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46th Ward Newsletter

Relevance: 8/10
zoning_or_development_meeting_or_approval

Summary

Alderwoman Angela Clay of the 46th Ward announced that the Chicago Plan Commission approved two developments—an 188‑unit mixed‑income building at 3611 N. Halsted (38 affordable units) and a 54‑unit supportive housing project at 4458 N. Clarendon—highlighting her focus on affordable housing. The ward also reported emergency sewer main repairs on Broadway, a City Key ID event on March 9, and a HIRE360 pre‑apprenticeship partnership at Clarendon Park, while celebrating Lunar New Year festivities and hosting a Ward Night Out at Demera. Additional updates included SNAP work‑requirement changes, a scholarship program from the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation, and various community events such as the Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration and the South‑East Asia Center’s celebration.

46th Ward Newsletter
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Use the table of contents to navigate through our newsletter!

February 20, 2026




Dear Neighbors,


I hope you enjoyed the glimpse of warm weather this week! It was great seeing neighbors outside enjoying the sunshine, and families playing in the park. This week, we joined our partners at HIRE360 at Clarendon Park to connect neighbors with pre-apprenticeships and trade opportunities. I was so happy to see neighbors taking the next steps in starting their careers. Huge thanks to Clarendon Park for hosting us and to the HIRE360 team for bringing such a valuable opportunity to our ward.

I want to take a moment to honor the life of civil rights icon, Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away early Tuesday morning.


From organizing on the frontlines alongside Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. to founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Reverend Jackson’s lifelong work advanced civil rights, economic justice, and multiracial solidarity not only in Chicago but around the world. His organization’s name has shared roots in Uptown. “The Rainbow Coalition” traces back to the original Rainbow Coalition forged in Chicago in 1969 by Black Panther Chairman Fred Hampton. This coalition was made up of the Black Panthers, the Young Lords, and the Uptown-based Young Patriots Organization. This early coalition united Black, Latino, and poor White residents across Chicago to confront systemic injustices, a legacy of cross-community organizing that still inspires us today. Reverend Jackson spoke life into all of us, and his vision, leadership, courage, and unwavering belief in justice has forever shaped our world.


My thoughts are with Reverend Jackson’s family as they grieve his loss, and I hope we can honor his memory through leadership, advocacy and serving others.


This week was a great example of how my leadership is built on the shoulders of leaders like Reverend Jackson, and how I strive to exemplify my vision through my policy approach. On Thursday, the Chicago Plan Commission approved two developments in the 46th Ward at 3611 N Halsted and 4458 N. Clarendon.


The development at 3611 N. Halsted includes 188 residential units - 38 of which will be affordable - inside an 11-story building with 77 parking spaces.


The development at 4458 N. Clarendon is a seven-story permanent supportive housing development that includes 54 residential units - all of which will support women experiencing or at risk of homelessness who earn less than $25,000 per year.



These two developments paired exemplify my approach to development, which pairs market-rate developments that add to our tax base with affordable housing to ensure that every 46th Ward neighbor has the opportunity to live in high-quality housing they can afford.


Wishing a heartfelt Ramadan Mubarak to all who observe, a meaningful and reflective start to the Lenten season, and of course, a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year to all who are celebrating.


Yours In Service,


Alderwoman Angela Clay



Have you ever wanted to see the inside of an Alderperson’s office?


Now’s your chance. Join our volunteer team. We’re looking for neighbors who are passionate about public service, community engagement, mutual aid, communications, and providing warm, welcoming customer service to our constituents. Volunteers play an important role in helping us stay connected and responsive to the community.


This opportunity is a great fit for retirees who want to stay engaged and give back, or for students interested in learning more about local government and how City Hall works at the neighborhood level.


If you’re ready to serve your community in a meaningful way, we’d love to hear from you. Sign up here!

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Updates

The new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements went into effect on February 1. Up to 450,000 Illinoisians are at risk of losing their benefits under the new requirements. For more information on the changes, visit the IL Department of Human Services’ SNAP Federal Impact Center. Under the new requirements, most adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents under the age of 14, will be required to work, participate in SNAP Employment and Training programs, or volunteer for at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits.

SNAP recipients now have three months to establish eligibility under these new rules, either by demonstrating that they meet work requirements or by submitting a request for exemption form.


I. Exemptions from the Work Requirements


Many Chicagoans may be eligible for an exemption to these requirements.


IDHS has a user-friendly screening tool to help individuals determine if they qualify for an exemption or are meeting the requirement: IDHS Exemption tool CLICK HERE.


See the table below for a summary of recent changes

II. Ways to Meet the Work and/or Volunteer SNAP Requirements

  • You can find Employment and Training opportunities at this link: IDHS Education and Training

  • DFSS Senior Centers - See the attached flyer for details on the following resources:

    • The Seniors Division at DFSS has opportunities to connect seniors age 55-64 with employment support through the Senior Community Service Employment Program.

    • There are a range of volunteer opportunities for those interested in supporting seniors. For more information on any of the volunteering opportunities contact DFSS at 312-744-4016 or aging@cityofchicago.org


  • Volunteer opportunities across Chicagoland are available at the following links:

    • Serve Illinois – CLICK HERE

    • Chicago Cares website CLICK HERE

    • Volunteer with the 46th Ward CLICK HERE


  • Meals on Wheels has launched a new program called, "Snap Together Volunteers," which offers accessible volunteer opportunities for seniors at the Nourish Chicago Pantry, located at 2102 W Ogden Avenue.

    • This program is designed specifically for older adults, aged 55 to 64, who need qualifying volunteer hours.


III. Food Pantry Resources

Below are some additional resources that may be helpful to your residents and anyone no longer eligible for SNAP  

  • Find Food Pantries in Chicagoland: CLICK HERE

  • Get Help Applying for SNAP/Link: CLICK HERE

  • Protect Chicago Website: CLICK HERE

Our DFSS Community Service Centers (CSCs) are always available to assist clients with public benefits enrollment, including SNAP. CSCs operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CSC locations can be found here.




BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT


In honor of Black History Month, we’re proud to continue highlighting Black-owned businesses that help shape the culture, creativity, and community of the 46th Ward. These entrepreneurs are not only building successful businesses, they’re creating spaces rooted in connection, excellence, and joy. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our Uptown favorites. Drink Happy Thoughts is located right on Montrose, in between Sheridan and Hazel. Stop by on your morning walk, I highly recommend the Diplomatic Immunity :)




The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest FREE filing program. This past tax season, 26,000 volunteers in 3,600 communities across the country helped more than 1.7 million people save over $1.3 billion in tax refunds. The service is aimed at, but not limited to taxpayers who are 50 or older. AARP prepares taxes for taxpayers of all ages and income levels

For the coming tax season, volunteers who are trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service, will offer this service at the Clarendon Park Community Center, 4501 Clarendon Ave, on Tuesdays and Fridays beginning February 3rd through April 14th. Appointments will be available from 9:30 to 2:00 PM. Both federal and state tax returns will be prepared and electronically filed.

To book an appointment, enter the following link into your computer’s browser and follow the online appointment instructions. https://taxappointment.aarp.org/s/registration?locationId=a1rUv00000Dn158.

Alternatively, you can log into AARP.org and search for the Tax-Aide Locator tool.

Again, the service is FREE and you do NOT need to be a member of AARP to use the services.


46th Ward Upcoming Events

Houseless Neighbors Updates


Our February Houseless Neighbor Picnic is coming up next week on Feb 25th from 12-2pm. We are always gathering donations for hand warmers, body wipes, day bus cards and portable chargers! If you have any of these items to share, drop them off at the ward office before the 25th.


See the images below to find your beat and see meeting dates and locations.

Search by address here.

See our local 19th District’s website here. Email CAPS.019District@chicagopolice.org or our office with any questions.

Citywide Events & Resources

Business Resources

Illinois Restaurant Association hosting 2026 Illinois Laws: A Legal Update for Restaurant Owners & Operators

The Cook County Small Business Source helps entrepreneurs in Cook County navigate the challenges of business growth by connecting them to the right experts, resources and funding opportunities. If you're looking for guidance, sign up for free at cookcountysmallbiz.org and get connected to an expert for one-on-one business advising, events, and more.

ChiBizHub, powered by Allies for Community Business (A4CB) helps Chicago entrepreneurs grow and succeed. Their mission is to provide small businesses with FREE business assistance. ChiBizHub connects a large network of nonprofit service providers offering a wide variety of business-building services for small businesses. We match these organizations to early, emerging, and established small businesses throughout the region who visit the site looking for help.

SAVE THE DATES

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) brings free business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago through the Chicago Small Biz Expo Series. The series of expos offers business resources such as City of Chicago business licensing consultants, tax clinic, financial advisors, workshops, professional headshots, networking and much more.


2026 SMALL BIZ EXPO SERIES: 

  • Thursday, March 12 at 9 am to 12:30 pm held remotely, register

  • Saturday, May 16 at 8:30 am to 1:30 pm held at Truman College, register

  • Saturday, August 29 at 8:30 am to 1:30 pm held at Malcolm X College, register

Workforce Development

Visit the American Job Center at Truman College, located at 1145 W. Wilson - Room 1917, to access employment resources, information about job training, and more.  The center has knowledgeable staff that provides career assistance and job skills training for youth (ages 18+) and adults. All services are FREE..

Please call (773) 831-5221 in advance to get information about hours, orientation, and workshop details.

Our partners at the Uptown Chamber of Commerce are helping keep our community safe. Following Mayor Johnson’s new “ICE-Free Zone” Executive Order, the Chamber has free official signage and whistles are available in their office, 4619 N Broadway, for local businesses and property owners. 15 large signs and 10 small stickers (shown below), first come, first served during business hours (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM). Below you will also find a quick guide small businesses can use if ICE arrives.


Let’s continue standing together for an Uptown where everyone feels safe and supported.  

Chicago Park District

Enjoy a discounted Chicago Bulls game and support the Chicago Park District's Inner City Hoops Program with your purchase. Learn more and purchase your tickets now at https://bit.ly/BullsTix_ICH2025.



Housing/Utility Resources


Senior Resources



Cook County Resources

Chicago Public Library



The Cook County Assessor’s Office is currently hiring.

Click here to view available positions.



Early Voting is Now Open in Downtown Chicago for the March 17, 2026 Primary Election


Early Voting for the March 17, 2026 Primary Election is now open in Downtown Chicago at the new Chicago Board of Elections Supersite (137 S. State Street - State & Adams) and the Chicago Board of Elections Offices (69 W. Washington Street, 6th Floor).

From February 12 through March 8, these two sites will be open Weekdays from 9:00am to 6:00pm; Saturdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm; and Sundays from 10:00am to 4:00pm. From March 9 through March 16, these two sites will be open for an extra hour on Weekdays from 9:00am to 7:00pm, with the same hours for weekends. The Supersite will be open on Election Day (March 17) from 6:00am to 7:00pm.

Early Voting in all 50 Wards in Chicago will begin on Monday, March 2 at 9:00am and runs through Election Day (March 17). All 50 Ward Early Voting sites will also be open as vote centers on Election Day from 6:00am to 7:00pm. You can see all Early Voting locations and addresses by clicking here.

“Any voter in Chicago can now come downtown to vote early, if you want to get a head start on their civic duty. Don’t wait until the last second on March 17th – research your choices on the ballot and make a plan to vote,” said Marisel Hernandez, Chairwoman, Chicago Board of Election Commissioners.

Over 151,000 Vote By Mail ballots for the March 17th Primary have begun to ship to Chicago applicants. Voters can still apply to Vote By Mail for the upcoming election, as well as apply online to join the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster and receive their ballot ahead of their preferred elections. Vote By Mail applications will remain open until March 12th at 5:00pm. However, the Chicago Board of Elections recommends you request and return your ballot back as soon as possible - click here for more information related to recent USPS postmark changes.

For the upcoming Primary Election, voters must request a specific party ballot either in-person, early, or when requesting a Vote By Mail ballot. When the time comes to select a ballot, a voter may choose any Political Party they wish (but may choose only one party ballot). The Political Party ballots available in Chicago for the March 17, 2026 Primary Election are: Democratic, Libertarian, and Republican. There are no Non-Partisan ballots available for the upcoming election.

The Board is still seeking poll workers for Election Day on March 17 – Election Judges make up to $230 for the day, and interested voters can apply at pollworker.chicagoelections.gov


Are you bilingual in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean or Tagalog?

Then we definitely need your help! Sign up and support all our communities across the city and serve as an election judge in 2026. You must be a US citizen and a registered voter in Cook County. You can earn up to $230 for your service.

Click HERE to apply online to serve as an Election Judge for the

March 17, 2026 Primary