Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward announced a zoning community meeting on February 4 to review a proposed zoning change for 3251 W. Division that would add 44 affordable housing units, and highlighted a recent public hearing on the COPA amendment that expands police investigative powers. She also noted ongoing construction on California Avenue between North and Armitage, the city’s bike‑lane plowing schedule, and a Boulevard Landmark District Extension Project that preserves historic character, while reminding residents of upcoming street‑work by CDOT. Other updates included a blood‑donation drive on March 4, a reentry program presentation by the City of Chicago Office of Re‑Entry, and community events such as a senior Valentine’s brunch and a seed swap.
Alderman Scott Waguespack of the 32nd Ward highlights the launch of the CTA and CDOT Better Streets for Buses Plan, a policy initiative that will prioritize bus corridors on Ashland, Fullerton, and Western and invites residents to complete a survey through January 31. He also reports on the ongoing Fletcher Water Main Project, noting lead service line replacement at 2118 W Fletcher and private drain work on the 2100 block, with no scheduled water shutdowns. Other updates include encouragement to support local businesses during Chicago Restaurant Week, a reminder to apply for Vote‑By‑Mail for the March 17 primary, and a call to apply for the R3 grant program.
Alderman Anthony J. Quezada of the 35th Ward reports that the City Council passed an ordinance expanding the Civilian Office of Police Accountability’s authority over Welcoming City Ordinance complaints, following two ICE‑related committee meetings. The newsletter also announces new SNAP work‑requirement changes effective Feb. 1, a community tree‑planting day on April 25, and a food pantry event on Feb. 5, while reminding residents of snow‑clearing duties and upcoming ward‑night appointments. Additional updates include a protest against ICE in Minneapolis, a partnership with Openlands for tree planting, and various constituent resources such as parking relief and emergency heating repair programs.
Alderman Matt O'Shea of the 19th Ward announces a February donation drive for Ronald McDonald House, urging residents to donate items from the wish list at drop‑off locations in Beverly, Mount Greenwood, and the Rep. Ryan office. The event is co‑hosted by Senator Bill Cunningham, Representative Mary Gill, Representative Rick Ryan, and Congressman Casten. The newsletter also highlights the Illinois Secure Choice retirement program, which offers a state‑facilitated savings option for workers and employers across the state.
The 15th Ward Office is offering COVID or flu vaccines to residents. The vaccination event is held at the ward office and is open to anyone who wishes to receive a shot. No other meetings, policy changes, or development updates were announced in this newsletter.
Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward attended the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) annual meeting, where he discussed the Smart Streets Pilot Program, plans for DuSable Park, new businesses, and announced upcoming infrastructure projects for the neighborhood. He also reminded residents of the winter parking restrictions that apply from December 1 to April 1. Additionally, the alderman noted CTA bus schedule changes and several temporary traffic closures due to filming and construction projects.
Alderman Matt Martin of the 47th Ward announced that the Zoning Advisory Council will review two development proposals—3639 N Ashland (C1‑2 to B2‑5 conversion to an 8‑unit rental building) and 4614 N Seeley/2103 W Eastwood (RS‑3 to RM‑4.5 change adding a bedroom to a coach house)—providing an opportunity for community feedback. He also highlighted a forthcoming pilot program with the Department of Finance to deploy parking aides for illegally parked vehicles, a policy change aimed at freeing police resources, and confirmed that Catholic Charities will continue operating the North Center Senior Center for many years. Additionally, the alderman welcomed new staff member Ryan McCray, held a town hall on utility billing concerns, and listed several community events and resources for residents.
Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez of the 33rd Ward highlighted a series of city council hearings, including a Health and Human Relations session on ICE enforcement and a Joint Committee hearing on an ordinance expanding COPA powers, underscoring the ward’s focus on immigration and public safety. The newsletter also announced zoning updates with completed approvals for 3240 W Lawrence Ave and 3039 W Irving Park, a community review of 3446 W Irving Park, and a new SNAP work‑requirement policy that will affect local food pantries. Additional updates covered the Chicago Parks District participatory budgeting sessions, a five‑year homelessness plan presentation, and a host of community events and volunteer opportunities.
On January 30, 2026, Alderwoman Angela Clay of the 46th Ward announced a community meeting to discuss the Sarah’s Circle “Sarah’s on Sunnyside” 54‑unit permanent supportive housing development at 4458 N. Clarendon, which requires Lakefront Protection Ordinance approval but no zoning change. She also highlighted a CDOT‑led traffic‑safety workshop on Clarendon Ave, the enforcement of the City’s Winter Overnight Parking Ban, and her vote to amend the Welcoming City Ordinance to allow COPA investigations of police complaints. Additional updates included the extended public‑comment period for the 2026‑31 Homelessness Blueprint, federal SNAP eligibility changes, and reminders about sidewalk shoveling and REAL ID requirements.
Alderwoman Leni Manaa‑Hoppenworth will host a February community meeting to review the proposed mixed‑use development at 5959‑5965 N Sheridan, a zoning change that will be vetted by city departments. The ordinance O2025‑0020004, expanding COPA’s authority to investigate violations of the Welcoming City Ordinance, has passed the Joint Committee, and the 48th Ward’s participatory‑budgeting process is now open for residents to vote on up to $1 million in public‑infrastructure projects. Additional updates include open feedback on the 1527 W Edgewater residential proposal, upcoming events such as the Edgewater Indoor Market and the Shred & Electronics Recycling Event, and the launch of Greencorps Chicago’s employment‑training program.
Alderman Debra Silverstein of the 50th Ward reports no zoning, housing, transit, or budget meetings or policy changes this month. She highlights the city’s new ordinance adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism, the continuation of winter parking restrictions, and the Veterans Resource Day on Feb. 4, while also mourning the death of CPD Sergeant Kenneth Fowler and condemning the ICE shooting of Alex Pretti. Additional community updates include the Beat 2011 CAPS meeting, the emergency heating repair program, and the return of the final Israeli hostage.
Al. Bennett Lawson of the 44th Ward released draft 44th Ward Design Guidelines, a new policy framework for future development, and highlighted the City’s draft 2026 Five‑Year Blueprint on Homelessness, a housing policy initiative. He also called for a traffic study on Inner Lake Shore Drive to improve street safety and noted his attendance at a City Council hearing on ICE operations. Additional updates include Vote‑By‑Mail guidance for the March 17 primary and community events such as live ice sculpting and local guides for Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day.
Alderman Raymond Lopez of the 15th Ward announced new policy updates, including stricter enforcement of the city’s noise ordinance, youth curfew rules, and a city‑wide effort to remove illegal parking dibs. He also called for residents to join a focus group on the Garfield Boulevard and Cottage Grove Avenue bus‑priority study, a long‑term transit improvement effort. In addition, the newsletter highlighted his criticism of recent settlement payouts, the opening of Vote‑By‑Mail registration for the March primary, free STEM summer programs, veteran fitness initiatives, and a food‑scrap drop‑off program.
Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman of the 16th Ward reports no upcoming zoning, housing, transit, or budget meetings or policy changes in this edition. The newsletter highlights the February 3, 2026 deadline for property appeals and exemptions, encourages volunteer sign‑ups for the Valentine’s Day lunch, and reminds residents of warming center resources. Service office hours and contact details are also provided.
Alderman Jim Gardiner of the 45th Ward notes that a new water‑management facility is slated for the former Mayfair Lumber site in Jefferson Park, marking a development approval. The newsletter also highlights a state initiative on e‑bike safety, the kickoff of Chicago Restaurant Week, scheduled beat‑meeting dates, and volunteer opportunities for ward residents.
Alderman William Hall of the 6th Ward invites residents to a Community Zoning Meeting on February 2 to vote on several development proposals—including sober‑living facilities and gas‑station expansions—within the 71st‑75th and 83rd‑87th‑street voting districts. The meeting is the primary forum for residents to shape zoning decisions that affect housing and local development. No additional policy changes, budget items, or infrastructure projects are announced in this newsletter.
Alderman William Hall invites 6th‑Ward residents to a Community Zoning Meeting on February 6 to review and vote on several zoning matters, including the Henry Sober Living for Women, Kathy’s Sober Living, and two gas‑station expansions. The meeting will determine whether these developments proceed, with voting limited to residents between 71st–75th and 83rd–87th streets. No other policy changes or budget decisions are announced in this newsletter.
The Third Ward newsletter focuses on a police alert about vehicle thefts in the Bronzeville area, an emergency closure of the eastbound lane on 47th St. for sewer repairs through February 13, and a Vehicle Safety Day event. No meetings, policy changes, or development approvals were announced. Additional community updates include a Girls in Sports Summit, a donation drive, a conversational Spanish class, and an OEMC employment training program.
There are no upcoming meetings, hearings, or policy changes related to zoning, development, housing, transit, or budget announced in this newsletter. The 16th Ward Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman invites residents to a complimentary Money Matters Institute workshop on January 29, 2026, offering budgeting and savings tools led by financial experts. The event will be held at the 16th Ward Service Office (1137 W. 63rd St., Suite C, Chicago, IL) with office hours Monday‑Friday 9 a.m.‑7 p.m. (except Friday 1 p.m.) and contact information (tel. (773) 306‑1981, email info@16thward.org). }