Chicago Alderman Newsletter Tracker

Alderman Samantha Nugent of the 39th Ward reports a shooting on the 4900 block of N. Harding Ave, where two people were shot and one died. Police are investigating and are asking residents for witnesses or evidence. No meetings, policy changes, development approvals, budget decisions, transit changes, or street redesign projects were mentioned in this newsletter.

Alderman Matthew J. O'Shea of the 19th Ward informs residents that the Polar Plunge Chicago will be held on March 1 at North Avenue Beach, and that there will be no garbage collection on Monday, March 2, but recycling will be collected. The office will be closed in observance of Casimir Pulaski Day, and residents are advised to ensure their carts are accessible for the March 3 garbage pickup. Additional announcements include a free online aviation career course starting March 3, the Illinois Secure Choice retirement program, and employment opportunities posted on the 19th Ward website.

Alderwoman Maria Hadden reports that the 49th Ward will host a virtual public hearing on March 6 for the City of Chicago Department of Water Management to discuss lead service line replacement loans, and Mayor Brandon Johnson will hold a budget town hall on March 5 to review the city’s approved budget. The ward continues to bolster public safety with 24/7 police on Howard L. and ongoing CP4P initiatives, while residents should note demolition at 1224 W Loyola, Chicago Fire filming no‑parking restrictions, and a street‑lighting project on Chase and Paulina. Additional updates include early voting for the March 17 primary, SNAP work‑reporting changes, and a range of community events such as the March 4 town hall, the 49th Ward’s own town hall, and various cultural and volunteer opportunities.

Alderman Scott Waguespack of the 32nd Ward reports that the City Council has approved the Foundry Park project and that two lots on a Bucktown block could become 60 apartments if separate developments are approved, while Bickerdike Apartments is opening affordable housing waitlists. He also highlights ongoing budget implementation challenges, noting that the 2026 budget includes borrowing for operations and settlements, and that the city’s credit rating has been downgraded, which could raise borrowing costs. Other announcements include a March 3 water‑main project meeting, the office’s closure for Pulaski Day, early voting sites opening, and community events such as the Burley School Spring Fling and a reuse & recycling pop‑up.

Alderman Desmon Yancy of the Fifth Ward announces that the office will be closed on Pulaski Day, March 2, a city and state holiday. No meetings, policy changes, or development updates were mentioned. Residents are advised to plan accordingly for any in‑person requests during that day.

On February 28, Alderman Anthony J. Quezada of the 35th Ward announced a virtual public hearing on March 6 to discuss lead service line replacement funding and a Capital Improvement Project briefing that will cover arterial street resurfacing, water main and sewer main line replacements, and pedestrian safety upgrades. He also highlighted the $250,000 community development grant that approved the Belmont Tavern renovation, a key development approval in the ward. Additional updates included a fundraiser for a house fire victim, visits to local schools, early voting information, and a tree‑planting day.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward announced a March 9 town‑hall at Iglesia Emanuel where residents can learn about 311, infrastructure updates, and participate in participatory budgeting, and she is soliciting feedback on a proposed zoning change for 44 affordable housing units at 3251 W. Division. The ward is also advancing a CDOT arterial resurfacing project on Humboldt Drive that will add ADA sidewalks, bike medians, raised crosswalks, and refuge islands, improving street safety and accessibility. Additional community events include a March 4 blood drive at Mozart Park, a youth joblessness briefing, gender‑based violence training, and an April 25 tree‑planting day in Hermosa, with the office closed on March 2 for Casimir Pulaski Day.

Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward announced that his office will be closed on March 2 for Pulaski Day and that he attended the memorial for Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. He scheduled community shredding events on March 1 and March 8, and early voting for the March 17 primary will begin on March 2 at Lawson House. Additionally, the alderman highlighted upcoming traffic disruptions from crane lifts and filming near Michigan Ave, as well as ongoing bridge and utility construction that will affect streets through May 2026.

Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward notes that city offices will be closed for Casimir Pulaski Day, early voting will begin March 2, and the 2nd Ward Shred Event is scheduled for March 8. Residents are reminded of the March 17 primary election and a range of community events, including the Polar Plunge, White Rooster theater, and Ohio Street Beach Cleanup. Additional highlights include a Cook County Board President forum on March 5 and early‑voting site details for the 2nd Ward.

Alderman Timmy Knudsen of the 43rd Ward highlighted the city’s recent credit downgrade and urged the mayor and CDOT to prioritize bridge closures and traffic mitigation, while also announcing new e‑bike and parking enforcement policies. He also noted the preliminary landmarking of DePaul’s Cortelyou Commons and Byrne Hall, and referenced the upcoming ComEd substation meeting and the city’s FY2026 budget shortfall. Additionally, the newsletter promoted early voting, the 43rd Ward Volunteer Corps pilot programs, and the Savor Lincoln Park food festival.

Alderman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez of the 33rd Ward announced a Capital Improvement Program briefing with CDOT and DWM, highlighting upcoming street and alley resurfacings, lighting projects, and a push for additional funding for infrastructure improvements in the ward. The ward is also reviewing a zoning change for 3446 W Irving Park (B3‑1 to B2‑3) and will hold public meetings on zoning and development, while residents are encouraged to vote in the Participatory Budgeting cycle and early voting for the March 17 primary. Additional updates include the resignation of Chief of Staff Veronica Tirado, a planned resolution honoring the Community Choice Awards, and reminders about early voting locations and mail‑in ballot deadlines.

Alderman Andre Vasquez of the 40th Ward announced the first Town Hall of 2026 and a March 9 public‑safety meeting to discuss the new Parking Ticket Pilot Program, which shifts ticket issuance to the Department of Finance. He also highlighted ongoing street‑safety work, including the Pothole Patrol and the final phase of the Lincoln Avenue North Streetscape Project that will modernize traffic signals and add new lighting at Ainslie Arts Plaza. Additionally, the ward’s West Ridge dispensary plan received Aldermanic support, and the office celebrated community engagement with the North River Youth Council and a Choose Chicago meeting on tourism and city branding.

Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward informs neighbors that Minim Productions will film the TV show "The Fugitive" in Lincoln Park from March 3–5, 2026, with detailed parking restrictions and police‑supervised traffic control. The notice lists the affected streets and times, and provides contact information for questions or concerns. No meetings, policy changes, development approvals, budget decisions, transit service changes, or street redesign projects are mentioned in this newsletter.

Alderman Matt Martin of the 47th Ward met with state lawmakers to discuss Chicago’s fiscal challenges and with city infrastructure heads to review capital improvements—including street light upgrades, sewer main replacements, and resurfacing projects—while also meeting with the Green Council on flood mitigation for parkways. He approved zoning changes for three projects: a 4‑story, 8‑unit condo at 4447 N Ashland, a rehab of a vacant 2‑story building into an 8‑unit rental at 3639 N Ashland, and a coach‑house addition at 2103 W Eastwood that creates an extra rental unit. Other announcements include the final weekend to vote on the 2026 Participatory Budget, the transfer of the North Center Senior Satellite Center to Catholic Charities, and a children’s book drive through March 31.

Alderwoman Angela Clay of the 46th Ward announced that the Chicago Plan Commission approved two new developments: a 10‑story mixed‑use building at 3611 N. Halsted with 188 units (38 affordable) and a 7‑story supportive‑housing project at 4458 N. Clarendon for women at risk of homelessness. The ward also reported completion of emergency sewer repairs on Broadway and Sheridan, restoring traffic and CTA service. In addition, Clay highlighted community celebrations—including Lunar New Year festivities, the Black Creativity Gala, and volunteer‑leadership opportunities—to showcase the ward’s cultural vibrancy and civic engagement.

Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman’s 16th Ward Weekend Edition highlights a tribute to Margaret Burroughs and lists the service office hours. No zoning, policy, development, budget, transit, or street safety updates were included in this issue.

Alderman Debra L. Silverstein of the 50th Ward reports that a third community meeting was held to finalize plans for the new Indian Boundary Park playground, featuring unique equipment such as a Cliff Rider and CocoWave Pendulum Swing. Early voting will begin March 2 at the Northtown Library, and police CAPS meetings are scheduled for March 3–4 to discuss safety in the ward. Additional updates include holiday closures for Pulaski Day, a Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral Program, and opportunities for tree planting and emergency heating repairs.