Chicago Alderman Newsletter Tracker

Alderman Bennett Lawson announces that the city’s expanded Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance will take effect on April 1, allowing basement, attic, and coach‑house units in many zoning districts to boost affordable housing options. He also highlights ongoing Department of Water Management infrastructure work on Greenview, Southport, and Lakewood, with temporary street closures and no‑parking restrictions, while the ward’s street‑sweeping and alley‑resurfacing crews will keep the neighborhood clean. The newsletter encourages residents to donate instruments, apply for block parties, and stay informed about safety and public‑safety initiatives such as the 19th District Court Advocacy Program.

Alderman Debra Silverstein reports a citywide trend of Honda airbag thefts affecting the 50th Ward, urging residents to file police reports and share footage. The ward will host a free paper‑shredding and medication disposal event on March 29, begin seasonal street sweeping on April 1, and hold a Veterans Resource Day the same day, while a Beat 2412 Police CAPS meeting is scheduled for April 1. Additional updates include the Live 77 initiative spotlighting West Ridge, a call for volunteers for the 24th District Court Advocate program, and a reminder of the Governor’s Pre‑Passover Seder attended by the alderman.

Alderman Desmon Yancy of the 23rd Ward invites residents to the April 7th Town Hall to discuss community concerns and gather feedback. No additional meetings, policy changes, or development updates are mentioned in this newsletter.

Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman of the 16th Ward reminds residents to submit service requests for issues such as tree limbs, street lights, and chronic fly dumping, and notes the office’s availability Monday through Friday. She also celebrates Women’s History Month with a feature on Bessie Lyle, a longtime community advocate. No meetings, policy changes, or development approvals were announced in this edition.

On March 30, the 1st Ward will host a virtual First Look meeting to review a rezoning proposal for 1619 North Artesian, which would add a third floor to a non‑conforming 4‑unit residence. The Committee on Pedestrian & Traffic Safety is gathering data on flooded bike lanes to inform future street‑safety improvements, and the office is coordinating a free bike tune‑up on April 25 in partnership with Commissioner Bridget Degnen. Other community highlights include a free hot‑meal distribution with Islamic Relief USA tomorrow and a Wicker Park park‑clean‑up kickoff on April 11.

No zoning, development, housing, transit, or budget meetings or policy changes were highlighted in this issue. Alderman Jim Gardiner reported on the detention hearing related to the murder of firefighter Michael Altman, the postponement of funeral services, and the wake proceeding, while honoring the fallen firefighter with banners outside his office. Additional community updates included the return of the Jefferson Park Sunday Market, a business spotlight on Katherine Anne Confections, a new play at Edge of the Wood, beat meeting schedules, and various volunteer and resource opportunities for residents.

Alderman Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward announced an ordinance to identify a site for a new satellite police station in the 12th Police District, aiming to improve community safety. He also noted the City Council’s decision to pause the tipped wage increase, citing concerns from restaurants and workers. The newsletter highlighted upcoming community events, including Easter celebrations, a Bell Park Earth Day cleanup, and ongoing property‑tax exemption assistance.

This week’s newsletter highlights several major transit infrastructure projects that will affect commuters, including the State/Lake elevated station closure (January 5–2029), the Canal Street Viaduct reconstruction (ongoing through summer 2026), the Lake Street Bascule Bridge rehabilitation (closing until January 2028), the Halsted Street & Chicago Avenue Bridge project (completion by end‑2026), and the Ashland/I‑290 Expressway Viaduct work (expected finish June 2026). Other key updates include the opening of Central West SBIF applications, the launch of Chicago Youth Works, and the annual Get Behind the Vest pancake breakfast fundraiser, as well as community events such as the My CHI. My Future Teen Bash and the Greece in the EU lecture series. Residents are encouraged to review the updated street sweeping schedule starting April 1, attend upcoming CAPS meetings for local safety, and register cameras for the Police Department’s Camera Registration Program.

The 10th Ward newsletter highlights upcoming community events, including a block club resource workshop and a pantry locator, with registration links provided. Sponsors are thanked for supporting these initiatives, and residents are encouraged to submit flyers for future newsletters. The alderman, Peter Chico, invites residents to connect via social media and email for updates.

Alderwoman Angela Clay of the 46th Ward announces new parking restrictions and a remote parking shuttle for the Cubs home opener on March 26, with enforcement on Addison, Clark, Patterson, Cornelia, and Eddy and a Resident Neighbor Pass program. The city will also close John H. Kelly Park and reroute pedestrians, limiting vehicle access on nearby streets for safety during game days. Residents can obtain passes at the office and are reminded of the new parking rules, shuttle service, and temporary street closures.

Alderman Dowell of the Third Ward announces the 2026 Chicago White Sox fireworks and post‑game concert schedule, the Milestone Circles virtual mentoring program for women‑owned businesses, and a 2nd Police District community alert on vehicle burglaries. The newsletter also highlights City Clerk Amnesty Month and a special meeting with CPD Superintendent Snelling.

Alderman Nicholas Sposato of the 38th Ward notes that the office is currently accepting block‑party applications and that the 2026 Jumping Jack portal will open on April 15. Residents can also enjoy a free inflatable playground from May 23 to September 6, and the ward encourages donations to the St. Cyprian Food Pantry. Additional highlights include a dog‑adoption feature, a local Irish pub spotlight, and several job openings across fire, police, and paramedic departments.

Ald. Tabares of the 23rd Ward held a meeting to review redevelopment plans for the Women’s Health Group medical center, marking a key development approval for the area. He also participated in a career day panel at Mariano Azuela Elementary and met with the new Consul General of Israel to discuss community outreach. Additionally, he interviewed the Free Press on fiscal oversight concerns involving large tax expenditures.

Alderwoman Leni Manaa‑Hoppenworth of the 48th Ward announced that the Chicago Park District’s first participatory budgeting process is open until March 31, inviting residents to propose park projects worth roughly $50,000 each, and that a by‑right development at 5252 N Broadway will add 14 all‑electric family apartments while preserving the historic façade. She also noted her vote against an ordinance to freeze the sub‑minimum wage, citing the One Fair Wage ordinance’s progress, and highlighted an upcoming town hall on April 7 to shape Chicago’s financial future. Other updates include scheduled asphalt grinding this spring, a Trans Day of Visibility observance, a vehicle‑theft prevention event, and a SNAP/Medicaid webinar, along with community events such as the My Chi, My Future teen bash and the Roots & Ritual ribbon cutting.

Alderman Matthew J. O'Shea of the 19th Ward announces the funeral mass and procession for Chicago Firefighter/EMT Michael Altman on Friday, March 27, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, with a route along Western, 103rd, Kedzie, and 111th Streets to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Motorists can expect rolling closures and towing of vehicles on the route during the event, and the alderman requests community members line the streets to honor the fallen hero.

Alderwoman Ruth Cruz of the 30th Ward invites residents to a property‑tax exemption workshop on March 31 at Chicago Academy High School, where experts will explain eligibility, required documents, and automatic renewals. The newsletter also highlights a weekend of family‑friendly activities—including an Easter Bunny visit, a free community pop‑up boutique, an OIPA egg hunt, and a Conejito 5‑K run—plus a Monday‑night meeting with Alderwoman Cruz for direct constituent feedback. No zoning, development, budget, or transit updates were reported in this issue.

Alderman Matt O'Shea of the 19th Ward announced a Veterans Assistance Commission event on March 25 at the ward office and a blood drive on March 29 at St. Christina Parish Center, encouraging veterans and community members to attend. The newsletter also highlighted the Illinois Secure Choice retirement program and listed employment opportunities through the 19th Ward Office. No zoning, development, or budget actions were reported.

Alderwoman Maria Hadden of the 49th Ward announced temporary office hour changes and a closure through Friday due to safety concerns after a surge of threats linked to the recent murder of Loyola student Sheridan Gorman and the death of firefighter Michael Altman. The newsletter also reports on the community’s response to the tragic incidents, including a protest and counter‑protest outside the ward office, and notes that the alderwoman will continue to serve the ward remotely until Monday. No zoning, development, budget, transit, or street‑safety actions were highlighted in this update.

Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward reports that the Chicago Department of Transportation has issued a permit for Stevenson Crane Service, Inc. to conduct crane lift operations at 1523 N Fremont St from March 26 to March 28, 2026, with work scheduled between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on the first two days and a weather‑delay buffer on the third.

Alderman Jason C. Ervin’s March 2026 newsletter focuses on youth and workforce programming, including a Teen Internship Fair (March 31), memory care and youth programs at Chicago Center for Arts and Technology, and multiple job fairs and workforce events (including April 1 and April 3). It also encourages participation in Citywide Participatory Budgeting (ideas due March 31) and lists public-safety and community outreach events. Other announcements include Ladies Night In (April 2), GreenCorps training, and various health, crisis-support, and community fairs scheduled through April 2026.