square Boulevards Landmark District is under consideration. The ward also announced infrastructure updates, such as the Chicago Residential Lighting Improvements Program and upcoming CDOT street work, and noted the city’s new ICE‑Free Zone executive order by Mayor Brandon Johnson. Additional highlights include the office’s temporary closure on Oct. 13, a holiday recycling schedule alert, and community events such as the Senior Wellness Fair and the “You Are Not Alone” gathering.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward reports no upcoming zoning, development, housing, transit, or budget meetings this week. The ward is reviewing several zoning‑intake requests and is considering an extension of the Boulevard Landmark District, while the Chicago Residential Lighting Improvements Program—new LED smart lighting and sidewalk restoration—will begin the week of Oct 6, 2025. In addition, the newsletter highlights ICE‑related incidents, the Rapid Response Network, and community events such as Unhoused Solidarity Day, the Senior Wellness Fair, and the 26th Ward Office’s various outreach programs.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes notes that the 26th Ward will host an HPAC Community Meeting on Oct 1 and is currently reviewing zoning‑intake requests for several properties, while the City Council’s recent vote expanded ADU rights and approved the Jackson Park Housing Pilot. The ward also announced the Chicago Residential Lighting Improvements Program slated for Oct 6 and the final call for participatory‑budget ideas by Sept 30. Other highlights include the Humboldt Park Little League trophy ceremony, Alma’s Way cultural event, and a range of community‑service and job‑opportunity notices.

On October 1 the Humboldt Park Advisory Council will hold a public meeting at the Fieldhouse to discuss a new business proposal for the Humboldt Park Boathouse. Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward also announced the city’s approval of ADU expansion and the Jackson Park Housing Pilot, and the Logan Square Boulevards District Extension Project is now in the zoning review process. Residents are reminded that the final call for Participatory Budgeting ideas is due September 30, the Chicago Residential Lighting Improvements Program will begin work on October 6, and community highlights include the Humboldt Park Little League trophy ceremony and Alma’s Way cultural event.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward will host a September 21 emergency‑response town hall on ICE and a September 24 town hall with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez on federal budget issues, while reviewing zoning‑change requests for several properties and backing the ADU ordinance and a $500,000 participatory‑budgeting allocation for 2026 infrastructure. The ward also highlighted the Cicero Avenue Land‑Use Study and upcoming 26th Ward Zoning Advisory Committee meetings, and it will vote YES on the citywide ADU ordinance. Other key events include the Alma’s Way community event, the Humboldt Park Fieldhouse “Explore Your City” day, and a series of youth and job‑training opportunities across the ward.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward announced upcoming zoning and development discussions, including the 26th Ward Zoning intake and the updated proposal for 3300 W Pierce, and highlighted the Cicero Avenue Land Study open house and the Logan Square Boulevards District extension review. The newsletter also noted mid‑year budget committee meetings, CTA Budget Town Hall sessions, and a successful property‑tax appeal effort. In addition, community events such as free mobile mammograms, the Young Lords exhibit, and the upcoming Solidarity Day for the homeless were promoted.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward announced a public meeting on September 16 for the Cicero Avenue Land Study and invited input on the updated 3300 W. Pierce apartment proposal, part of the ward’s ongoing zoning review process. The ward also highlighted the proposed extension of the Boulevard Landmark District, a policy change aimed at preserving historic character, and noted the opening of five new businesses on Division Street as a development approval that supports local economic growth. Other highlights include a virtual “Know Your Rights” event for immigrants, a Fiesta Boricua celebration, and a free mobile mammogram screening in Humboldt Park.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward announced a community meeting with the Department of Water Management to discuss the California Avenue Water Main & Lead Service Line Replacement Project, a major infrastructure spending decision slated to begin in late September. The ward also called for public input on the updated zoning proposal for a 26‑unit apartment complex at 3300 W Pierce, which includes 20 off‑site parking spaces, and announced a Cicero Avenue Land‑Use Study open house on September 16. In addition, the Community Safety Committee met to plan safety walks and rapid‑response training, and the ward celebrated Fiesta Boricua, new business openings on Division Street, and a new playground at Lowell Elementary.