On September 12, 2025, 33rd‑Ward Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez announced the launch of the Participatory Budgeting process, inviting residents to submit ideas and volunteer for the committee, and highlighted upcoming zoning discussions for the 3240 W Lawrence Ave and 3122 W Belmont/3203 N Troy projects— the latter already supported. The ward also updated residents on a new grid‑based tree‑trimming schedule and the 2025 street‑sweeping timetable, while reminding tenants of the Gary Carlson building transition and offering Narcan distribution. Additional community events include the Mexican Independence Day Parade, Family Preparedness workshops, and the Cleveland Elementary Back‑to‑School Fair.
Alderman Bennett Lawson of the 44th Ward will host a City Council hearing on September 25 to vote on an ordinance legalizing accessory dwelling units citywide, a key housing policy change, while the ward also participates in upcoming city budget town‑halls. Street‑safety work on Halsted Arterial—including temporary removal of rainbow crosswalks and planned repainting—along with CTA track work from Addison to Grace that will affect local transit access, are the main infrastructure updates. Other highlights include the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts, a gun‑turn‑in event that collected 111 firearms, and community events such as block parties and The Barry Centennial Picnic.
Alderman Daniel La Spata (1st Ward) announced that the Mid‑Year Budget Hearings begin today and that the CTA will host three budget town halls in mid‑September to discuss transit funding and budget priorities. He also highlighted a virtual community meeting on October 6 to review updated zoning plans for an 80‑foot, 50‑unit mixed‑use redevelopment at 2240 N. Milwaukee, and noted concerns over the planned 2027 closure of the Cortland Ave Bridge and the need for alternative safe routes. Additional items include a public survey on EV charging infrastructure, a call for volunteers for the Meet Me On Milwaukee event, and community events at the West Town Library.
Alderman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez of the 33rd Ward announced the Participatory Budgeting Launch Party on September 11 at Roosevelt High School Library, inviting residents to help decide how the ward’s infrastructure funds will be spent. The ward also scheduled an Urban Flooding Community Meeting on September 10 with the NRC to discuss flood mitigation and a Neighborhood Night on September 8 to review local infrastructure projects. Additional highlights include a Family Preparedness Campaign with virtual workshops, a “Know Your Rights” immigration webinar, and community events such as the Mexican Independence Day Parade on September 14 and the End Hunger Games fundraiser on September 6.
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward announced a public meeting on September 16 for the Cicero Avenue Land Study and invited input on the updated 3300 W. Pierce apartment proposal, part of the ward’s ongoing zoning review process. The ward also highlighted the proposed extension of the Boulevard Landmark District, a policy change aimed at preserving historic character, and noted the opening of five new businesses on Division Street as a development approval that supports local economic growth. Other highlights include a virtual “Know Your Rights” event for immigrants, a Fiesta Boricua celebration, and a free mobile mammogram screening in Humboldt Park.
On September 22 the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety will hold a hearing to review recommendations on speed‑camera enforcement, a key policy issue affecting safety and equity in the 1st Ward. Earlier this month Alderman La Spata hosted the first car‑free “Meet Me on Milwaukee” pedestrian pilot, a street‑safety redesign that drew community participation and highlighted the ward’s commitment to safer streets. The alderman also thanked residents for their input on the Equity in Enforcement Survey and announced a tree‑planting initiative to restore canopy across the ward.
Alderman Byron Sigcho‑Lopez of the 25th Ward announced that the Chicago Department of Transportation will begin the Complete Street Project on S. Kedzie Avenue on September 2, a 12‑week street‑safety redesign that will improve traffic and pedestrian conditions. The ward will also enforce rolling street closures from September 12‑16 for public‑safety reasons, and residents are invited to a free record‑expungement workshop on September 6. Additional community highlights include several 5‑K runs, Mexican Independence Day parades, and ongoing public‑safety updates.
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward announced a community meeting with the Department of Water Management to discuss the California Avenue Water Main & Lead Service Line Replacement Project, a major infrastructure spending decision slated to begin in late September. The ward also called for public input on the updated zoning proposal for a 26‑unit apartment complex at 3300 W Pierce, which includes 20 off‑site parking spaces, and announced a Cicero Avenue Land‑Use Study open house on September 16. In addition, the Community Safety Committee met to plan safety walks and rapid‑response training, and the ward celebrated Fiesta Boricua, new business openings on Division Street, and a new playground at Lowell Elementary.
Alderman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez reminds residents of the upcoming City Council meeting on September 25, 2025 and urges participation in public meetings on zoning and development posted on the ward’s social media and website. The newsletter also highlights the Northwest Side Housing Preservation Ordinance, providing a guide for tenants who want to purchase homes, and encourages residents to review the ordinance’s details. Other key announcements include a business mixer, the Workers Over Billionaires rally, new local businesses opening, and upcoming community events such as the Avondale Garden and Agriculture Fair and a Know Your Rights workshop.
Alderman Byron Sigcho‑Lopez’s August 2025 newsletter reports no upcoming meetings or hearings on zoning, development, housing, transit, or budget, nor any new ordinances or development approvals. The focus is on community events: a West Township property‑tax‑appeal session on Aug 19, two free health fairs on Aug 23, a quarterly community meeting on Aug 28, and a free record‑expungement workshop on Sept 6. These events underscore the ward’s commitment to resident services and civic engagement.
Alderman Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward invites residents to a town‑hall on August 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the Ukrainian Cultural Center to discuss proposed property‑tax hikes, increased fines and fees, a potential grocery tax, and charter reforms that could alter City Hall checks and balances. The meeting will also cover the City Council Office of Financial Analysis’s view on the city’s finances. In addition, the newsletter lists the alderman’s office hours, two office locations, and contact information for constituent services.
Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez’s August 15 newsletter announces several zoning and development meetings, including a public hearing on the 3122 W Belmont/3203 N Troy map amendment and a State Transit Town Hall, and notes that the 3845 N Whipple St RS‑3 to RT‑4 change has been supported while the Belmont/Troy amendment remains in aldermanic review. The newsletter also highlights policy resources such as the Northwest Side Housing Preservation Ordinance guide and block‑party permit application, and reports a participatory‑budgeting‑approved playground opening, along with updates on street‑sweeping schedules and tree‑trimming. Additional community events featured include the Horner Park 5‑k, Concordia’s back‑to‑school celebration, Patrick Henry’s block party, and the final Lot Jams gathering.
Alderman Byron Sigcho‑Lopez notes that the Pilsen TIF Review Committee will meet Thursday, July 31 at the Rudy Lozano Library to discuss a public notification process for TIF funds. The office also highlights upcoming community events, including a Back‑to‑School Block Party on August 8, a CityKey appointment‑only event that same day, a BCBSIL CareVan vaccine clinic on August 15, and a Chicago Gun Safety Awareness Workshop. Residents can contact the 25th Ward office at 773‑523‑4100 or Ward25@cityofchicago.org for more information.
Alderman Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward announced Chicago Fire’s $650 million investment in a new soccer stadium, a key development approval for the area. The council also passed a skills‑based hiring ordinance, expanding hiring criteria for city jobs. The newsletter highlighted the city’s designation as a Purple Heart City, a veteran panel discussion, and upcoming community events such as a gun‑safety talk and homeowners help session.
Alderman Gilbert Villegas called for hearings on the installation of speed cameras in Chicago—emphasizing safety over revenue—and on the city’s vendor‑selection process to increase transparency for minority and women‑owned businesses. He also announced a new ordinance honoring veterans’ educational achievements and highlighted upcoming community events, including a veteran panel discussion, a union citizenship workshop, and homeowners‑help sessions. The newsletter promoted local nonprofit grants, a library fishing program, and reminded residents of Real‑ID deadlines and the Pope’s visit to Chicago.
The March 2025 36th Ward newsletter highlights a spring‑season “Easter Bunny” photo‑op at Snowberry Park, Smith Park and the Belmont Cragin office, along with a monthly Homeowners Help event and a call for a new 12th‑District satellite office amid rising robberies. Alderman Villegas announces policy actions—opposing federal cuts to Veterans Affairs, calling hearings on Chicago’s new speed‑camera rollout, and proposing a resolution to explore alternative social‑media platforms for city communications. Residents are reminded of upcoming community events (Earth Day, job fair, CPD beat meetings) and practical updates such as the Real ID deadline and Paczki Day celebration support from Wiklanski’s Bakery.
The February 2025 36th Ward newsletter highlights several community initiatives: a new Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation scholarship deadline (April 11), monthly Homeowners Help events starting February 4, and a Veterans Business Project pilot. Alderman Villegas announced his appointment to the AI Week Chicago advisory board, held an ethics‑committee hearing on the city’s Ineligible‑for‑Rehire list, and introduced a resolution urging corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments. Upcoming events include a CACC “Love is in the Air” adoption event on Feb 22, a prayer for Ukraine on Feb 24, and a 12th‑District community meeting on March 12, with office hours and contact details provided for residents.”}
The September 2024 36th Ward Newsletter announces new office hours at both Belmont Cragin and West Town and highlights upcoming community events—pet‑care clinics, a Chipotle fundraiser on Sept 21, a Hispanic Heritage Cruise Night on Sept 28, and a student‑loan webinar in October. It reports that Alderman Villegas introduced the Rogue Towing ordinance and that the Sidewalk and Data‑Residency ordinances were passed, while noting recent broadband‑access and homeowner‑assistance events. Residents are encouraged to visit the ward offices, attend the events, and stay informed about the new policies.
The 36th Ward Office is extending summer hours (Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m.–7 p.m.) and will be closed Thursday‑Friday for Independence Day, resuming on Monday July 8. Key events include a July 8 West Town meet‑up with Cook County State’s Attorney candidate Eileen Burke, a July 13 cleanup with Cleanup Club Chicago, and ongoing Beloved Community Bash and Veterans Connect gatherings. Policy updates highlight the ward’s continued push on rogue towing protection, the introduction of an AI ordinance, and the launch of block‑party permits and a free Jumping Jack inflatable playground for community events.