33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - June 12, 2026 |
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Translate // Traducir // 번역하다 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community, |
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This was an important week for committee hearings at City Hall. I had the honor of joining my colleagues with the Committee for Immigrant and Refugee Rights to listen to testimony from members of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Centro Romero, and the National Immigrant Justice Center in support of a resolution promoting the preservation and expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. If Trump’s occupation of our city by ICE and other federal agents has proved anything, it is that an injury to one is an injury to all. As long as we have an immigration system that prioritizes criminalization and violence over pathways to citizenship and humanity, we are all in danger. Listening to the testimony was a reminder of the brave struggle of undocumented youth and pro-immigrant organizers going back to 2006. The fight for immigrant’s rights has been a cornerstone of US politics for two decades and as long as there are ICE agents in the streets, we will continue defending our neighbors.
I also had the pleasure of chairing a special hearing of my own Committee on Health and Human Relations to discuss the Mayor’s appointment of Kenneth Gunn as Chair of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations. Mr. Gunn has a wealth of history and experience. His professional career began in college with the study of the Civil Rights Movement influencing his decision to become a civil rights attorney. He went straight from college into the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian. Then in 1990, he became an executive assistant to then Commissioner of Human Relations, Clarence Wood. He has nearly four decades of experience with the Commission fighting to strengthen legal protections for the public on numerous human and civil rights issues, including employment and housing discrimination, disability law, LGBTQ+ rights, sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and returning residents legislation (i.e., ex-offenders). I’m pleased to say that we had a wonderful discussion with Acting Commissioner Gunn and we will be recommending approval of his appointment at City Council, this Wednesday. 
This has also been a stormy week. Chicago, and our ward, have been hit with several rainstorms, including one tornado watch. Please remember to follow Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) on Facebook and Instagram to follow updates about weather and other matters to stay safe. If there is debris from large branches that fell or broke during the storms, or if the storms have caused flooding, please contact 311 to request assistance. If you are unable to complete the forms, or need assistance, please reach out to our office (773) 840-7880.
These storms are a reminder that we need more ways to prevent flooding. So we hope you’ll join us this Monday, June 15, for a special Neighbor Night! We will be hosted by Roosevelt High School and joined by Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis for a Rainstorm Ready Workshop! Learn exactly why our Cook County neighborhoods are prone to flooding and—more importantly—get the tools and tips you need to protect your home. The workshop will go from 5:30 - 6:30pm and we will be raffling off a free rain barrel. Please register for the event: bit.ly/rainstormready33
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Thank you for doing this work with me. Please take a moment this week to help out a neighbor in need. You can always contact my office if you have any questions. We are here to help.
In solidarity, Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez 33rd Ward Alderperson |
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33rd Ward Spring resources: Clean and Greens: Please email info@33rdward.org to request resources to help clean up your block, like garbage bags, grippers, and gloves. Street Sweeping began April 1. You can view our interactive sweeping schedule and map by clicking here. To apply for a block party permit, please fill out this form. You can also get small whistle kits for your neighbors if you wish to include them in your block party festivities to encourage safety and support in your community during these difficult times. To apply for a yard sale, please stop by our office or fill out this form.
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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. June 15 — Neighbor Night will be hosted at Roosevelt High School and will include special guest: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD)! Appointments with the alderwoman available by email at info@33rdward.org from 4:30-5:15pm.
At 5:30pm, the MWRD will be hosting a 30-minute presentation, followed by discussion, designed to educate participants on Chicago’s unique sewer challenges and actionable flood-mitigation strategies. Please register for the presentation here: bit.ly/rainstormready33
Roosevelt High School
3436 W Wilson Ave
5:30pm - 6:30pm
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Hantavirus Information For ChicagoansCDPH is monitoring the recent cruise ship outbreak of Andes strain hantavirus, along with our local and national partners. None of the passengers from the cruise ship outbreak will be returning to Illinois, and the risk to Chicagoans remains very low. The Andes strain of hantavirus is the only strain known to transmit from person-to-person, and the rodents known to carry the Andes strain do not live in the United States. The state of Illinois has reported 7 cases of hantavirus since 1993; none were the Andes strain, and none were in a Chicago resident.
In the U.S., hantavirus generally spreads from the droppings of the deer mouse. The best way to avoid hantavirus is to avoid contact with rodent urine, droppings, saliva, and nesting materials. If you have mice or rats in your home, clean up after them safely using gloves and disinfectant. CDPH continually monitors for 70+ different infectious diseases, including hantavirus, and coordinates with state, local, and national public health partners to prepare for emerging infectious diseases - visit the CDPH website to learn more. |
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Ronan Park UpdatesIn March, we have received many residents from the former Legion Park encampment into our ward as they wait for their assigned housing. I understand that this encampment has caused great concern for many neighbors. When this community moved into our local park, my office began working in close, daily collaboration with many local organizations, mutual aid groups, nonprofit agencies, and government partners to ensure that our neighbors most in need receive the care, attention, and resources they deserve.
For updates, please check in on our website. |
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Cars in AlleysWe recognize that you may sometimes need to temporarily station your vehicle in an alley to load/unload things. However, it is illegal to park a car in an alley. Please be aware of when your garbage days are so that you do not prevent the sanitation workers from picking up your garbage. We are providing a map to help find when your block has garbage pickup! |
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Immigrant Rights and Deportation Defense Resources: If you see immigration enforcement or suspect immigration enforcement, first call the Family Support Network (FSN) at 855-435-7693. We encourage you to save this number in your phone. |
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VOLUNTEER WITH THE WARD OFFICE |
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Volunteer with the 33rd Ward OfficeJoin us in strengthening our community! We are excited to offer a range of community engagement opportunities with our office. Whether you’re passionate about connecting neighbors or eager to make a positive impact, we’d love for you to volunteer with us. Help us build bridges and foster a stronger, more connected community. Your involvement can make a real difference.
Our office maintains several programs for neighbors to come together to care for each other and to learn about resources available to our communities. You can sign up to volunteer with our office by filling out our volunteer form by clicking here. |
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Irving Park Community Food PantryIrving Park Community Food Pantry provides food to neighbors in need in the 60641 and 60618 zip codes. In addition to providing clients a 3-5 day food supply of fresh produce, dairy, bread, meat, and canned goods. They provide toiletries, pet food and diapers, and offer special distributions such as a coat drive, school supplies, holiday gifts, and homebound deliveries.
4256 N Ridgeway Ave Open: Wednesdays, 9am - 12pm and the second Tuesday of each month from 6pm - 7pm. Wednesday, June 24 Wednesday, July 29 Wednesday, August 26 |
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Community Driven Zoning and Development
Please follow our Facebook and other social media accounts for the most up to date notices on public meetings and input surveys regarding zoning changes in the ward. You can also regularly check our Zoning page on our website by clicking here. |
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Current Proposals in Review
3007-11 W Irving Park Rd– Project Website Status: Community Meeting will be held Date: TBA Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B3-3
3446 W Irving Park Rd– Project Website Status: Community Meeting will be held Date: TBA Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B3-3
4634-36 N Avers Ave– Project Website Status: Feedback is in Review Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: RS-3 to RT-4
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UPCOMING INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS |
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We're excited to announce that the Chicago Department of Transportation has notified our office of a new arterial street resurfacing project in the ward! Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin on June 8, 2026, running along North California Avenue. It will occur between W. Byron Street. and W. Montrose Avenue, pending clearance from and coordination with existing utilities, and weather permitting.
The work will include ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removal and replacement as needed for ADA and drainage compliance, pavement patching, milling and paving the existing asphalt, and striping.
During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work. |
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INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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You can report any major debris or trash collection issues to 3-1-1 or give our ward office a call for assistance.
We also appreciate all of the outreach we are receiving about neighbors wanting supplies to start helping to clean up. If you are in need of large trash bags or trash grabbers, please reach out.
Street Sweeping season will officially begin on April 1st. Here is the interactive map our Ward Superintendent made to keep track of scheduled street sweepings! |
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ChiStreetWorksWondering what construction is taking place near you? Try the ChiStreetWork tool which allows you to view all the construction work happening anywhere in Chicago. The ChiStreetWork tool allows you to view all the active and permitted construction work taking place near you. You are also able to opt into updates to receive real-time notifications related to construction work. |
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Grid-Based Tree TrimmingCurrent Grid Area: N044, W032
4400-4700 N St Louis (Block)
4400 N Bernard (Block)
4500 N Drake (Block)
The Bureau of Forestry is no longer receiving individual tree trimming requests and has shifted to a grid-based maintenance schedule similar to the street sweeping schedule. You can view the map here. If you’re worried about the immediate safety of the area around a given tree due to its conditions, you can reach out to 311 or our office so the appropriate service request can be made.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES |
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Neighbors in NeedPlease consider consider supporting Maria Velasquez’s GoFundMe after she was assaulted at work during a robbery. You can contribute here.
In November, a single mother and her two daughters (ages 8 and 11) lost their home in a devastating fire. Overnight, they were displaced and forced to leave behind everything they owned, including the cash they had carefully saved. Worse, Nuria was recently hospitalized from an injury, leaving her unable to work. They are asking for assistance through this GoFundMe.
LD Pho is a beloved Albany Park restaurant. Unfortunately, they are facing eviction and have until the end of this month to raise $25,000 to save the business. We hope you’ll consider contributing toward their fund.
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Job Opening with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago |
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Job Opening with City of Chicago |
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Job Opening with Cook County Assessor’s Office |
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TOPA WebinarsLearn about the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Program on the Northwest Side and Jackson Park area. ASL and Spanish interpretation available.
Both webinars on Tuesday, June 16. Property Owner Session 5:00–6:00 PM Learn how to comply with the ordinance and pathways to support homeownership opportunities. Register: https://bit.ly/TOPAPropertyOwner
Tenant Session 6:00–7:00 PM Learn how tenants can organize and purchase their building from their landlord. Register: https://bit.ly/TOPATenant
ASL and Spanish interpretation will be available. |
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17th District Council - June Meeting
Join the District Council our monthly meeting to:
You may deliver comments in person at the meeting or by emailing DC17@cityofchicago.org
Tuesday, June 16 6:30pm Roosevelt High School 3436 W Wilson Ave
Register here. |
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Concordia Place Teen Leadership Programs
Concordia Place Teen Leadership programs is excited to offer our summer program for teens 13-17 years old - Emerging Leaders! The Emerging Leaders program is FREE for teens!
The Emerging Leaders program takes place from June 15 - August 6 — that's 8 weeks of programming! We will meet Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10:00am-3:00pm.
Register here. |
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Global Gardens Cooking Class
On Thursday, June 25th at 6:30pm-8:30pm, Global Gardens Chicago is hosting a Cooking Class with Chef Rory Leahy at 4815 N Sacramento Ave, Chicago, IL 60625. Chef Rory will be teaching us how to make peanut tofu curry, so you won't want to miss it! Everyone is welcome. Allergies: Soy, nuts, gluten.
Thursday, June 25 6:30pm 4815 N Sacrament Ave Tickets: $50 Register here. |
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TEEN PRIDE SPACE A friendly place for LGBTQ+ Teens Food & Beverages, Music & Dancing, Drag Performances, and Resources
June 20-21 11am - 5pm Ages 12 - 18 Waveland & Broadway (at Chicago Pride Fest)
For more information |
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FUNDRAISER FOR KEDZIE AND LoSAH Join EMHS, doing business as The Kedzie Center and LoSAH Center of Hope, for an evening that celebrates community-rooted mental health care in Albany Park, North Park, Irving Park, Sauganash, Logan Square, Avondale, and Hermosa. Every ticket supports accessible care for Chicago neighbors who need it most.
June 18, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Irish American Heritage Center: 4626 N Knox Ave Chicago, IL 60630
Reserve your ticket here |
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2027 CITY BUDGET ENGAGEMENT
We invite you to join Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City at one of three Budget Engagement Roundtables to share your insights and priorities about the 2027 Budget. The Youth Budget Roundtable will be held on June 25th and invites will go out at a later date targeted to youth, ages 14-24.
Doors will open one hour before each Roundtable for a City Resource Fair, where representatives from City departments will be available to answer questions and provide information about City services and programs.
BUDGET ENGAGEMENT
ROUNDTABLE III Tuesday, June 16 Resource Fair: 5:00PM Roundtable: 6:00PM – 8:30PM
Kennedy-King College 6301 S Halsted St |
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Where should 6 new benches go?
In our last PB cycle, one of the winning ideas was to install six new benches by bus stops that currently have no seating options. This survey is your chance to help decide where exactly these benches should go! Please consider taking the time to fill out this survey. Thank you!
Fill out the survey here: https://bit.ly/BenchSuggestion33 |
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NORTHWEST SIDE SOLIDARITY NETWORK
The Northwest Side Solidarity Network June 2026 Calendar of Food. Wednesday, June 17 Free Groceries: 12:30-1:30pm Free adult health screenings: 10am - 1:30pm
Thursday, June 18 Free hot meals to-go: 12:00 - 1:30pm
Thursday, June 25 Free hot meals to-go 12:00 - 1:30pm
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The Mayor's Youth Commission (MYC) application is now open!The MYC is a group of up to 40 Chicagoans (who live within the boundaries of the City of Chicago) between the ages of 14 and 19 that serve as a liaison between the Chicago Mayor's Office and Chicago's youth. The Commission meets monthly to foster youth-driven civic engagement and amplify youth voices to impact the City's critical policy conversations. Any youth that are interested must apply by June 19, 2026. This is a paid opportunity for youth and a great way for young people to get their voices heard!
There will also be 3 info-sessions that will give potential youth commissioners the chance to hear more about the program and ask questions directly to staff and current Youth Commissioners. These info-sessions will be held on: Session 1: May 12, 2026 Session 2: May 27, 2026 Session 3: June 12, 2026 *All sessions will be held virtually from 4:30-5:30pm
You can sign up for these sessions at: tinyurl.com/MYCinfo26 |
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Children’s Garage SaleSaint Andrew’s Parish will be hosting a Children’s Garage Sale on Saturday, May 16, from 8:00am - 2:00pm at the Saint Andrew Gym on the corner of Addison and Paulina. |
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5th Annual River Run 5KSaturday, June 13, 10am Start 3400 N Rockwell Street - Clark Park Get your tickets here |
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Volunteer Flavors of Albany ParkSupport our biggest event of the year and get half off your Flavors ticket!
Volunteer options include: Participant check-in, restaurant support, parking lot activities, breakdown.
Volunteer here.
https://bit.ly/flavorsvolunteer26 |
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Flavors of Albany ParkFor one unforgettable evening, Albany Park transforms into a global tasting experience. Known as one of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods, Albany Park offers flavors from across the world—without ever leaving the city.
At Flavors of Albany Park, you’ll sample dishes from 60+ local restaurants, each offering a taste of their culture, craft, and community. Whether you're craving bold street food, comforting classics, or something entirely new, every stop is a discovery. This isn’t just a food crawl—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and connection.
Wednesday, June 24 5:00PM - 8:00PM
Get your tickets here |
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Bands Apply for Lot Jams 2026
North River Commission is excited to announce Lot Jams 2026, our free community concert series in Albany Park, Irving Park, and North Park! We’re looking for talented musicians and performers to bring energy, joy, and rhythm to our neighborhoods.
If you’re interested in performing, please fill out this form so we can learn more about you and your act. We welcome performers of all styles, genres, and experience levels.
Apply Here |
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Impact for Equity — Property Tax AppealsThe property tax appeal system in Cook County is complex and difficult to navigate, so few homeowners appeal and even fewer succeed. Impact for Equity has developed a set of checklists and resources to simplify the process and empower homeowners to challenge inequitable property tax practices. (Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog at this website.) |
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Get Medicaid FactsThe Cook County Medicaid Impact Workgroup, a coalition convened by Cook County Health, has launched “Get Medicaid Facts," a new website and communications toolkit designed to help people understand upcoming changes to Medicaid eligibility and what steps they can take now to keep their coverage.
These resources come at a critical time. Federal policy changes are expected to significantly impact Medicaid, and an estimated 400,000 Illinois residents could lose coverage in the coming years if they are not prepared or informed.
https://getmedicaidfacts.com/ |
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Gather Together Free Meal Neighbors cooking and eating together each 2nd Friday 5:30pm - 7:00pm Located in Christ Lutheran Church basement, 4541 N Spaulding |
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Horner Park Brew FestFor local craft beer lovers, the wait is almost over. Tickets are now on sale for the summer's big event: the 8th Annual Craft Brew Festival in Horner Park on Friday evening, July 17th. Sponsored by the Horner Park Advisory Council, The Horner Brew Fest is the largest of its kind on the northwest side of Chicago – this year featuring 40 local craft brewers, live music and an array of food trucks.
Save the Date: Friday, July 17, 2026; 6-10 PM. For more information, visit the Horner BrewFest website.
The last four festivals have sold out so don't wait too long to secure your admission. Tickets are available on Eventbrite: |
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Our 33rd Ward Office maintains resources pages on our website as a helpful starting point for anyone that needs support. We are also available by phone call or email to help you explore any options that work best for you.
If for any reason our office is unavailable, please call 2-1-1 or visit www.211metrochicago.org. 2-1-1 is a hotline that is staffed 24/7 by trained resources navigators to help you find information and programs related to a wide variety of needs including utility billing relief and housing assistance. |
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Albany Park Mutual Aid - Free StoreLocated at 3000 W. Lawrence
Hours: Mondays 5-9pm, Wednesdays 5-9pm, Saturdays 12-4pm
You can learn more about Albany Park Mutual Aid, support their work, or find help at www.albanyparkmutualaid.com. |
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The 33rd Ward Office Has a Notary on Staff
If you are in need of notary services, our team is happy to help. Please reach out to info@33rdward.org or give us a call at 773-840-7880 to set up an appointment. |
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Free Narcan and Drug Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Free Gun Safety Locks Available at Our Ward OfficeLocks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Connect with our local Chamber of CommerceSign up for the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce newsletter by clicking here. |
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Monthly Newsletter for “Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Supporters”We are happy to feature the following community-managed resources guides for service members, veterans, their families, and supporters including events and services for veterans in Chicago and surrounding municipalities. Please email: dbmontoya12@yahoo.com to be added to their monthly emails. You can view this month’s updates, a calendar, and fliers by clicking here. |
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Meet our 33rd Ward Office Staff Jonathan Nagy, Chief of Staff John Cruz-Barcenas, Deputy Chief of Staff Rebecca Rios, Director of Zoning Abraham Espino, Neighborhood and Business Services Coordinator Camila Garcia, Neighborhood Services Intake Coordinator Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent
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