Gilbert Villegas

Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36th Ward) reports that City Council passed the adjusted parking meter deal, including key concessions such as $75 million up front for pensions and profit-sharing, and also passed an expansion of the Veteran Enterprise Business (VBE) program. He also notes the City Council’s upcoming budget hearings as the mayor’s budget proposal comes forward, though no specific housing, zoning, or transit actions are detailed. Other announcements include the Latino Veterans & First Responders 5K on Oct. 4 at Hanson Park Stadium, upcoming community conversations and workshops, and community highlights including Hispanic Heritage Month events and neighborhood recognitions for West Town and Belmont Cragin.

Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36th Ward) highlights a town hall on pedestrian safety improvements for Chicago Avenue, featuring a CDOT presentation, and also shares a state policy update: Governor JB Pritzker signed flood assistance into law expanding the Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program with a temporary three-year flood damage rebate. The newsletter also lists upcoming ward events including back-to-school activities, a CPD vs. Alders softball rematch on Aug. 27, and a Property Tax Appeal Workshop on Aug. 25. Other major announcements include Grand Night Out, the dedication of “Honorary Nathan Diaz Way” on Grand Avenue, and community recognitions at the McDonald’s Back-to-School and 45th Anniversary celebration.

Alderman Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward does not report any zoning, housing, transit, budget, or street policy meetings or decisions; the newsletter instead promotes the Back to School Bash on August 6, 2026 (4:00–7:00 PM) with food, games, and supplies. It also lists the 36th Ward office hours, two office locations (Belmont Cragin and West Town), and provides contact information for service requests and questions.

In the June 2026 36th Ward newsletter, Alderman Gilbert Villegas highlights City Council actions rather than specific zoning/hearing items: a passed ordinance to crack down on auto airbag theft and a School Safety Zone ordinance that passed the Public Safety Committee. The newsletter also shares community-focused updates like office resources for permits/petitions/reserved parking signage and events such as Vet Connect (July 7 & 21), Firefighter for a Day (July 10 & 16), and a 16th District Police Council public meeting (July 14). Other major announcements include the opening of Commercial Park after improvements, summer internship placements for 36th Ward youth, and additional community safety/resource reminders (cooling centers and car seat safety help).

Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36th Ward) highlighted progress on the zoning front, saying the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards cleared the zoning backlog after a second May meeting. He also supported the Accountable Housing and Anti-Discrimination (AHAD) Ordinance to create a citywide online hub for affordable housing options, introduced ordinances to strengthen penalties around auto airbag theft, and submitted a resolution honoring Chief William “Wil” Betancourt. Other updates include Memorial Day–related trash/recycling pickup schedule and office closures, along with upcoming events such as the Cook County Job Fair (May 27), Vet Connect (June 2 and 16), and a car seat check-up (June 9).

Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36th Ward) announced he has been named Chair of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards, and said the committee will meet again on May 6. He also called for a City Council hearing on HUD’s proposed “mixed-status” family rule change, which would end housing assistance for families with ineligible members. The newsletter otherwise highlights community events like Vet Connect sessions (May 5 and May 19) and a community yard sale (June 27), plus a cultural resolution passed to recognize “Borinqueneers Day” on April 13 in Chicago.

Alderman Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward announced an ordinance to identify a site for a new satellite police station in the 12th Police District, aiming to improve community safety. He also noted the City Council’s decision to pause the tipped wage increase, citing concerns from restaurants and workers. The newsletter highlighted upcoming community events, including Easter celebrations, a Bell Park Earth Day cleanup, and ongoing property‑tax exemption assistance.

Alderman Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward announces that early voting is now open across all 50 wards, with multiple citywide sites and extended hours. He highlights two candidate forums—one for the Senate and one for the 7th District Congressional race—available for residents to view online. The newsletter also provides updated office hours, contact details, and reminders about the ward’s two office locations.

Alderman Gilbert Villegas invites residents to a 7th District Democratic Candidate Forum on February 26 at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, with doors opening at 5:00 PM and the program beginning at 5:30 PM. He also shares the 36th Ward office hours and contact details for the Belmont Cragin and West Town offices, encouraging constituents to visit for service requests and questions.

In the 36th Ward, Alderman Gilbert Villegas highlighted policy actions and related hearings, including a call for a City Council Housing and Real Estate Committee hearing on Chicago Housing Authority compliance with federal disability laws, and directing CDOT to assess asset-management software to reduce infrastructure repair backlogs. He also introduced/advanced ordinances requiring the Comptroller to confirm city debt owed by employees of certain sister agencies and formed budget oversight working groups to ensure the December 2025 city budget is implemented as intended. Other items were mainly ward service and office hour information, plus upcoming 36th Ward events such as a Ward Pop Up Night on February 24 and Vet Connect sessions on March 3 and March 17.

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.

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.

The 36th Ward’s June newsletter announces extended summer office hours (10 a.m.–7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and highlights a series of community events, including a Youth Summer Job Fair on June 6, a Women Veterans celebration on June 11, a Community Cleanup on June 18, and a block‑party on June 1. It also reports two key policy updates: the city’s new “Plow the Sidewalks” pilot program for free snow removal in four neighborhoods and the introduction of a Data Residency ordinance that will repurpose vacant city land for data‑center infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to apply for the upcoming ChiBlockBuilder lot‑purchase program, register for block‑party permits, and take advantage of the expanded services and resources offered by the ward office.”}

The May 2024 36th Ward newsletter highlights a series of community events, including a mobile Secretary of State voter‑registration drive on May 30, a senior fashion show on May 31, and a veteran‑resources event on June 4, as well as recent initiatives such as a free clothing boutique, a new street sign honoring Coach Larry Thurm, and weekly clean‑ups. Alderman Villegas announces policy progress on MENA community representation with a new census‑classification ordinance and encourages residents to apply for block‑party permits, block‑builder land purchases, and summer‑job programs. The office also promotes block clubs, safety reminders, and resources for veterans, seniors, and community members.

The 36th Ward newsletter announces a spring full of community events—Grand Avenue corridor workshop, Veterans town‑hall, immigration rights session, and a mobile Secretary of State voter‑registration drive—alongside weekly clean‑ups, a free clothing boutique, and the dedication of Honorary Coach Larry Thurm Way. Recent policy highlights include Alderman Villegas’ data‑residency ordinance to secure city data and generate revenue, and a second quarterly meeting of the Chicago Taskforce on Innovation & Technology. Residents are urged to apply for block‑party permits, participate in the ChiBlockBuilder vacant‑lot program, and explore summer job openings such as One Summer Chicago and Chicago Park District positions.