| | | Neighbors,
Today was historical. For the first time in recent history, the Puerto Rican flag was raised at Daley Plaza. This ceremonial act is a powerful recognition of a people whose story is woven into the fabric of Chicago. There is something truly magical about being Puerto Rican. Ours is a people who have endured generations of adversity, displacement (in Chicago and on the island), discrimination, and 130 years of colonialism. Yet despite these challenges, Puerto Ricans have never allowed these forces to define us. We have transformed struggle into strength, exclusion into community, and oppression into culture, art, music activism and joy.
As we approach the 60th anniversary of the 1966 Division Street Uprising, we remember a defining moment when Puerto Ricans in Chicago, displaced from Lincoln Park, declared that we are here and we are here to stay. Sixty years later, that declaration is as strong as the steel flags that encase Paseo Boricua. Sixty years later, we celebrate the first designated cultural district in the state of Illinois, Barrio Borikén. Sixty years later, we celebrate generations of Boricuas who have fought to preserve our identity and create spaces where our culture can thrive.
The Puerto Rican flag was born in solidarity, created by expatriated Boricuas in New York City and inspired by the Cuban flag, and that spirit lives on today because every victory we have won, from Paseo Boricua to cultural district designation, has helped create pathways for Black, Mexican, Chinese and other communities to preserve their heritage and claim their rightful place in Chicago.
The flying of the Puerto Rican flag at Daley Plaza stands as a reminder that Puerto Ricans are not on the margins of the city. We are part of its history, its leadership, its future and its soul. It is about resilience. It’s about honoring the generations who came before us and reaffirming that, despite every obstacle, Puerto Ricans will continue to flourish.
Thanks to the Mayor and his team for helping make today possible. Aquí luchamos y aquí nos quedamos.
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| | Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade Street Closures Per Chicago Police Department’s 14th District, there are a number of changes to this year’s street closures. Review the graphic ahead of time! Most ticketing and towing will begin Wednesday, June 10 at 9:00 AM.
Additionally, there will be bus rerouting: Division Bus (#70) Parade Reroute Saturday, June 13, 2026 - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Buses will operate in both directions via Division, Damen, Chicago, Grand, Homan and Division. Buses are rerouted due to the Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade. Allow extra travel time. On parade day, consider public transportation for arriving to Paseo – parking will be extremely limited. If you do drive, make a plan today! |
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| Zoning Advisory Committee Meeting Recap At last month's Zoning Advisory Council meeting, members heard presentations on two proposed developments at 3208–3216 W. Armitage and 4870–4874 W. Armitage. Both proposals would bring new housing opportunities to the 26th Ward, including affordable units. As housing costs continue to rise across the city, affordable housing remains my priority. I, along with our 26th Ward Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC), support housing that allows longtime residents, working families, and neighbors of all backgrounds to stay in the communities they call home. ZAC plays an important role in our community-driven development process by reviewing proposals, asking questions, and providing feedback before projects move forward. To learn more, visit our Zoning page or contact our Director of Zoning and Business Affairs at erin@the26thward.org. |
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| Business Resource Fair Recap On Wednesday, we hosted our Business Resource Fair at Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, bringing together local business owners, entrepreneurs, and resource partners for an evening of learning, networking, and collaboration. Fourteen organizations joined us from across the city and region, including economic development agencies, financial institutions, entrepreneurship programs, and City departments. The resource-focused format was built around one-on-one conversations and relationship building. Thank you to every partner and attendee who showed up and made it possible – local businesses and entrepreneurs make our community vibrant and safe. |
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| | NEW: Clean the Block Club While our team is canvassing for Ward at Your Door on Tuesday’s and Sunday’s, we invite you to walk alongside us and help keep your block clean. Wherever we are that week, from Belmont-Cragin to West Town, that is where we will be cleaning. Our office will provide the buckets, pickers, and bags. All we need is you! This is your ward. These are your blocks. Sign up below to volunteer and be the first to know when the first cleanup hits the calendar. Join our Clean Block Club |
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| | Community Safety Committee Update This week, community organizations, residents, and local leaders met to promote safety, wellness, and neighborhood pride throughout Humboldt Park. As we prepare for the Puerto Rican Festival and other summer events, we invite residents to get involved, stay informed, and support one another. Recent events like community safety walks, neighborhood pop-ups, and the Memorial Day Peace Walk and Cookout demonstrated the power of collective action grounded in community.
Residents, violence prevention workers, and community organizations came together to create positive spaces, address local concerns, and strengthen community networks. In the coming weeks, organizations will coordinate outreach efforts, provide support services during the Puerto Rican Festival, and continue working to prevent violence through community-based solutions. We also encourage residents to attend the Humboldt Park Town Hall on June 8, participate in neighborhood canvassing efforts, and connect with local resources. Together, we can create a safer, healthier, and more vibrant community for everyone. As always, WE KEEP US SAFE! |
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| Humboldt Park Town Hall Humboldt Park! Next Monday is our Town Hall. Sign up to hear what I’ve been working on and to let me know what you need from me.
📍 Encuentro Square, 3759 W. Cortland 🗓️ Monday, June 8 🕕 6 to 7:30 PM 🔗 Register at bit.ly/townhallhp |
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| | | Congrats To ALL Graduates Happy last day of school for our students (and parents and guardians!). I want to celebrate every graduate in the 26th Ward. To our kindergartners taking your first big step to FIRST GRADE next year, you did it! To our middle schoolers moving on to HIGH SCHOOL, we are excited for you. To our high school seniors crossing that stage, you have worked hard for this, and your community is proud of you. To everyone who earned a GED, your persistence is a testament to what is possible when you refuse to give up on yourself. Your diploma represents courage and persistence. To our technical school and trades graduates, you are walking into careers that build, repair, and sustain our city and livelihoods. Our city runs on the skills you now carry. To every graduate at every level: you are the future of this ward. We celebrate you, we believe in you, and we cannot wait to see what you do next. |
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| In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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| SUNDAY Chicago Half Marathon Street Closures 6/7 |
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| | | Immigration Rights Resources |
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| | | Construction season has begun! Don't forget to check out our construction projects for updates on upcoming work in your neighborhood. |
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| | The 26th Ward's community-led zoning process requires anyone requesting a zoning change to first complete a zoning intake form. After review, they present their request to the Zoning Advisory Committee and answer questions. In some cases, they may also present at a community input meeting. |
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| If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this Department of Public Health resource page to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options. |
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| | | | | If you need assistance with a city service, let us know! You can submit your request through our website, by giving us a call, or submitting a request directly to 311.chicago.gov. Our team is here to provide the support you need and ensure our community thrives. |
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