Chicago Alderman Newsletter Tracker

Alderman Maria Hadden of the 49th Ward announced that the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy will hold a hearing on March 3 to review Peoples Gas’ rate‑increase filing, and that the City Council’s March 18 meeting will address budget matters. She also highlighted recent policy actions: the city’s substitute hemp‑derived product ordinance, the failed mayoral veto override, and the COPA investigative‑jurisdiction ordinance for Welcoming City violations. Additional updates included the Shoreline Advisory Board’s first meeting, the Green Homes Chicago intake period, and the expansion of the citywide food‑scrap drop‑off composting program.

Alderman Jason C. Ervin’s 28th Ward Weekender is primarily a roundup of community events, including a West Side City Budget Report-Back Town Hall on February 26 and a City of Chicago job fair on February 27. It also highlights Black History Month activities and local programming (e.g., a teen opportunity fair on February 28 and other community fairs/registering for park and youth opportunities).

No zoning, housing, transit, or budget meetings or policy changes were announced. The 43rd Ward Office invites residents to a CPD Meet & Greet with Alderman Knudsen at the DePaul Arts and Letters Building at 5:30 PM tonight, where officers from the 18th and 19th Police Districts will discuss public safety and answer questions. The office continues to host regular public safety events and provides resources and office hours for community engagement.

Alderman Nicholas Sposato of the 38th Ward informs residents that Cook County property tax bills are now available online, with the first installment due April 1, 2026, and notes the office will be closed for Casimir Pulaski Day. He also highlights a rescued dog named Rex seeking a home, encourages donations to St. Cyprian Food Pantry, and shares local daycare and job opportunities. No zoning, housing, or transit meetings or policy changes were announced in this update.

Alderman Desmon Yancy announced that the March 3 town hall has been postponed, with a new date to be announced soon. No other meetings, policy changes, or development approvals were mentioned in this newsletter.

Alderman Tabares of the 23rd Ward announces infrastructure improvements for small businesses, including concrete work at 6857 S. Pulaski Rd., diagonal parking at 3701 W. 59th St., and street bump-outs at 3982 W. 67th Pl. The newsletter highlights the IHCC Foundation microgrants program, offering $1,500–$5,000 to affected businesses, and promotes the Shop Local campaign to boost traffic and visibility. Additional resources such as safety advisories, legal tools, and a video link are provided to support local entrepreneurs.

48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth highlighted zoning and development items including an approved zoning change at 1527 W Edgewater for a 3-story, 4-unit condominium building (RS-3 to RM-4.5) and an ongoing online feedback period tied to a proposed synagogue redevelopment meeting on Feb. 26. The newsletter also points residents to the CCPSA monthly public meeting (Feb. 26) and a virtual DWM public hearing on March 6 about IEPA loans to fund lead service line replacements. Other major items include the last chance to vote in Participatory Budgeting 2026 by March 1, Ward Night on March 3, and upcoming community events such as the Feb. 28 Edgewater Indoor Market and Kids Activity Open House, plus a March 17 primary election call for election judges.

Alderman Jason C. Ervin (28th Ward) promoted a West Side City Budget Report-Back Town Hall on February 26, 2026, along with a Missing Middle Developers Open House on March 5 (6:30–8:00 p.m.) at Garfield Park Fieldhouse. The newsletter also highlights community events and services including job fairs, scholarship applications, lit fest, volunteer fair, and multiple walking/biking safety and student/parent safety presentations.

Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward informs residents that a full street closure will occur on Dearborn St from Elm to Division St from February 27 to March 1, 2026, due to crane lift operations by Stevenson Crane Service, Inc. The closure will affect vehicular access but allow flowing traffic on Elm St. No other events are announced.

Alderman Matt O'Shea of the 19th Ward announces a Get Behind the Vest campaign on February 26, with sales at Flippin' Flavors and Open Outcry Brewing benefiting the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County will be hosted at the 19th Ward Office on February 25 to help veterans with disability, financial, and healthcare matters. Additional community updates include a free aviation career course starting March 3, the Illinois Secure Choice retirement program, and employment opportunities posted on the ward’s website.

The 25th Ward Alderman Byron Sigcho‑Lopez invites residents to participate in the 2026 MENU Project participatory budgeting process and attend the Infrastructure Townhall on March 19 to discuss how community input will shape local infrastructure spending. Residents can also join the International Women’s Day celebration on March 6 and an upcoming Expungement & Sealing Event to address criminal‑record issues. Additional community resources and employment opportunities are highlighted in the newsletter.

Alderman Gilbert Villegas invites residents to a 7th District Democratic Candidate Forum on February 26 at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, with doors opening at 5:00 PM and the program beginning at 5:30 PM. He also shares the 36th Ward office hours and contact details for the Belmont Cragin and West Town offices, encouraging constituents to visit for service requests and questions.

Alderman Anthony A. Beale invites residents of the 9th Ward to a townhall tonight to celebrate 100 years of Black Excellence during Black History Month. No specific policy, development, budget, transit, or street safety updates were announced. The event will be held at the 9th Ward Service Office at 34 E 112th Place.

The 48th Ward alderwoman Leni Manaa‑Hoppenworth announces that voting is now open for the 2026 Participatory Budgeting process, which will allocate $1 million of infrastructure funds to community‑chosen projects such as pedestrian safety, trail placemaking, and public art. Residents can rank‑vote online or in person at four locations by March 1, and a recent info‑session recap is available on the ward website. The newsletter also highlights the availability of project descriptions and a recording of the info session for further community engagement.

Alderman La Spata of the 1st Ward announced the capital improvement plan, highlighting budgeted projects including the reconstruction of Grand Avenue, replacement of a 120‑year‑old water main on Milwaukee Avenue, and lighting upgrades on California and Armitage. The ward will also host a public hearing on March 6 to discuss applying for EPA loans for lead service line replacement, while ongoing sidewalk inspection data shows low repair routing and CDOT’s policy changes are under review. Residents are invited to upcoming community events such as a bingo night on March 10 and a virtual immigration workshop, and the alderman will be on paternity leave for the next ten weeks.

Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman of the 16th Ward reports no upcoming meetings, policy changes, development approvals, budget decisions, transit service changes, or street safety projects in this issue. The newsletter focuses on encouraging residents to submit service requests for potholes, street lights, and other city services, and provides contact details for the 16th Ward Service Office. It also highlights upcoming community events, educational opportunities, and resources for seniors, veterans, and employment, with links to RSVP and register.

On March 19, the 25th Ward will host an Infrastructure Townhall to discuss the 2026 MENU participatory budgeting process, allowing residents to shape local infrastructure projects. Residents are also invited to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 6 and attend an expungement and sealing event to address criminal record issues. Additional community resources, including mold remediation, spay‑and‑neuter rebates, and employment opportunities, are highlighted in the newsletter.

Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward reported that the City Council approved zoning for the Foundry Park development, but he voted no due to missing infrastructure commitments such as a new bridge and street reconfiguration. He also noted Mayor Johnson’s veto of an ordinance banning intoxicating hemp products, a policy change he opposed. Outside of council business, the newsletter announced the opening of the SOAR Gourmet Market, a memorial for Commander Paul Bauer, and several community events including the 27th Chicago Irish Film Festival and a spring flower show.

Alderman Debra L. Silverstein of the 50th Ward invites residents to a virtual meeting on February 24 to discuss the design of a new playground at Indian Boundary Park. The meeting will focus on reviewing updated plans and gathering community feedback. No other major announcements are included.

Alderman Matthew J. O'Shea of the 19th Ward announces that on February 24, sales at Lawlor's Bar and Janson's Drive In will support the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s Get Behind the Vest Campaign, with additional Eat & Earn events scheduled for February 26. The newsletter also highlights the Illinois Secure Choice retirement program, which offers a state‑facilitated savings option for workers and employers, and invites residents to explore employment opportunities via the 19th Ward website.