Dear Chicago,

Welcome to Fake Spring!

This week I met with the heads of Administrative Hearings (AH), Businesses Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP), Mayor’s Office of Persons with Disabilities (MOPD) and Transportation (CDOT).  I am excited at the level of enthusiasm AH, BACP & MOPD showed with various pilots and initiatives proposed.  We will discuss them and others later.

Unfortunately, CDOT remains blatantly opposed to investing any real money in any 15^th Ward community.  While City Council allots $1.5 Million for aldermanic-driven projects, CDOT has roughly $3.7 Billion in capital dollars available to address a myriad of issues across the city, including cement alleys, curb & gutter repair, sidewalks, lighting and more.

In FY2026, Mayor Johnson has made it clear CDOT will have ZERO projects dedicated to the communities of Canaryville, Brighton Park, West Englewood, Gage Park, Back of the Yards and Chicago Lawn!  For all his bluster about “investing in communities” and “building a better, stronger, safer Chicago,” when it comes our neighborhoods he is giving us a goose egg.

I am undeterred by these challengers.  I will continue to maximize our efforts and look for opportunities to bring more dollars to the 15^th Ward.  I am thankful to individuals like County Commissioner John Daley who has dedicated over $100,000 to our shared constituencies.

Debris Cleanup at 46th St / Halsted St

Debris Clean Up - 63rd St / Richmond St

Tree Debris Clean Up - 63rd St / Winchester Ave

Abandoned Autos - 65th St / Paulina St

Sign Repaired - 44th St / Wood St

Fly Dumping Cleaned Up - 46th St / Ashland Ave

Bulk Pickup at 48th St / Campbell Ave

Alderman Raymond Lopez recently met with Commissioner Rachel Arfa of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities to discuss ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion across Chicago.

The conversation focused on strengthening collaboration between City departments and ensuring residents with disabilities have equitable access to services, programs, and public spaces. The Alderman remains committed to advancing initiatives that support a more accessible and inclusive community for all.

Alderman Raymond Lopez recently met with Commissioner Ivan Capifali of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) to discuss ways to support local businesses and strengthen consumer protections.

The meeting focused on improving coordination between the City and neighborhood stakeholders to promote economic vitality and ensure businesses have the resources they need to succeed. The Alderman remains committed to fostering a strong, business-friendly environment across the community.

If you witness any criminal activity or notice suspicious behavior in your neighborhood, please report it immediately. Call 911 first to ensure a timely response from the Chicago Police Department, and then notify the 15th Ward Office at (773) 823-1539 so we can follow up and provide support where needed. Your vigilance and cooperation play a vital role in keeping our community safe. Together, we can make the 15th Ward a safer place for all.

As your Alderman, I want to remind 15th Ward residents that you may now apply online to Vote By Mail for the March 17, 2026 Primary Election. Vote By Mail offers a convenient and secure way to participate in our democratic process from the comfort of your home. Voters may select one ballot type—Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, or Non-Partisan (referenda only)—as required under Illinois law.

Please read this important update from the Chicago Board of Elections regarding the return of ballots.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Exelon Foundation STEM Academy and Boys to STEM Academy summer programs. These free, week-long, residential programs are designed to inspire and empower the next generation of STEM leaders through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math careers.

Application Deadline: Sunday, March 15, 2026

Families and students are encouraged to apply early and take advantage of upcoming information sessions to learn more about program eligibility, curriculum, and the application process.

STEM Academy Information Sessions

January 20 | 6:00–6:45 PM (CT)

March 3 | 5:00–5:45 PM (CT)

Boys to STEM Academy Information Sessions

January 20 | 5:00–5:45 PM (CT)

March 3 | 6:00–6:45 PM (CT)

The Exelon Foundation also offers a limited number of STEM Ambassadors who can attend local community events to share program details and answer questions.

For additional information, application materials, and promotional flyers (available in English and Spanish), please contact our office or visit the Exelon Foundation STEM Academy webpage.

We encourage families, educators, and community organizations to share this opportunity and help connect students with this exceptional STEM experience.

Com-Ed Municipal Customer Experience Survey

2026 CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Academy

Alderman Raymond Lopez is pleased to share that the Chicago Park District is offering a new round of Veteran and Military Programs this winter, running from early January through mid-March. These programs provide veterans and active-duty service members with opportunities to stay active, build community, and support overall wellness through professionally led recreational and fitness activities at local park facilities.

All equipment is provided, and programs are offered in a supportive, welcoming environment. Registration is required, and participants must provide proof of military service. Veterans and service members interested in participating are encouraged to register in advance and contact the program coordinators for additional details.

Chicago’s Food Scrap Drop-Off Program makes it easy for residents to compost food waste and reduce what goes into our landfills. Items like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells can be dropped off at designated neighborhood sites at no cost.

This simple step helps cut down on odors and pests, reduces methane emissions, and supports the production of compost used in parks and green spaces across the city.

I encourage residents of the 15th Ward to participate by bringing food scraps in a reusable container and following posted site guidelines. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods cleaner and make Chicago a more sustainable city.

Drop Off Map