1st Ward Newsletter | August 11, 2026
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Dear neighbors,
It was wonderful to see so many of you at our Back to School Fair this Saturday! Ice cream, face painting, bouncy houses, and school supplies are the perfect combination for an August Saturday morning.
Many of you may be aware that Police Superintendent Larry Snelling resigned a month ago, with interim Superintendent Fred Waller now in charge. That means the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability is tasked with the search for CPD's next leader: they would select three possible nominees, one of which would be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council. This process begins in earnest next week with a series of listening sessions on what qualities and experience you would like to see in the next superintendent. The first and closest to the 1st Ward is next Monday, August 17th, at 6:30 p.m. at Malcolm X College. If you are interested in public safety and policing I would strongly encourage you to attend. There will also be meetings on September 2nd at DePaul College Prep and a virtual session on September 10th (you can sign up here).
Many of you may have read about the illegal rave that happened at the Congress Theater this past weekend. I love dancing more than you would think from my professional life, but I can't help sharing my disappointment at this. Participants did significant damage to the building–substantially increasing the cost of its rehabilitation–and required police response that distracted from much more important matters. If you attended, or just care about this project, please know that my office, the development team, and the multiple levels of government are working hard every day to reactivate this space. I would sincerely ask you to have patience and respect for that process.
Finally, in niche but welcome news: the Department of Water Management has completed the repairs that had stalled the resurfacing of Medill Ave between Talman and California. When our days of rain are over I expect the asphalt to be put down as soon as possible. If you've received a parking ticket while the no parking signs have been up, please let us know at the office: we'll gladly write you a letter of support to have those tickets dismissed.
Have a great week!
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Alderman La Spata
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In this week's newsletter, you'll find:
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The first Meet Me on Milwaukee of 2026 is just three weeks away! We're seeking volunteers to sign-up for 3-hour shifts on each event day. Volunteers will be responsible for setting up barricades, guarding intersections, redirecting drivers, providing information to attendees, disposing of litter, and more. Please help make MMoM 2026 a success by registering below!
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Additional events this month include:
- 8/20 Dog Vaccine and Microchip Clinic: Open to the first 100 dogs. Open to all Cook County residents. All dogs MUST be leashed or in a carrier. Dogs requiring muzzles MUST be muzzled and you MUST be able to handle your dog around other animals. Services offered:
- Rabies vaccine and tag
- Distemper vaccines
- Microchips with registration
- 8/20 Live Q&A with OIG: Ald. La Spata will host a virtual event via Facebook Live with Inspector General David Glockner. Send us your questions about City services and recent OIG reports!
- 8/26 Senior Resource Fair: Join Ald. La Spata, State Rep. Lilian Jimenez, State Sen. Omar Aquino, and a plethora of service organizations including healthcare providers. Light refreshments will be provided. Register here.
- 8/26 Meet Your Electeds: Swing by Bungalow by Middle Brow for an evening with your local elected officials, including Ald. La Spata, State Representative Will Guzzardi (39th District), Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vasquez (8th District), and State Senator Graciela Guzman (20th District). Register here!
- 8/30 Meet Me on Milwaukee: The first MMoM of the year! Join us on in Wicker Park on Milwaukee Ave between Damen and Ashland for strolling, shopping, eating and more!
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Chicago Animal Care and Control is hosting a special water-themed adoption event this Saturday, August 15, from 12-6 p.m. Additionally, all adoption fees will be waived during the month of August! Learn more here.
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Meals on Wheels Chicago is bringing Chi on Tap on Tour to Pilot Project Brewing in Logan Square on Sunday, August 16, from noon to 3 p.m.
The event will feature tastings from nine breweries, food from 5 local restaurants, and live entertainment. Proceeds will help provide meals and services for Chicago seniors and neighbors with disabilities. Learn more and buy your tickets here!
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If you're out in Wicker Park this Sunday, be sure to check out some of the programming being offered by the Wicker Park Advisory Council. From a kids' concert to crafts and fitness, there is something for everyone!
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Four of our local State elected officials are hosting a legislative town hall next Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 1856 N. Leclaire Ave. Learn what they’ve been working on in Springfield these past few months and what's still on the agenda. Free refreshments will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the town hall will begin at 6:00 p.m. RSVP here.
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The 12th District Council is hosting a community town hall next Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 6:30 p.m. as the Chicago Police Department begins its search for a new superintendent. Residents are invited to join community organizations, businesses, faith leaders, and stakeholders from across the 12th District and share your opinions on what qualities, priorities, and leadership you want to see in the next Chicago Police Superintendent. Register here.
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Permit Alert
- 2149 N Milwaukee: A permit application was submitted for a five story, 56 dwelling unit development with 15 parking spaces and 30 bike spaces. This proposal is occurring within the existing Congress Theater Planned Development, which permits 72 dwelling units for Subarea B. It is expected that a courtesy public meeting will occur in the future to share plans and renderings.
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