Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward highlighted the upcoming budget vote and participatory‑budgeting ballot, and announced a zoning‑community meeting on December 18 to review several property requests and the Logan Square Boulevards District extension. The Ward also discussed the proposed Crosstown Trail and emphasized protecting residents from displacement, while noting the ongoing review of zoning changes for multiple properties and the upcoming Help Improve Bus Service initiative. Additional updates included NAVA Consent Decree immigration relief, a corridor walk in Hermosa, and community events such as the Ward Night at Babe’s and upcoming office closures.
On December 6, 2025, Alderwoman Maria Hadden’s 49th Ward office announced a property‑tax appeal workshop on December 9 and highlighted the upcoming community meeting and survey for the 7644 N. Sheridan mixed‑use development, which will proceed by‑right under B3‑5 zoning and is pending a Lakefront Protection Review. Budget negotiations for 2026 remain in progress, with mayoral and council discussions on closing the $1.18 billion gap, while the ward is ending the Glenwood Alfresco program effective December 31. Other updates include Hadden’s medical leave, a DWM sewer rehabilitation project, and community events such as the Live Love Shop Rogers Park rebate program and the 49th Ward Participatory Budgeting results.
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward announced the upcoming Zoning Community Meeting on December 18 and the participatory‑budgeting process, noting that all PB ideas have been assessed and the ranked‑choice ballot is being prepared. She also highlighted policy updates—support for the corporate head tax, ICE presence, and the Crosstown Trail proposal—while stressing the need to protect residents from displacement. Other key items included a corridor walk in Hermosa, updates on the NAVA Consent Decree, and reminders of office closures and community events.
The 33rd Ward newsletter announces several public meetings— the Irving Park Road Study (Dec 6‑7, 13‑14) and the CTA/CDOT Bus Priority Corridor Study (Dec 8)—to gather community input on transit, street design, and zoning changes. Policy updates include the city’s Winter Overnight Parking Ban (Dec 1‑Apr 1) and a Two‑inch snow parking ban, as well as the distribution of free gun‑safety locks, smoke detectors, and other safety gear at the ward office. A zoning change request for 3039 W Irving Park Rd (B3‑1 to B2‑3) is in community review with a comment deadline of Dec 19, while Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez promotes community events such as free holiday meals, the Sage Brigade senior art‑making event, and Front Porch Christmas, and reminds residents of free vaccination clinics and other support services.
Alderman Bennett Lawson of the 44th Ward urged residents to review and respond to a letter to Mayor Johnson proposing an alternative 2026 budget that avoids borrowing for operating expenses and includes new revenue options, and he is collecting feedback through a budget survey. He also co‑sponsored a pilot ordinance allowing residents to report vehicles blocking crosswalks, bus lanes, and bike lanes, and reminded neighbors of the winter overnight parking ban and ongoing street‑resurfacing work. Other highlights included the unveiling of Herbert “Nuts on Clark” Kenney Way, a World AIDS Day gathering, and several holiday‑season events in the ward.
Alderperson Andre Vasquez of the 40th Ward is preparing for next week’s budget negotiations, aiming to eliminate borrowing for Chicago Fire Department back‑pay and CPD misconduct settlements, secure full pension and library funding, and demand greater budget transparency. He also proposes policy changes such as shifting parking enforcement to a Citywide Parking Alternative Response Team, expanding the Smart Streets pilot and speed‑camera program citywide, raising the garbage fee with exemptions, and increasing the Personal Property Lease Transaction tax. Other updates include a call for residents to vote on the 2026 People’s Budget, the launch of the Chicago Loves Local campaign, cold‑weather resources, a property‑tax update, and several community events such as Winnemac Park beer‑sales feedback, holiday donation drives, and the Ravenswood Makers Market.
The 49th Ward Participatory Budgeting results allocate $540,000 for street and alley resurfacing and sidewalk repairs, with the remaining funds earmarked for a nature play area at Kilmer School, benches throughout the ward, sand fencing at Hartigan Beach, and bump‑outs at New Field Elementary. The runner‑up project is resurfacing the tennis courts at Tohy Park. Alderwoman Maria Hadden thanks volunteers and notes the ward’s service office hours.
Alder Andre Vasquez of the 40th Ward urges residents to vote in the 2025‑2026 People’s Budget, which allocates $1 million for local infrastructure improvements. The campaign seeks 2,000 votes by December 15, with over 1,400 already cast, and directs voters to the 40thward.org/PB portal. The newsletter also provides the alderman’s contact information and links to his office and social‑media pages.
On December 2, Alderman Daniel La Spata reported that the 1st Ward attended a Better Streets for Buses meeting where CTA and CDOT presented bus‑infrastructure improvement concepts for the 49/Western and 74/Fullerton routes, and he highlighted ongoing concerns about protected bike lanes and winter maintenance. He also warned that the city’s capital‑improvement plan proposes a 70 % cut to Complete Streets spending and a $4 million annual reduction in traffic‑safety projects, urging residents to push for alignment with actual infrastructure needs. In addition, the newsletter noted several zoning updates—including a pending ordinance for a 21‑unit redevelopment at 1805 North Campbell—and announced a holiday gift drive and property‑tax appeal window reopening.
The 49th Ward Youth Leadership Council recap notes that the November meeting focused on the Chicago budget and a presentation from ONE Northside’s KYR, with policy director Leslie Perkins sharing a budget slideshow. The council will reconvene on December 9 to review 2025 and plan 2026 initiatives. Additional resources highlighted include youth programs, food resources, and a resilience document titled “Fighting Against Fascist Occupation.”
On December 15, Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward will host a virtual meeting to update residents on the mixed‑use development at 1120‑30 N State St, following a 2021 zoning change that allowed construction. Convexity Properties, the new owner, plans a smaller mixed‑use project for the site, replacing the vacant retail space. The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the Gold Coast and address community concerns about the long‑vacant property.
Ald. Byron Sigcho‑Lopez of the 25th Ward announced a Zoning Advisory Board meeting on December 6 and reminded residents that Chicago’s winter overnight parking ban—an ordinance affecting 3 a.m.–7 a.m. parking on designated routes—begins December 1. He also highlighted the push to bring a 3 % millionaire surcharge referendum back to the ballot and the ongoing fight against regressive property‑tax and garbage‑fee proposals that would burden working families. Additional community events include a free record expungement workshop, a street‑vendor workshop, Cook County Assessor tax‑exemption sessions, a free visit to the Art Institute, and the arrival of the ward’s Elf on the Shelf, Panchito.
Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward announces the city’s winter overnight parking ban, effective December 1 through April 1, a new ordinance that will enforce towing and fines for vehicles parked on 107 miles of main streets during early‑morning hours. The newsletter also reports that $75 million of Chicago bonds went unsold in November, underscoring fiscal challenges that may affect future budget decisions. Additional updates include a call for community feedback on the OIG 2026 plan, a winter‑weather preparedness app, and several holiday events such as the Joy of Toys and a Christmas tree lighting.
The newsletter does not contain any meetings, policy changes, development approvals, budget decisions, transit changes, or street projects. It thanks volunteers for the 2025 49th Ward Leadership Councils, invites them to a holiday party, and notes that the office will follow up in January with next steps for 2026. Meeting minutes from the October General Body Meetings are linked, and contact information for Community and Communications Outreach Coordinator Ashley is provided.
No zoning, development, housing, transit, or budget meetings or policy changes were announced in this issue. Alderman Andre Vasquez of the 40th Ward is calling for volunteers to join the 2025‑2026 Shovel Squad to help neighbors in need.
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward notes that the ward is preparing for the participatory‑budgeting ballot and is reviewing several zoning‑change requests for properties such as 1751‑53 N Spaulding Ave and 3652 W North Ave, underscoring the ward’s focus on housing and development. The newsletter also announces the installation of Narcan vending machines on key intersections for community safety and invites residents to the Winter Senior Gala, a flag‑lighting walk, and a shop‑small campaign to support local businesses. Additional updates include office closure dates, a reminder about upcoming SNAP changes, and a call to stay engaged with community events during the holiday season.
Alderman Bennett Lawson of the 44th Ward urges residents to complete the 2026 budget survey to shape revenue proposals and spending priorities, while also soliciting feedback on the growing presence of delivery robots in the neighborhood. Lawson highlighted street‑safety projects, noting the completion of Halsted Arterial resurfacing and the upcoming repaving of Briar from Broadway to Sheridan, as well as the tree‑trimming schedule for November 26 and the honorary street‑naming of Nuts on Clark. Other announcements include the opening of Lucky Cat café, the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Gallagher Way on December 5, and a series of community events such as the Winterland holiday market, the 19th District Thanksgiving meal, and various fundraising drives.
Alderwoman Leni Manaa‑Hoppenworth reports that the Chicago Plan Commission approved a 5‑story, 40‑unit residential development at 6150 N Sheridan, and the city council approved $880,000 in community‑development funds for the Steep Theatre groundbreaking, while the CTA Holiday Fleet will run six holiday‑season trips through the 48th Ward. Other updates include the opening of Small Business Improvement Fund grant opportunities for commercial properties in the Hollywood/Sheridan TIF district, the launch of the Emergency Heating Repair Program, and a reminder that the Cook County Board of Review will reopen the property‑tax‑appeals window. The newsletter also highlights community events such as Small Business Saturday, the Edgewater Indoor Market return, and volunteer opportunities for Christmas in the Wards, along with reminders about office closures and garbage‑collection schedules.
Alderman Daniel La Spata of the 1st Ward announced that the office will be closed for Thanksgiving and introduced a new budget blog that details the most budget ordinances he has filed, marking a significant fiscal‑responsibility effort. He also highlighted upcoming infrastructure work on the California Ave water main and emergency gas restoration at 801 N. Ashland, and the launch of 2026 residential daily passes. The newsletter promoted community food‑insecurity initiatives, a turkey distribution to seniors, a CPD training survey, a pop‑up market, and a virtual Know Your Rights town hall.