Chicago Alderman Newsletter Tracker

Alderman Debra Silverstein of the 50th Ward informs neighbors about the upcoming midterm primary election on March 17, detailing early‑voting locations, registration requirements, and voting‑by‑mail instructions. She also promotes community events, including a paper‑shredding and medication disposal event on March 29, the property‑tax exemption application period, celebrations for International Women’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Eid al‑Fitr, and encourages participation in city programs such as free tax preparation assistance and tree‑planting requests.

Alderman Bennett Lawson’s March 13 newsletter highlights an update on the 2800 N Sheridan development, noting a proposed increase to 28 stories and 355 units, along with added medical office and fitness space, while preserving historic sculptures. The message also reminds residents of the final week of voting for the March 17 primary, provides a St. Patrick’s Day local‑events guide, and announces public‑safety initiatives such as a catalytic‑converter deterrence event and an immigrant‑justice volunteer fair. Additional items include a statewide Illinois housing survey, the new TaxSmart Mortgage Credit Certificate program, and various community events like the Lakeview Coffee Stroll and March in the Parks.

Alfred Lopez of the 15th Ward highlighted the city’s refusal to allow video gaming terminals in bars and restaurants, arguing it deprives the city of revenue and fuels illegal sweepstakes machines, and warned that the FY2026 budget, while balanced, is being undermined by city actions that will force mid‑year cuts or tax hikes. Lopez also urged the superintendent to keep parks safe from homeless encampments while working with Family and Support Services to provide resources. In addition, the ward will host the St. Rita of Cascia Torch‑of‑Forgiveness ceremony, is exploring an Elephant Parade, and residents can look forward to the annual Fish Fry, the 2026 Chi Food Truck Fest, and new STEM and veteran programs.

Alderman William E. Hall of the 6th Ward announces the upcoming "Spend in the Black" vendor opportunity event on April 4, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 75th Street & King Drive, inviting Black‑owned businesses to apply to vend and encouraging residents to support local entrepreneurship. The event is hosted in partnership with Progressive Baptist Church and Salem and aims to strengthen the neighborhood economy by circulating the Black dollar.

This newsletter from Alderman Jason C. Ervin (28th Ward) announces that the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications, with a deadline of Sunday, March 15, 2026. It lists eligibility requirements for students in CABCF wards and provides application instructions and contact information for questions. No other zoning, housing, transit, budget, or street-related meetings or policy announcements are mentioned.

On March 12, Alderman Jim Gardiner of the 45th Ward highlighted the CTA’s new safety plan, which increases police patrols and adds AI gun‑detection technology, and urged residents to review the agency’s upcoming adjustments to rider safety and federal funding deadlines. He also reminded constituents that early voting began March 2 and that Election Day will be held on March 17 amid expected cold weather. Additional updates included the 45th Ward’s support for the Northwest Side Irish Parade, recognition of resident Mick O'Rourke as Grand Marshal, and community resources such as the Express Permit Program and local business networking events.

Chicago’s 12th District alderman’s office highlighted several infrastructure projects, including the State/Lake elevated station demolition and replacement (expected 2029), the Canal Street Viaduct reconstruction, the Lake Street Bascule Bridge rehabilitation (to finish in 2028), and the Halsted/Chicago Avenue bridge demolition and rebuild, all of which will affect traffic patterns and require detours. The office also announced a citywide overnight parking ban for winter, a new delivery‑robot reporting category, and a camera‑registration program to aid police investigations. In addition, residents are invited to the St. Patrick’s Day parade, the March 17 primary election, the Get Behind the Vest pancake breakfast, and cultural events such as International Women’s Day at the National Hellenic Museum and the Eggs Across Cultures Easter egg hunt.

The newsletter from 29th Ward Alderman Taliaferro is a brief update that lists upcoming events but does not include any meetings, policy changes, development approvals, budget decisions, transit service changes, or street safety projects. No specific actions or announcements are detailed beyond the mention of forthcoming events.

Alderman Jason C. Ervin (28th Ward) announced that applications are now open for the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation scholarship, with a deadline of Sunday, March 15, 2026 (11:59 PM CST). The newsletter lists eligibility requirements for graduating City of Chicago high school seniors, including ward residency and an essay and recommendation letter.

On March 12, Alderwoman Leni Manaa‑Hoppenworth highlighted a February 26 community meeting on proposed development for the Emanuel Congregation Synagogue, with feedback due March 13, and announced the green‑light for landmarking the Bryn Mawr Historic District, a new policy protecting the corridor. The 2026 Participatory Budgeting winners were released, allocating roughly $600 k to pedestrian safety and public art projects, while Loyola University’s ongoing construction on Broadway will affect alley access and northbound traffic. Residents were also reminded of the I‑Cash mobile event, the upcoming Edgewater Indoor Market, and the SSA #26 renewal survey for community input on Broadway’s commercial corridor.

Alderman Nicholas Sposato of the 38th Ward highlights upcoming election dates for the primary and local school council, urging residents to vote. He also shares a heart‑warming story of a rescued dog named Cuties, encourages donations to St. Cyprian Food Pantry, and lists several fire, police, and paramedic job openings. No zoning, housing, transit, or budget meetings or policy changes were announced in this update.

Alderman Jason C. Ervin (28th Ward) newsletter focuses on community resources and upcoming events, including programming at the Garfield Community Service Center and multiple youth/employment opportunities (teen internship fair, apprenticeship programs, Code-A-BRATION, CERT class, and summer youth employment). It also provides key voting information for the March 17, 2026 primary election (early voting runs March 2–17) and lists additional community activities like Garfield Park Advisory Council Family Skate Nights and a Construction Summit on March 18. No specific zoning, development approvals, housing/transit/streets policy changes, or budget/infrastructure decisions are mentioned.

The newsletter from 33rd Ward Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez focuses primarily on upcoming election logistics, including early voting at the American Indian Center, mail‑in ballot deadlines, and the lack of drop boxes at precincts. No new zoning, development, or policy meetings or approvals are announced, and there are no budget or transit changes highlighted. Additional community events such as Neighbor Night on March 23, Senator Guzman’s legislative town halls, and volunteer opportunities are also listed.

Alderman Matthew J. O'Shea of the 19th Ward announces a food donation drive for the Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry on March 11 from 12:00‑3:00 pm. He also highlights the availability of 2025 property‑tax exemption applications online, which can save homeowners an average of $950 per year. Additionally, the newsletter promotes Illinois Secure Choice, a state‑facilitated retirement program, and lists employment opportunities through the 19th Ward website.

The Third Ward aldermanic office announces a major water main replacement along 43rd St. and Vernon Ave., with phased construction, water shutdowns, and lead service line replacement scheduled over 120 days. Residents will see temporary parking restrictions and one lane remaining open during work hours, with advance notice of shutdowns. The office also promotes the 3rd‑4th‑5th Ward Job and Resource Fair and updates on vote‑by‑mail postmark rule changes.

Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman of the 16th Ward reminds residents to submit service requests for potholes, street lights, and other city services, and provides contact details for the service office. The newsletter highlights community opportunities, including the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation scholarship program, property‑tax exemption applications, a teen opportunity fair at Kennedy‑King College, and senior home‑repair resources. Upcoming events such as the ICE‑FREE ZONE DIGITAL SIGN and other community gatherings are also announced.

The 15th Ward newsletter on March 10, 2026 announces a Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service, warning of potential flooding in Chicago and Cook County until March 11 at 3 a.m. It urges motorists to avoid standing water, cautions residents about electrical hazards, and provides resources for reporting flooding via 311 and the CHI311 app. No meetings, policy changes, or development updates are included in this issue.

Alderman Jason C. Ervin (28th Ward) alerts residents to prepare for heavy rain and to reduce water use during and after the storm to help prevent flooding and protect water quality (e.g., delay showers/baths, flush less, and avoid running dishwashers or washing machines). Other than the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Overflow Action Day notice, the newsletter contains no zoning, housing, transit, budget, or street-safety policy updates or events.

Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward reminds voters that the USPS will no longer guarantee a same‑day postmark for vote‑by‑mail ballots after December 24, 2025, and urges them to mail their ballots at least one week before Election Day on March 17, 2026. He lists secure drop‑box locations throughout the ward and nearby post offices where voters can obtain a manual postmark, ensuring their ballots are counted. The message also notes that ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by March 31 to be processed.

The 29th Ward alderman invites constituents to meet the interim Ward Superintendent. No other major announcements or events are mentioned in this newsletter.