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48th WARD NEWS: FEBRUARY 26, 2026
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LAST CHANCE TO VOTE IN PB 2026
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Help us break 1,000 votes for Participatory Budgeting 2026 by casting your ballot online or at one of four in-person voting sites by 11:59pm this Sunday, March 1!
Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a democratic process where neighbors decide how our office spends $1 million in infrastructure funding by brainstorming and voting on special projects and repairs. To learn more about the projects that our 48th Ward neighbors came up with for this year's ballot, visit our website here or view a recording of our recent info session here.
How to Vote
This year, we're using Rank Choice Voting (RCV) which means that instead of voting for one project, you can vote for up to five, ranked in order of preference. We'll fund the most popular projects until we've spent $1 million. Vote online here. Vote in-person at any of the following locations:
- 48th Ward Office (1129 W Bryn Mawr)
- Bezazian Library (1226 W Ainslie)
- Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway)
- HAIBAYÔ Cafe (1132 W Argyle)
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Submit Requests and Stay Informed with 311 and ChiStreetWork
For non-emergency city service requests, file a 311 report online, through the app, or by dialing 3-1-1. You can also search for and follow along with local city projects at chistreetwork.chicago.gov.
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Join Us for Ward Night
- When: Tuesday, March 3 from 5:30-6:30pm
- Where: HYBRID - 1129 W Bryn Mawr & Zoom
- Register online.
Ward Night is an opportunity for neighbors to come together to ask questions and share concerns with the alderwoman. Join us in person or virtually any time during the hour. We aim to host these meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month. See the calendar on our website for future Ward Night dates.
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Summer Internship Opportunities
Make the most of your summer! With summer right around the corner, there are plenty of opportunities for young people to explore their interests through internships, including right here at the 48th Ward Office.
One Summer Chicago
One Summer Chicago brings together government institutions, community-based organizations and companies to offer employment and internship opportunities to youth and young adults ages 14 to 24. Learn more and apply online.
Mikva Summer Fellows
Mikva Challenge Summer Fellows places approximately 50 young people after their senior year of high school to serve as Fellows in the offices of city, county, state, and federal officials across the city of Chicago. Fellows also participate in weekly educational workshops that center on community building, goal setting, leadership development, and workplace readiness. Learn more and apply online.
48th Ward Office Internships
The 48th Ward Office is currently hiring for two positions: Summer Events Intern, and Communications Intern. The application deadline for these roles is Thursday, March 5. Read more about the Summer Events Internship here. Read more about the Communications Internship here.
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Edgewater Indoor Market
- When: Saturday, February 28 from 10am-2pm
- Where: Broadway Armory Gymnasium (5917 N Broadway)
- Learn more online.
Edgewater Indoor Market returns this Saturday! On select Saturdays this winter, enjoy the BIGGEST indoor market of its kind on the North Side featuring 70+ food vendors, artists, and artisans selling prepared foods, baked goods, winter produce, warm drinks, local treats, art, gifts, and more! This is the second to last date of the 2026 season. Join us again on March 14. See the full vendor lineup here.
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Kids Activity Open House
- When: Saturday, February 28 from 10am-2pm
- Where: Broadway Armory (5917 N Broadway)
- Learn more online.
With summer 2026 just around the corner, Edgewater Chamber is hosting a free Kids Activity Open House to showcase the best activities, classes, camps, and programs for kids ages 0-17.
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Welcome Metropolitan Family Services and Dulce Maciel!
After a competitive process, Metropolitan Family Services was selected as the new operator of the Edgewater Satellite Senior Center. Dulce Maciel will serve as the new Site Manager and Senior Resident Coordinator. A detailed‑driven administrative and communications professional, Dulce brings strong expertise in office operations, digital communication strategy, and community-focused customer service. She holds certifications in 40-hour Domestic Violence Training , Mental Health First Aid, Food Sanitation Management, and CPR, underscoring her commitment to safety, advocacy, and well‑being in every space she serves.
Dulce earned her B.S. in Interdisciplinary Media Communication from Middle Tennessee State University. Now based in the 48th ward, she continues to nurture meaningful connections across the communities she serves — not only through her work in social services but also through The Dose, her online culture newsletter. Please join us in welcoming Metropolitan Family Services and Dulce Maciel to the Edgewater Satellite Senior Center! Dulce is hiring for a Senior Services Office Lead. Click here to learn more and apply.
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Last Chance to Register as an Earth Day Site Captain
The 41st annual citywide Earth Day park cleanups are set for Saturday, April 18, and YOU can register to become a Site Captain at your local park! Site Captains are responsible for galvanizing volunteers, connecting with the park supervisors, and helping clean and green beloved public spaces. Register by March 1. Learn more here.
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Andersonville Purim Carnival
- When: Sunday, March 1 from 10am-2pm
- Where: Bramble Arts Loft (5545 N Clark)
- Register online.
Join us for the joyful return of the Andersonville Purim Carnival, in partnership with Emanuel Congregation! The celebration kicks off with a special kid-powered performance of the Purim story then rolls into a morning full of crafts, stories, and hands-on activities from local Chicago organizations.
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Election Judges Needed for the March 17 Primary Election.
Chicago needs Election Judges for the upcoming March 17th Primary Election! Election Day Judges earn between $170 and $230 to manage the precinct polling place and assist voters. Visit our blog to learn more about voting and working in the upcoming primary election.
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Celebrating Black History Month 2026
Chicago history is Black history. This month, join Chicago's public departments, cultural institutions, black-owned businesses, and our 48th ward community in celebration and education. Learn more on our blog.
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48th Ward Office Closed March 2
The 48th ward office will be closed on Monday, March 2 for Pulaski Day. While we are away, please contact 311 for non-emergency requests. In the case of an emergency, contact 911. See the full list of City of Chicago holidays here. We also include these closures on our community calendar.
Garbage Collection Schedule
During the holidays, garbage collection schedules may shift by 24-48 hours. During weeks with city holidays, put your bins out 24 hours ahead of your scheduled pick up day to avoid delays.
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Ladder Up - Free Tax Preparation
Free tax assistance services are available to Chicago residents and families who earn up to $40,000 annually. Visit one of the 2026 locations (including Truman College at 1145 W Wilson) with your required documents now through April 15. Learn more online.
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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TONIGHT - Emanuel Congregation / Fern Hill Community Meeting
- When: Thursday, February 26 at 6:30pm
- Where: Emanuel Congregation (5959 N Sheridan)
- Register online.
Join us for an in-person community meeting at Emanuel Congregation to discuss the proposed synagogue redevelopment. The meeting will include a presentation by the development team including a summary of the most recent community feedback, potential concept modifications under consideration based on feedback received at this time, and a Q&A session. Interested participants may enter from the north entry door. No parking is available on site at this time, so please plan accordingly.
The online feedback period for their zoning change request is now open and will remain open for two weeks after the community meeting. To view project details and submit feedback, click here.
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Loyola University Chicago Single Lane Closure
Loyola University Chicago has obtained a permit to close the northbound lane of Broadway from 6317 N Broadway to Devon due to construction at 6347 N Broadway. Review other upcoming impacts in the image above.
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Three New Businesses on Broadway
This month, we welcomed three new businesses to Broadway!
Desi Boys Pizza is now open at 6147 N Broadway. Please join us in welcoming local business owner Bhavesh Patel and team to the 48th ward! You may know Bhavesh from his popular restaurant, Annapurna Simply Vegetarian on Devon Ave. Desi Boys Pizza serves delicious classic pizzas, pizzas with an Indian twist, masala fries, and tandoori chicken wings.
One of our favorite 48th ward businesses, DMApothecary, has moved to a brand new location at 5430 N Broadway! The Alderwoman and the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce attended the ribbon cutting ceremony over the weekend, along with other elected officials and friends. Stop by and visit for your favorite teas, oils, soaps, waxes, elixirs, and scents. Congratulations Deirdre and Matthew on the beautiful new space!
Little Caesars opened with a splash this weekend at 5318 N Broadway. You may have noticed the line down the block because the first 100 customers received free pizza for a year!
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1527 W Edgewater: Zoning Change Request Decision
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth has approved a zoning change request to allow for the development of a 3-story, 4-unit condominium building that would replace a former house of worship at 1527 W Edgewater. The applicant is requesting a zoning change from RS-3 to RM-4.5. Read more on our blog.
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Local Construction Careers Open House
- When: Thursday, March 5 from 9:30am-12pm
- Where: Loyola University Chicago (1125 W Loyola Ave)
- Register online.
New to the trades, building your career, or running a small business? Join us for Power Construction's Open House at Loyola to meet top orgs and be seen by exhibitors like Chicago Women in Trades, HACIA, HIRE360, Revolution Workshop, and many more!
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Braver Angels Debate: Rezoning for More Density
- When: Saturday, March 7 at 12:30pm
- Where: Sulzer Regional Library (4455 N Lincoln)
- Register online.
Do you have an opinion about zoning changes in Chicago? About housing availability? About the city budget? Then come to this Braver Angels debate, a moderated, structured conversation on the topic – Resolved: Zoning to allow higher density is good for Chicago.
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Chicago Small Biz Expo
- When: Thursday, March 12 from 9am-12:30pm
- Where: Virtual
- Register online.
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) brings free business resources to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business through the Chicago Small Biz Expo Series.The first expo in this series will be held remotely on March 12. Register today to: gain expert insights, access resources, and expand your professional network.
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Demolition nearing completion at 6130 N Sheridan
Demolition is expected to be done by early March for the vacant Kindred Hospital property at 6130 N Sheridan. This project is a complex demolition, which must follow strict regulations. The developer is aware of the dust and wind conditions on Sheridan and is ensuring that the demolition contractor Heneghan is following all requirements for dust remediation and that air monitors are being used across the site. The demolition began in late November last year. Click here to submit a dust complaint.
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TONIGHT - CCPSA Monthly Public Meeting
- When: Thursday, February 26 at 6:30pm
- Where: Hubbard High School (6200 S Hamlin Ave) & Zoom
- Register here to attend via Zoom.
Join the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) for their monthly meeting. This month the commission will discuss COPA and OIG's roles in oversight of CPD interactions with federal immigration enforcement agencies.
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DWM Public Hearing - IEPA Water Loans
- When: Friday, March 6 from 10-11am
- Where: Virtual
- Access the Meeting link here.
The Department of Water Management will hold a virtual public hearing about its intent to apply for loans from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Specifically, DWM plans to apply through the Public Water Supply Loan Program (PWSLP) to fund Lead Service Line Replacements. Learn more online.
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SAVE THE DATE: Shred, Electronics, and Prescription Meds Recycling Event
- When: Saturday, March 21 from 11am-2pm
- Where: 5853 N Broadway
- No RSVP required
Join us at 5853 N Broadway to shred your personal documents, recycle small electronics, and get rid of old prescriptions medications. Please remove binder clips from shreddable materials. Because shredded paper cannot be recycled, we also encourage you to separate your documents, shred the sheets with personal information, and recycle the rest! Email info@the48thward.org with questions.
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SAVE THE DATE: Free Vehicle Emissions Testing
- When: Saturday, April 11 from 10am-4pm
- Where: Ismaili Jamatkhana Parking Lot (6259 N Broadway)
- No RSVP required
The federal Clean Air Act requires most gasoline-fueled vehicles 4+ years old to get an emissions test ever two years. Due for a smog check? Come by the Ismaili Jamatkhana parking lot for free emissions testing. We need volunteers! Email info@the48thward.org to sign up to direct vehicles and assist with other aspects of this event.
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CDPH Field Work Data
The Chicago Department of Public Health has compiled a summary of their 2025 field work services for each ward. The following is 48th Ward-specific data:
- 287 food inspections
- 72 environmental inspections
- <5 CARE responses
- 42 Family Connects visits
- 5 lead-based paint hazard inspections
- 9 home visits to lead-exposed children
- 2 home lead abatements
Many of these services can be requested through 311. For more ward-specific data from 2025, see our 2025 rewind email here and our year-in-review town hall here.
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48th Ward 2026 Beat Meetings
Want to get involved with public safety in your neighborhood? Attend a 20th or 24th district beat meeting! All meetings for beats in the 48th ward are listed in the image above, on our blog. Find out what beat you live using the map on this page or by searching your address here.
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CDPH and UIC School of Public Health Launch Open Air Chicago
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health have launched Open Air Chicago, the largest community air monitoring network in the country and second largest in the world. Air quality data from 277 sensors is now available through the Clarity Open Map or the Chicago Data Portal. On the Clarity Open Map, Chicagoans can:
- Identify the air sensor(s) near them,
- Assess current air quality levels and 24-hour trends,
- Review health recommendations related to the current air quality,
- and more!
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Find Your Local Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC)
Veterans Assistance Commissions are county-based resources that provide emergency financial services, VA claims and benefits assistance through accredited Veterans Service Officers, and referrals to trusted community partners. Scan the QR code above or visit this site to connect with a VAC near you!
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Narcan, Test Strips, and Wellness Kits Available at the Ward Office
Narcan nasal spray, fentanyl test strips, and wellness stringbags are available at the 48th Ward office. Narcan is the brand name of the medication naloxone which reverses the effects of opioid overdose and will not harm someone who is not experiencing an overdose. Fentanyl test strips are a form of harm reduction that helps people avoid unknowingly ingesting fentanyl. Finally, our wellness string bags are filled with gloves, hats, scarves, socks, hand warmers, blankets, and hand sanitizer wipes. All of these health and safety resources are available for free at the ward office (1129 W Bryn Mawr) while supplies last.
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CLICK HERE to opt in to receive occasional crime alerts from our office. If you're having trouble with this link, you can also opt in by re-subscribing HERE and checking the box at the bottom of the form. Doing so will not alter or double your existing newsletter subscription.
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CHECK OUT THE 48th WARD CALENDAR
Never miss an event! See the calendar on our website for more exciting things happening in the ward. Fill out this form to have your own event listed.
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WHERE IN THE WARD IS LENI?
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Thanks to all the neighbors who joined us on Argyle over the weekend to welcome the Year of the Horse! Leni marched in the parade alongside community orgs, performers, and many of our public schools before popping into storefronts along the corridor to visit with local business owners. Looking forward to next year already!
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The Vietnamese Association of Illinois opened their doors on Saturday to welcome people celebrating the Lunar New Year and talk to neighbors about their work in the community. Leni came by in the afternoon to speak with folks from TimeLine Theatre and to work on an art project with the kids!
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During Saturday's Lunar New Year celebration, Leni stopped by the Friends of Goudy Elementary's fundraiser at HAIBAYÔ Café to warm up with a mug of cocoa! Proceeds support projects, events, and programming for Goudy scholars!
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Thank you to everyone at Thorndale Beach South for the kind invitation and lively conversation about public safety, development, infrastructure and other ward initiatives. To invite Leni to your next event go to: Invite the Alderwoman. We will see you soon at East Point, Park Tower, and more!
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