1st Ward Newsletter | June 16, 2026
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To the teens of the 1st Ward (and everyone who cares about them),
First off, thank you for everything you do to make our ward and the city great. From contributing to participatory budgeting to helping me draft legislation to your challenging letters and activism, you're invaluable to our community. My special gratitude to the Roberto Clemente Community Academy students who allowed me to be their commencement speaker last week and share an incredible and well-won celebration. Though I'll add, if "all" you're doing is getting through school and being yourself, that's also more than enough.
Because a lot of the time, being a teenāto borrow teen slang from thirty years agoāsucks. Summer can feel like too much time on your hands and too little money to do anything with it. It can feel like your city, and particularly your government, holds 99.9% of teens accountable for the actions of 0.1% and generally regard you as a nuisance. Sometimes it seems like folks who haven't been a teenager for thirty years have the strongest opinions on who, what, where, and when you should be anywhere; often the answer is "preferably nowhere."
Please know that you're valuable exactly as you are. Please know that I'm not going to vote for legislation that criminalizes your lives even further or endeavors to bankrupt your parents for your choices. You have shown me in your emails and meetings that you have the vision to improve engagement and programming in our city, and I remain committed to working with you on that.
I hope your summer is safe and productive and there are resources to helpĀ makeĀ thatĀ happenĀ (e.g. After School Matters, the Chicago Public LibraryĀ andĀ the Department of Public Health). And if you ever just need a listening ear, please come over for a ward night. Pardon a reverse John F. Kennedy, I'd love to better understand what your city can do for you and not just what you can do for your city.
Sincerely,
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Alderman La Spata
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Office Closure
The 1st Ward Office will be closed this Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. We will resume normal operating hours on Monday, June 22.Ā
There will be no garbage or recycling collection on June 19, so collection crews will be operating on an altered schedule. Please ensure that your Blue Cart and Black Cart are accessible throughout the week, as the exact service day may vary.
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In this week's newsletter, you'll find:
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Join Ald. La Spata and staff at one of the 1st Ward's June 2026 events!Ā
- Friday, June 12: Yoga in the ParkĀ
- Saturday, June 13: Storytime with Alderman La Spata
- Friday, June 26: Shred-A-Thon
- Saturday, June 27: Tree Stewardship Day (Register here)
Learn more about each event atĀ www.the1stward.com/events!
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Also taking place this month is our first Meet Your Elected Officials event! Come on down to Oud Coffee & Cafe in Wicker Park for an evening with your local elected officials, including Ald. La Spata, State Representatives Lilian Jimenez (4th District) and Eva-Dina Delgado (3rd District), State Senator Omar Aquino (2nd District). No registration required.
Plus save the date for August 26 for another Meet Your Electeds event inĀ Logan Square/Bucktown featuring other electeds! More information atĀ the1stward.com/events.
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14th District Update on 2025 Wicker Park Shooting
Alderman La Spata and the 1st Ward Office were informed by 14th District Police that an arrest was made in connection with the homicide that occurred November 15, 2025, in the 1500 N Honore block. While we cannot share any further information, Alderman La Spata and the 1st Ward Office have offered any further support for resources the 14th District needs to address gun violence in our neighborhoods.Ā
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De Diego Pickleball Courts
The community hours for the pickleball courts located at Jose de Diego Community Academy (1313 N Claremont Ave) this summer will be:Ā
- Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Sundays: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Principal Mark Janka has created a Signal group chat for community members interested in using the courts. Join the De Diego Court Community group chat here.
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Storm Damage Assessment Survey
Cook Countyās Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) and the City of Chicagoās Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) are reviewing damage from the severe thunderstorms that occurred between June 10 and June 11, 2026; and asking that residents who have been impacted by these storms submit an initial damage assessment.Ā
Cook County will continue to coordinate with suburban municipal partners, the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois to analyze the extent of the damage from these storms and will pursue any available assistance on behalf of impacted residents. Take the survey here.
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CPS is hosting five Community Budget Feedback SessionĀ (four in-person, one virtual)Ā for stakeholders to learn about the 2026-2027 school year budget and provide feedback. Each meeting will include an update from district leaders on the budget as well as a roundtable discussion.Ā The goal of these meetings will be to:
- Explain the CPS budget and its impact on the student experience;
- Discuss options that will allow CPS to build on our studentsā outstanding progress, both next school year and in the future.
- All sessions will include Spanish and ASL translation
Please RSVP for the session you plan on attending. Visit CPS.edu/budget for more information.
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Virtual 1st Ward First Look āĀ June 29, 2026, 6 p.m.Ā
2455 NĀ California (Numerous requests) Property owner requests a zoning map amendment to legally subdivide a formerly-adjacent side yard to the 3-flat at 2453 NĀ California, and establish a two-flat. The zoning map amendment is necessary to create a buildable zoning lot, which would then be improved with a building the matches the predominance of the block (multi-unit residences)
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Forthcoming at Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards
- 1619 NĀ Artesian: This proposal, to rehabilitate existing nonconforming 4 dwelling unit residence by adding a floor and redistributing the 4 dwelling units, received positive community review. This zoning map amendment is expected to be introduced at Wednesday's City Council meeting and pass in July 2026, with an agreement to voluntarily downzone following the successful rehabilitation.
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Recent Zoning Inquiries:
- 2357 WĀ North:Ā A potential contract purchaser reached out about potential zoning change for this property, 1st Ward Office provided intake packet and awaits more information. (received June 2026)
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- 1318 W Ohio:Ā A zoning attorney reached out about a potential zoning change to establish a 3-story, six dwelling unit development on this vacant lot. The 1st Ward Office requested a zoning analysis that this property is a buildable zoning lot, and provided developer's intake packet. (received June 2026)
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