Chicago Alderman Newsletter Tracker

Alderman Brian Hopkins’ 2nd Ward newsletter highlights citywide operational and policy items: the 2026 street sweeping schedule begins April 1, and City Sticker late fees/back charges are waived during Amnesty Month at the City Clerk through April 30. He also points to a new 30-year Cook County property tax study showing taxes rose 182% since 1995 (more than double inflation) and reiterates opposition to proposed property tax increases. Other announcements include a statewide e-bike safety initiative, an EXPO Chicago art fair at Navy Pier April 9–12, and his Earth Day cleanup sponsorship at Lake Shore and Seneca Parks on April 18.

This 19th Ward alderman (Matthew J. O’Shea) newsletter is an announcement for a procession to honor fallen Chicago Firefighter/EMT Michael Altman on Tuesday, March 31, with participants asked to line the specified route along Cicero Ave and 111th St at 11:00 a.m. The alderman also requests privacy for the Altman family and emphasizes respect for the designated streets only. Other than the procession, there are no zoning, housing, transit, budget, or policy items mentioned.

Alderman Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward) announces that DSS street sweeping will begin April 1 and continue through the end of November or later (weather permitting), starting with Section 6 in Hamlin Park. Residents are urged to bag leaves/landscaping debris and keep debris out of City streets (including catch basins and drains), and to watch for temporary parking restriction signs and the posted schedule. Other major items: residents can track the sweeping fleet in real time using the City’s Sweeper Tracker tool.

Alderman Debra L. Silverstein (50th Ward) announced that free steering wheel locks are now available at the 50th Ward office for residents who own or drive a Honda, in response to reported citywide increases in Honda window break-ins and airbag thefts. No zoning, development, housing, transit, budget, or street-safety meetings/ordinances were mentioned; the main action is signing up first-come, first-served via the provided registration form.

In Alderman Nicole T. Lee’s 11th Ward newsletter, she does not report any City Council meetings or hearings involving zoning, development, housing, transit, or the budget (next full City Council meeting is April 15). She highlights no housing/transportation policy or ordinance changes, and instead focuses on home opener logistics, welcoming a new business on Morgan Street, and public safety updates. The newsletter also lists upcoming ward events (Veterans Office Hours April 10; Earth Day April 22; Clean and Green April 18; REVITALIZE Gala April 22) and provides detailed ongoing street/utility construction and street-closure schedules around ballpark game traffic and several infrastructure projects.

In Alderman Jim Gardiner’s 45th Ward newsletter, there are no listed zoning, development, housing, transit, streets, or budget meetings/hearings, ordinances, approvals, or major infrastructure actions. The main Ward updates focus on constituent and community items, including a detention hearing update related to the murder of Chicago Firefighter Michael Altman, condolence messages, and other community/event and resource announcements (e.g., Jefferson Park Sunday Market returning; Edge of the Wood performances at Edgebrook Community Church; and scheduled 2026 beat meetings). Additional announcements include office/support services (clean-and-green coordination, senior and veterans resources, and business/permit/webinar links) and local business spotlights.

Alderman Peter Chico of the 10th Ward announces the return of the Labor Day Parade and Eddie Fest, inviting residents to register for the event and learn how to participate. The newsletter provides links for registration, additional event information, and resources such as a pantry locator. No meetings, policy changes, or development approvals are mentioned in this edition.

16th Ward Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman announces the launch of 16th Ward Veteran Hours, a monthly veterans resource hub starting April 6, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the 16th Ward Service Office, connecting veterans with housing, financial assistance, VA disability claims, legal referrals, employment resources, and holistic services. The update highlights partnerships with the Cook County Veterans Assistance Commission and Veterans Support Volunteers of America Illinois and notes volunteer opportunities to support the program. Coleman emphasizes her commitment to veterans and the 16th Ward community.

Alderwoman Maria Hadden’s 49th Ward Update covers ongoing development and infrastructure activity, including Loyola University construction at 6347 N Broadway, the demolition at 1224 W Loyola Ave with related street closures, and paving on N. Glenwood Ave plus a Chase/Paulina street lighting project. It notes housing and city policy steps such as the TaxSmart Mortgage Credit Program, along with street closures for Good Friday and other infrastructure notices. The message also addresses the March tragedies involving Sheridan Gorman and Firefighter Michael Altman (with the alderwoman’s apology and safety remarks), the temporary remote-work shift for staff due to threats, and a slate of community announcements and events (including the Sheridan Gorman Memorial & Scholarship Fund GoFundMe, the 49th Ward Clean and Green on April 18, and local cultural/arts listings).

40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez highlights a virtual community rezoning meeting (Mar. 31, 5:30pm) for 5636–5640 N. Ashland Avenue to change zoning from RS-3 to B2-3 for a proposed 5-story residential building, and notes ongoing infrastructure work tied to the Lincoln Avenue Streetscape (including the Western/Ainslie traffic signal modernization) plus Ashland Avenue resurfacing/bus pad installation and signal work. The newsletter also points to the 40th Ward’s public safety commission special hearing scheduled for April 2 at 6:30pm with CPD Superintendent Snelling, and includes longer-term community improvements such as the Winnemac Park turf ballfield opening and housing-related progress like the Haven on Lincoln. Other major announcements include a March 28 volunteer grocery-delivery event with Nourishing Hope, street sweeping starting April 1, and a Bears-themed shred event on April 18.

Alderwoman Angela Clay reports that the Department of Buildings issued a permit for Trader Joes at 804 W. Montrose and that a planned development amendment to expand the Camry Parking Lot is pending review by the Chicago Plan Commission, affecting 46th Ward residents. The ward will also see extensive sidewalk repairs in 2026 and the City Council’s new COPA ordinance expands police accountability, while the Cubs’ remote parking arrangement will provide free transit for game nights. Additional highlights include the opening of the Haitian American Museum and Timeline Theatre, a Houseless Neighbor Outreach Picnic, and various community events and volunteer opportunities.

The 19th Ward newsletter urges residents to report potholes and street light outages by email, phone, or the 311 app, providing detailed instructions for accurate reporting. It also highlights the Illinois Secure Choice retirement program and lists employment opportunities in the ward. The message is signed by Alderman Matthew J. O'Shea of the 19th Ward.

Alderperson Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward) highlighted street-sweeping schedule notices and upcoming community safety programming, including a One Fair Wage update after City Council’s proposed wage-freeze was vetoed by Mayor Brandon Johnson. The newsletter also mentions zoning process information for requested zoning changes (intake form, review by the Zoning Advisory Committee, and possible community input) and a number of resident services such as property tax exemption assistance by appointment on April 16. Other major items include a Teen Bash with free food and giveaways on March 28, a Women’s History Month/office events roundup, and community events such as a We Are Our Own Medicine conference (April 24–25) and related April/May clean-up and memorial/peace walk activities.

Alfred? The 43rd Ward alderman Timmy Knudsen announced two key meetings: a Commission on Chicago Landmarks hearing on the Roger Brown Home & Studio landmark designation and a community meeting on March 31 to discuss a proposed amendment to Francis W. Parker School’s planned development. He also highlighted policy updates, including new e‑scooter and e‑bike regulations and a request for CDOT to provide a traffic plan before any bridge closures, underscoring the ward’s focus on transportation and infrastructure. Other highlights include the launch of a residential parking zone map, a volunteer “Block Talk on Tap” series, and a reminder that Lincoln Park has been named a top U.S. park by USA TODAY.

Alderman Anthony J. Quezada of the 35th Ward announced a community meeting on April 9 to discuss the Department of Water Management’s upcoming water‑main and sewer replacement work in the area, and highlighted the Kimball Avenue arterial resurfacing project that will include pedestrian crossing repairs and a full grind‑and‑repave. He also noted a request to lift the liquor‑moratorium at 2821 N Milwaukee Ave, a policy change that will be considered in City Council, and opened applications for the Small Business Improvement Fund for the Kennedy/Kimball TIF district, providing grants for commercial and industrial renovations. Other updates include the start of the 2026 street‑cleaning season on April 1, a tree‑planting event in Hermosa on April 25, and reminders to submit property‑tax exemption applications and city service requests.

Alfred Waguespack, alderman of the 32nd Ward, uses this newsletter to promote Earth Month events—such as a Municipal Barber grand opening, Easter celebrations, Porchfest, and a citywide Earth Day park clean‑up—while urging residents to support a local diner that suffered vandalism. The bulletin also announces the Chicago Financial Future Task Force engagement, a No Kings march that will affect traffic, updates on a water‑main project and street‑cleaning schedule, and civic resources like the Crossing Guard nomination program and a North Branch Brewery tour. No zoning, development, budget, or long‑term transit changes were highlighted in this issue.

Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward presented a resolution designating Navy Pier as the unofficial start of Route 66, which the City Council adopted unanimously. He authorized a portion of his menu funds to resurface several Lakeshore East streets beginning April 7, and the report notes upcoming CAPS meetings, bridge closures for testing and construction, and street‑sweeping schedules with multiple traffic‑closure projects slated through 2026.

Alderman Samantha Nugent of the 39th Ward reports that she voted with 29 other aldermen to pause the implementation of the tipped wage credit, a policy change aimed at protecting restaurant workers and small businesses, though the mayor vetoed the legislation. The newsletter also highlights upcoming community events, including several Easter egg hunts across the ward and a “Shopping in Solidarity” walk in Chinatown, as well as other local activities such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and recognition of community leaders. For residents, the office remains open Monday through Friday with contact details provided for city services and inquiries.

Alderman Matt Martin of the 47th Ward reports that the mayor has fired Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Garien Gatewood and an advisor amid concerns over contract selection interference, and urges continued focus on public safety after the tragic murder of Sheridan Gorman. He also announces upcoming property‑tax‑exemption appointments on April 14, a fabric‑donation drive, and a series of community events—including a student art showcase, Hop N Stop, and Earth Day park clean‑ups—while noting ongoing construction on the Western Brown Line, Ashland resurfacing, and Greenview sewer work. No new zoning, budget, or transit policy changes were highlighted in this edition.

Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez reports that several zoning proposals—3007‑11 W Irving Park Rd, 3446 W Irving Park Rd, and 4634‑36 N Avers Ave—are currently in feedback review, with changes from B3‑1 to B3‑3 and RS‑3 to RT‑4 under consideration. The ward is also launching spring programs, including block party and yard sale permits, a Jumping Jack portal opening April 15, and street sweeping beginning April 1, with a new grid‑based tree‑trimming schedule. Additional community events include Senator Guzman’s Legislative Townhall Series, Neighbor Nights, and various volunteer and resource opportunities, while the ward office offers free services such as Narcan, gun safety locks, and notary.