← Back to newsletters

49th Ward Update: June 6th, 2026

Relevance: 3/10
city_budget

Summary

In her 49th Ward newsletter, Alderwoman Maria Hadden highlights city-related updates including CDOT residential street lighting work on parts of Chase and Paulina, tree trimming on N Lakewood Ave, construction at Kilmer Elementary’s nature play area (with temporary parking restrictions), and CDOT/previously completed intersection improvements tied to the Joyce Kilmer Triangle Monument. She also notes budget-related public input opportunities, including the city’s 2027 Budget Engagement Roundtable at Harry S. Truman College on June 6. Other major items include the Glenwood Sunday Market returning June 7, beach season opening (with Howard Street Beach closed indefinitely), and multiple community events and services such as SNAP work-requirement changes and HomeGrown homebuyer grant applications opening June 8.

49th Ward Update: June 6th, 2026

49th Ward Update

June 6th, 2026
WARD SERVICE OFFICE
1447 W. MORSE AVE
CHICAGO, IL 60626
773-338-5796
www.49thward.org
    
Lee en español
Facebook
Facebook
Instagram
Instagram
Good morning neighbors,

We had a great week welcoming new team members, celebrating the beginning of Pride month, and working to prepare my team to support our ward through another wonderful "Summertime Chi" 😄  This year, we plan to build community up as much as possible - we all need to support one another through these challenging times. But as a neighbor told me once, we're in tough times, but we're tough people and so we will get through it together.

I so excited that the Glenwood Sunday Market is back tomorrow! Be there for the opening at 9am to welcome back our vendors. I won't be present tomorrow for the opening because I'll be cheering on my wife, Natalia Vera, in the Chicago Half Marathon! Natalia is no stranger to distance running, but this will be her first time running this race. She won't be the only Rogers Park runner in the race. We have a vibrant and supportive community of runners here. You see them around the community everyday. If you see folks on Sunday in their race gear, show them some love.

We have so much to celebrate this week. Make sure to check out our celebrations as well as the updates through out this week's edition.

Have a safe and restful weekend,

Alderwoman Maria Hadden
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click the links below to select the section that you want to read!

 
- CELEBRATIONS & APPRECIATIONS - good news for the week!
WARD UPDATES - Community announcements, city services, and zoning/development updates
- INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES - City services and infrastructure notices
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - local events and ways to get involved
- ROGERS PARK ARTS - events, theatre, and other public arts news
YOUTH SHINE IN 49 - school news, scholarship opportunities, and youth employment offerings
NEED TO KNOW INFO - alerts, services, and government resources
- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES - links to resources housed on the 49th Ward website

Celebrations & Appreciations

Happy Pride!

June is nationally recognized as LGBTQ+ Pride Month! The month of June holds importance in LGBTQ+ history & liberation and was chosen to represent Pride as it commemorates the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. Alderwoman Hadden is the first Black, queer woman elected to City Council, and Chicago pride holds a very special place in her & her staffers' hearts.

We wish everyone who celebrates a very happy Pride. It's time to be loud and be proud! For more information on Pride events in the City this month, check out this website published by Choose Chicago. We'll also be sharing information on Pride events throughout the month and are looking forward to North Side Queer Pride, a radically welcoming and culturally significant Pride celebration weekend from June 26 through 28!

Welcome, Kamryn and Lauren!

This week, our office staff welcomed two new members of our team: Kamryn and Lauren (left to right)! Many of you may remember Kamryn from her internship last summer, where she worked diligently to assist you with your needs and connect you with resources. We are delighted that Kamryn is returning to work as a Constituent Services Coordinator, providing excellent support to our hard-working constituent services team. Meanwhile, Lauren will be joining us as our summer intern, where she will learn the ins and outs of local government in the 49th Ward! Welcome, Kamryn and Lauren!

MWRD Pride Month Celebration A Success

To celebrate the start of Pride Month, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago held a Pride Celebration, where MWRD commissioners and alders came together for a ceremonial Pride flag raising and a panel. Alderwoman Hadden was delighted to attend the celebration and mark the start of Pride month, a time of celebration and acceptance worldwide!

Congratulations, graduates!

This week marked the end of a successful school year for CPS and the graduation of many hard-working students as they continue on their educational journey. This school year was by no means ordinary, but we in the 49th Ward are incredibly proud of our students for rolling up their sleeves and continuing to work hard and focus their efforts on school, especially when the world around them is so chaotic. This week, Alderwoman Hadden and our Ward Director, Shenicka Hohenkirk, were invited to speak at Eugene Field Elementary and Kilmer Elementary, respectively, and they got to share in the celebration of hard-working Rogers Park students. Congratulations, graduates! We are very excited to see what comes next!

Ward Updates

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS RESOURCES
 
As Operation Midway Blitz continues and ICE agents have been active around the City, we want to remind neighbors of our Fighting Against Fascist Occupation resources. Know your rights, stay safe, and stay informed. Find our guide here.

Beach Season Is Here

Beaches opened for the season on Monday! The season runs through Labor Day weekend. Lakefront beaches will be open for swimming daily, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For your safety, lifeguards will be on duty along the lakefront.

Daily swim status updates are available by checking the Chicago Park District website or by calling the beach hotline at 312-74-BEACH.

Make sure to review water safety tips from the Chicago Park District's website and the Greater Lakes Surf Rescue Project online

Please remember that Howard Street Beach is closed indefinitely and is not meant to be accessed by beachgoers, hence the rocks and lack of a safe access path to the beach. The Army Corps of Engineers installed the rocks in 2019 to address lakefront erosion and flooding issues experienced by local homeowners. You can read more here on the Park District website. The beach is supposed to be off-limits, swimming is prohibited, and no lifeguards are present. Instead, residents should use the nearby Jarvis/Marion Mahony Griffin Beach. 

Glenwood Sunday Market Returns Tomorrow!

It's almost time for the return of our favorite farmer's market! The Glenwood Sunday Market (6962 N Glenwood) returns tomorrow, June 7, at 8:45 a.m., for a special opening ribbon cutting and annual ringing of the bell. The market will continue every Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., until October 25 (except for June 28 and August 16). We are so excited for this fantastic annual tradition to return and bring joy to the Rogers Park community!

2026 Glenwood Ave Arts Fest Poster Design Contest

Submit your entry now for the 2026 Glenwood Ave Arts Fest poster design contest! This image will be used to showcase this year’s festival on bulletin boards and in public spaces, as well as digitally. It should be easy to read, stylish, and radically welcoming to everyone in our community. Submit your entry by Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to manager@glenwoodave.org. Click here for more information.

SNAP Cuts Began May 1

Neighbors, as you may be aware, recent federal changes to the Supplemental Food and Nutrition Program (SNAP) mean that up to 250,000 neighbors in Illinois are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits due to new work requirements and other eligibility changes. These changes went into effect on May 1. 

If you or someone you know relies on SNAP, take action to protect your benefits today.
  • Click here to see if you are meeting the new SNAP work requirements.
  • If you qualify for an exemption from the new work requirements, you can apply for this exemption here.
  • If you are subject to the SNAP Work Requirements, you must do one or a combination of the following activities for an average of 20 hours per week (total of 80 hours per month):
    • Work (paid or unpaid)
    • Volunteer to take part and comply with an approved qualifying work program that offers activities such as basic education, vocational training, and work-based learning.
    • Do self-initiated community service or volunteering with a community-based organization (see more information below)
    • Any combination of the above.

Glenwood Ave Arts Fest Artist Applications Open

Artist applications are now being accepted for the 25th Annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest! The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest is Rogers Park’s annual outdoor celebration of arts and community, run by a volunteer planning committee to showcase our neighborhood’s arts, talents, and businesses. Interested in applying? Click here: https://gaaf2026.artcall.org/

Infrastructure Updates

Tree Trimming Occurring June 8

The Bureau of Forestry, a division of the Division of Streets and Sanitation, will be conducting tree trimming for the 6400 and 6500 blocks of N Lakewood Ave on Monday, June 8. Similar to street sweeping notifications, trees will be posted with signage in advance of tree trimming.

Joyce Kilmer Triangle Monument Improvements

While not completed in time for Memorial Day, we're excited that the construction improvements did begin this week for the Joyce Kilmer Triangle Monument. Joyce Kilmer was a celebrated American Poet best known for his poem, "Trees." He also enlisted and served in the New York National Guard during World War I and was deployed to France in 1917 with the 69th Infantry Regiment. He was killed in battle at the Second Battle of the Marne in 1918 at the age of 31. Many schools and parks across the country are named in his honor, including our very own Kilmer Elementary School.

The monument was installed in 1953 and donated by the American Legion Post 780. It is located in a triangle at the intersection of Birchwood, Ashland, and Rogers. Last year, CDOT completed a necessary intersection redesign for pedestrian and vehicular safety. Care and future plans for the monument, including providing a more prominent placement for it, were included in the redesign. Plans include brick pavers, a pedestal for the monument, and natural stone landscaping features that will create a mini-plaza for reflection around the monument. We look forward to hosting opening the newly improved space in a couple of weeks.

Loyola University Telecom Work Incoming

After hearing concerns from residents through community surveys of 2024 and 2025, Loyola University will be conducting telecommunication cabling work on the west side of Sheridan Rd to bring upgraded lighting and safety features to the 1200 block of West Loyola Avenue.

The next phase of this work will take place south of the L-embankment from mid-June until mid-July. For intermittent short periods of time, commuters and pedestrians should be aware of temporary sidewalk closures and temporary vehicle lane closures as crews push cable under the street from east-to-west; seen as a red line in the above diagram. Please exercise caution and awareness in the area once construction begins.

Kilmer Nature Play Area Construction Ongoing

Just to the west of Kilmer Elementary, the school’s new playground is taking shape! There will be two separate play areas with age-appropriate equipment, funded by CPS, located on Kilmer's current playground space. Adjoining these two areas will be a nature play space, made possible by $200,000 won by Kilmer parents through our Participatory Budgeting process. Already, the entire space has been fenced off and the old play equipment removed, with the full project scheduled for completion in time for the fall semester. There will be a temporary No Parking restriction during work hours on the east side of N Bosworth, directly in front of the playlot, while construction is in effect. The result will be a wonderful asset both to Kilmer students and to the surrounding community!

Lighting Project on 1615 - 1758 W Chase & 7200 - 7331 N Paulina

The Chicago Department of Transportation is currently undergoing a residential street lighting project on the 1600 to 1700 block of Chase and the 7200 to 7300 block of Paulina, which will last roughly 2 to 3 weeks, weather permitting. There will be a No Parking tow zone in effect from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the duration of the project. Crews are currently working to restore the landscape work, which they estimate will take roughly two weeks.

Loyola University Construction at 6347 N Broadway

Loyola University is currently undergoing several construction projects, including one at 6347 N Broadway. Construction at this address resulted in the northbound lane closure at N. Broadway on April 4. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Loyola at neighborhood@luc.edu.

Community Engagement

Rogers Park Presbyterian Music Event Today

Join the Chicago Community Chorus at the Rogers Park Presbyterian Church (7059 N Greenview) today at 4:00 p.m. for a spring concert! This concert seeks to celebrate all the ways that music can enrich life, adding songs with value, depth, and meaning to our lives. Tickets cost $25 for adults. Call 312-282-3612 for more information.

Wild Onion Tortilla Workshop Today

Join Wild Onion Market (7007 N Clark St) today, June 6, for Un Taller Familiar de Tortillas (A Family Tortilla Workshop) led in Spanish by Chef Ernesto Rodriguez, owner of El Molcajete Sauces, on Saturday, June 6, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This workshop is designed for children and adults to cook, learn, and enjoy time together while discovering the traditions behind one of the most beloved foods in Mexican cuisine. Families will learn how corn is transformed into fresh masa and then into warm, handmade tortillas. Participants will practice mixing, pressing, and cooking tortillas on a traditional griddle while learning about the cultural history of corn and tortillas in Latin America.

Upcoming CIRR Immigration Workshops

The Committee on Immigration and Refugee Rights, chaired by 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez, will be holding a series of immigration resources workshops throughout June. 
  • Join CIRR on Tuesday, June 9th, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for their next virtual immigration briefing. CIRR will go over recent changes to federal immigration law and policies, and their impact on Chicagoans. This event will be virtual and only in English. You can register at: Immigration Briefing Registration.

2027 Budget Engagement Roundtable Today

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City will be hosting a series of Budget Engagement Roundtables to hear your insights and priorities about the 2027 Budget. The closest roundtable to our ward will be at Harry S. Truman College (1145 W Wilson) on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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.

Sign up to attend here.

Chicago City Treasurer Money Matters Event Today

The Chicago City Treasurer’s Office is hosting a free Money Matters Institute Homebuyer Education Event today, June 6, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at Access Center for Discovery and Learning (5139 S Ashland). Participants can expect:
  • HUD-certified homebuyer education
  • 1-on-1 housing counselling
  • Financial and housing resources for residents
Sign up here.

A People's Plan Job Fair June 9

Date: Tuesday, June 9th
Time: 10 AM-2 PM
Location: Malcolm X College - 1900 W. Jackson Blvd
Register: ChiCookWorks.org/HIRED

Gain access to employers looking to actively recruit, interview, and in some cases make conditional or on-the-spot job offers to qualified candidates! 

Learn about additional wraparound supports to ensure your success, including record sealing and expungement information, digital literacy assistance, transportation assistance, childcare resources, and professional attire.

People’s Plan Hiring Events aim to create meaningful, real-time connections between job seekers and employers, transforming preparation into an immediate opportunity for residents, focusing on those who experience barriers to employment. For job seekers, these events serve as an entry point to build confidence, understand workplace expectations, and connect to both immediate job openings and long-term career pathways. 

Pickleball Tournament for Seniors June 9

Great news, seniors! The 24th District CAPS team will be hosting their annual pickleball tournament this year at Warren Park (6601 N Western), and they want you to join! The tournament begins on Tuesday, June 9, and will start at 8:00 a.m. Email CAPS.024District@chicagopolice.org to register for this event!

Forest Bathing in Triangle Park June 10

Trees and Tranquility, a group that cares for the Triangle Park Community Orchard (1750 W Juneway Terr), will be hosting "Forest Bathing in the Orchard" on Wednesday, June 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Certified nature and forest therapy guide Allison Rodenhouse of Trees and Tranquility will lead participants in nature meditation, mindful wandering, and a tea gathering (tea provided, just bring a cup). Learn more and RSVP here.

Movie in the Park June 12

It's nearly summertime, which means Movies in the Park are back! Come see the classic film Ferris Bueller's Day Off on Friday, June 12, starting at 8:45 p.m. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and get ready to see John Hughes' classic film about an adventure in Chicago!

Summer Book Sale June 13

The Friends of Rogers Park Library is hosting a book sale on June 13, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds from this sale will help the Rogers Park Library (6908 N Clark) purchase more books, equipment, programming, and other free community resources. Check out the above flyer for pricing and more information. Consider attending this book sale and supporting a critical resource in our neighborhood.

National Pollinator Week Celebration June 13

To celebrate National Pollinator Week, a time to recognize and celebrate pollinator health and the critical role that pollinators play in our food supply, you are invited to a free family event on Saturday, June 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Dvorak Park (1119 W Cullerton St)! Hosted by Mujeres por Espacios Verdes and Working Family Solidarity, this event will feature environmental education, a petting zoo, SNAP benefits resources, and more!

Artists of the Wall Volunteering Opportunities

Calling all volunteers! The Loyola Park Advisory Council is looking for volunteers for Artists of the Wall on June 19 in the afternoon, June 20 from 7AM-5PM, and June 21 from 9AM-4PM. They are looking for volunteers for:
  • Artist check-in and registration support
  • Paint distribution and restocking
  • Set-up, clean-up, and general event help
Shifts are flexible, and you don’t need any special experience—just a willingness to help and be part of something joyful and creative. Interested? Sign up today and help make Artists of the Wall happen.

Monarch Community Cafe Opens June 15

We are so excited for the opening of the Monarch Community Market and Cafe (7010 N Clark St) on June 15! This cafe promises to be a community staple with coffee, tea, shakes, and more offerings exclusive to their store. To celebrate, they want to give out 5000 cups of free coffee/tea in their opening week! RSVP to reserve yours during their grand opening from June 15 to June 20.

RSVP here, and they will hold a free drink for you. When you come in any day between June 15 and 20, just show them your RSVP at the register. This offer is good for a free 12-oz brewed coffee/tea, between the dates of June 15th and June 20th only.

Festival of Chariots Parade June 21

We welcome everyone in the community to join us in celebrating the annual Festival of Chariots! Brought from the cultural heart of India, this ancient festival is a free yearly cultural offering in the Rogers Park community. Experience joyful live mantra music, graceful classical Indian dance, and creative stage performances. Enjoy a full day of festivities, including kids' activities, balloon twisters and magic shows, Henna, face painting, and more! The parade starts at Birchwood Ave at 11:30 AM, ending at the Morse/Sheridan intersection. Save the date for Sunday, June 21, 2026!

Teen Pride Space Tabling June 20-21

Chicago Pride Fest will be holding a Teen Pride Space on June 20 and June 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Chicago Pride Fest, located at the intersection of Waveland and Broadway. There will be free food, music, drag performances, and more. If you are heading to the Chicago Pride Fest, consider stopping by the Teen Pride Space!

June Events At Rogers Park Library

Summer is right around the corner, and the Rogers Park Library (6907 N Clark) has plenty of special events just for you! Interested in any of the above events? Click here for more details.

Culture of Safety Summer Offerings

Are you wondering what your child should do for the summer? Consider registering for Culture of Safety's (6961 N Clark) summer karate and empowerment camps for ages six and up! These sessions will teach students the basics of karate and self-empowerment. All camps are offered at sliding scale/tiered pricing. Register here.

For non-students, don't forget about weekly meditation on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., led by Kyren Epperson. These classes are free of charge and open to beginners on a drop-in basis. You can register here. Additionally, Culture of Safety offers community Tai Chi classes on Mondays at 7:00 p.m., taught by Sifu Rodrigo, with a suggested donation of $15/session. Learn more or register here.

Join Community Corner Gardens Today

Do you want to connect with the Earth and help beautify your neighborhood, but aren't sure where to start?  A Rogers Park community garden group is looking for neighbors to help maintain and/or expand corner gardens around Hoyne, Seeley, Damen, Jarvis, Fargo, and Birchwood. For more info, please email CommunityCornerGardens@gmail.com.

North Side Queer Pride Volunteer Form Available

Are you interested in volunteering for the inaugural weekend of North Side Queer Pride? NSQP plans to have a whole weekend of events for Pride Month to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, and they're asking for your help to make it a reality. Sign up here to volunteer and be part of this wonderful event.

Rogers Park Artists Cooperative Seeking Volunteers

Rogers Park Artists Cooperative (RPAC) is a new organization to empower our local artistic community by providing support and promoting collaboration to ensure sustainability through shared resources and culture. They are seeking volunteers to serve on our Board of Directors. Please contact admin@rpacchicago.org for details.

Events at the Rogers Park Branch Library

The Rogers Park Branch Library (6907 N. Clark) offers a variety of events and programming for people of all ages. Make sure to check out a list of their upcoming events and register to attend one. More information is available on its website here

Rogers Park Arts

Factory Theater Presents: Two Out Of Three Falls

In 1988, wrestling legend King Kong Bruiser was murdered. His killer walked away clean. In 2019, Johanna Goodish, daughter of the Bruiser, can’t seem to step out of his shadow. So she’s going to do the one thing that might shake off the ghost: she’s going to kill the man who killed her dad. And she’s going to do it in the middle of the ring, live on pay-per-view.

Show dates: June 11-July 18, Thursday, Friday & Saturday @ 8:00 pm

You can purchase tickets here!

Willye B White Call For Artists

Calling all musicians! Make Music Chicago, a summer solstice musical event on June 21, will take place at Willye B. White Park (1610 W Howard), and they are looking for performers! This free opportunity to perform is available for all musicians. To be included, please send your demo to evamccann1228@gmail.com.

Theatre Above The Law Presents: The Matchmaker

Thornton Wilder’s classic work, "The Matchmaker," has been reimagined by Theatre Above the Law, in alignment with their mission to challenge the norms of theater by presenting classic stories in relatable ways. The play has been condensed into an inventive 90-minute production, divided into four scenes.

Wealthy merchant Horace Vandergelder enlists the services of Dolly Levi to find him a suitable wife. What follows is a series of comical mishaps—all in the name of adventure!

Directed by Tony Lawry, with stage management by Reagan Stevenson. The cast includes: Justine Serino, Caleb Ryan Jones, Ross Compton, Stephanie Stockstill, Izzy Shafer, Teddy Nielsen, Mery Drilling Coren, and Elijah Warfield.

"The Matchmaker" will run from May 29 to June 28 at Theatre Above The Law (1439 W. Jarvis), and tickets will be priced between $15 and $25. You can purchase tickets here.
Use the special District 49 code, OhHorns!, to receive a $10 discount off the regular ticket price ($25); subject to availability and valid for online purchases only.

Chicago Tap Theatre Presents: Saturn Returns

Directed by Molly Smith, Saturn Returns tells the universally human story of getting older through tap dance and live music with new choreography by Smith and the dancers of Chicago Tap Theatre. Based on the Saturn return process in astrology, this show, the ultimate in CTT’s ’25-’26 season, is a heartwarming snapshot of our individual pasts, presents, and futures. Saturn Returns will show at The Edge Theatre (5451 N Broadway) on Thursday, June 11th, at 7 pm, Friday, June 12th, at 7 pm, Saturday, June 13th, at 5 pm, and Sunday, June 14th, at 2 pm. You can purchase tickets here.

Lifeline Theatre Presents:
LOKI - The End Of The World Tour

LOKI arrives at Asgard, bringing chaos, comedy, and three monstrous (maybe) children. LOKI tangles with Odin, Thor, and the mysterious Freya; each with their own agenda; their own secrets—but all paths lead to one eternal question: In an us vs. them world, can we envision a new mythology?

LOKI closes Sun, June 14, and will be at the Lifeline Theatre (6912 N. Glenwood Ave.) You can purchase tickets here.

Youth Shine in 49

Sullivan Summer Program Opportunities

Are you a student still looking for something to do this summer? Sullivan High School (6631 N Bosworth) has plenty of art, sports, college prep, and other kinds of activities available! Check about the above flyers and try something new this summer!

Camp Courage Applications Open Now

Camp Courage applications are available now! This unique camp is designed for youth ages 13–18 and offers a hands-on introduction to the world of firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS). Over the course of three days, participants will take part in physical fitness training, firefighting and EMS skill-building, team-based challenges, and mentorship with CFD professionals— all at no cost to families.

Camp Courage 2026 will run from June to July and will be held at various locations in the city. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony to celebrate each participant’s accomplishments. 

Space is limited, and participants will be selected based on eligibility, interest, and a short essay. A mandatory parent/guardian virtual orientation will be held prior to the start of camp, with materials shared via email. Please complete this form to apply. We look forward to learning more about you! 

For questions, email: cfdcampcourage@cityofchicago.org

Summer EBT Information

A student is eligible for Summer EBT 2026 without an application if they meet one of the following criteria:

  • The student's birthday is between 07/02/2007 and 08/14/2020, AND they've received SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid between 07/01/2025 and 08/14/2026

OR

  • They attended a school that participated in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) this school year, and received free or reduced fare lunch

If you want to check if you're eligible, you can fill out this screening tool: Illinois Summer EBT: EBT Screener IDHS can help you fill out the application! Below is the information you will need for your appointment: 

  • Names and birthdays for everyone who lives with you
  • Income information for all members of the household
  • Social Security Number (if you have one)
  • Contact information
  • Social Security Number (if you have one)
  • Name of school they are enrolled in for the 2025-2026 school year
  • Student's school district

For more information, please visit the IDHS website.

Mayor Youth Commission Application Open Now

Apply for the Mayor’s Youth Commission for 2026-2027, now through Friday, June 19, 2026! The Mayor's Youth Commission (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 who 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 who is 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! Want to learn more? Click here!

Pottawattomie Park Summer Camp Open Now

Get ready for an unforgettable summer! Join the Chicago Park District at Pottawattomie Park (7340 N Rogers) for six weeks of exciting activities, meeting new friends, and creating lasting memories. Day camp will operate Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for ages 6-12. The registration fee will be $195 for the day camp. For those interested in extended camp, this will operate from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will cost $70. Both camps will run from June 22 to July 31. You can register online here.

Become a Lifeguard This Summer

Being a lifeguard along Chicago’s gorgeous lakefront or a neighborhood pool is a job unlike any other. You'll be part of one of the country's largest and best-trained lifeguard corps, gaining life-saving skills while making a difference in people's lives. Be part of their team in 2026 & make $20.50 an hour! Apply today & register for a swim test. 

Chicago Park District Summer Jobs Available

The Chicago Park District has plenty of opportunities for teens this summer, from ages 13 and up! To see a list of open positions and submit an application, click here.

Need to Know Info

Homegrown Purchase Assistance Program
Open June 8

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Housing have announced the HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program, which aims to help low- and moderate-income Chicagoans achieve homeownership by providing direct financial support. The HomeGrown program will provide up to $70,000 in forgivable grants to eligible homebuyers to purchase a 1-2 unit home in Chicago. 

Applications for the HomeGrown program will open on Monday, June 8. You can learn more and apply here.

SBIF Applications Open

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor will roll out the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant program for applications for the Devon/Sheridan corridor, serving Edgewater and Rogers Park. Applications open at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 1, and close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own.

Program participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City's behalf and do not have to be repaid. Those interested in applying can verify that their property is located in an eligible district by using the SBIF Locator Map tool.

DPD and SomerCor will host an informational webinar to review program requirements and the application process. For additional information, visit www.chicago.gov/sbif.

OEMC Flood Relief Funds Available

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration for the severe storms and flooding that impacted six counties in northeastern Illinois from July 25–28, 2025. This declaration will allow homeowners, renters, businesses, and certain non-profit organizations to apply for low-interest loans to help cover damages not covered by insurance.

Homeowners and renters can apply for up to $500,000 in low-interest loans to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners or renters can apply for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property such as appliances and furniture. Businesses and some not-for-profits can borrow up to $2 million for physical damages.
 
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is June 22. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 25, 2027. Residents can apply for disaster assistance at sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance now.

Additional Resources

Connect with Your Elected Officials

 
Want to get connected with your other elected officials? Find links to sign up to their newsletters and website information below!
Alderwoman Maria Hadden 
49th Ward Service Office
1447 W. Morse Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
773-338-5796 | office@49thward.org

Office Hours

Monday: 9 am - 5 pm
Tuesday: 9 am - 5 pm
Wednesday: 9 am - 5 pm
Thursday: 9 am - 5 pm
Friday: 9 am - 5 pm*
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
*Remote office hours
 
Paid for and authorized by Maria for the 49th Ward.

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can  or .






This email was sent to [REDACTED]
why did I get this?        
Alderwoman Maria Hadden · 1447 W. Morse Ave · Chicago, IL 60626 · USA