Welcome to the 40th Ward – Home

Ald Vasquez, icebreakers event at the 40th Ward Office

Welcome to the 40th Ward

Ald Vasquez, icebreakers event at the 40th Ward Office

Elise Malary Plaza Pre-Construction Meeting

This quarter, contractors will begin work on the long-awaited Elise Malary Plaza! On Wednesday, May 20th at 5:30pm, join us for a virtual pre-construction meeting to hear all about the project.

  • When: Wednesday, May 20th at 5:30pm
  • Where: On Zoom!

Our office and representatives from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will go over what the project will involve, construction timelines and any impacts to the community. This is a great opportunity for neighbors and businesses to get answers on what to expect as the plaza is under construction, so bring all your questions! Learn more about the project on our website.

flyer, details below

Topics and Services

The 40th Ward Office can help support and connect you to city services.

  • Businesses and Self-Employed

    Doing business in the City of Chicago: business licenses and permits, support for small businesses, links to local Chambers of Commerce.

  • Vehicle Stickers, Residential Parking, Tickets

    Vehicle stickers, residential parking information, and parking restrictions related to weather and events.

  • Street and Alley Maintenance

    Trees (trims, planting, removal), garbage and recycling, street sweeping, snow plowing, vehicle towing, rodent control and grafitti removal.

  • Water Management: Sewers, Stormwater, Quality and Conservation

    Pay your water bill, learn about the utility bill relief program, stormwater management, water quality and conservation.

  • The 40th Ward People’s Budget

    Choose how $1 million of menu money is allocated to fund infrastructure project proposals produced by residents and community committees.

  • Community Driven Zoning

    Community-Driven Zoning process and guidelines: submit a zoning change request or submit feedback to current proposed zoning changes.

  • Community Safety

    Find your police district and beat, learn about police accountability and get Community Safety Updates.

  • Constituent Service Requests

    Learn how to use the City’s 3-1-1 service request system and get support and updates for issues you have submitted to the City. We can also help you file a request.

  • Traffic and Transportation

    Learn about traffic studies and Safe Streets Initiatives, repairs and special projects, as well as information about public transportation and Metra.

  • Housing

    For renters (tenants rights) and homeowners (property tax exemptions, Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance, Home and Business Protection Program). Get Utility Bill Relief, housing insecurity support.

  • Arts and Culture

    Explore the local arts community, resources and support for creatives, and learn about plans for a Lincoln Avenue North Arts District in conjunction with the Lincoln Ave Streetscape Project.

  • Public Health

    Resources and support for general public health concerns and special notifications as issued by the Chicago Department of Public Health.

  • Animals and Pets

    Dogs, Cats, birds, service animals and more! Get the scoop on leash laws, vaccine clinics, dog friendly areas, and wildlife issues.

  • Seniors, Veterans, People with Disabilities

    Connect with City, State and nonprofit programs and resources for seniors, veterans and people with disabilities.

  • Immigrant and Refugee Resources

    The 40th Ward Office is a safe haven for undocumented neighbors in our ward. Find free and low-cost legal and emergency support services as well as access to City services through the CityKey program.

  • Neighborhood Development

    Learn about strategic neighborhood development initiatives and local construction that address issues like bike and pedestrian safety, affordable housing, accessible transit, and economic development.

Learn how to request 3-1-1 City Services and get support from our Solutions Team.

What we’re working on

Our office works to make all of our City services more accessible, transparent and accountable.

Learn more about Our Office and meet Our Team. Please contact us if you have a question or concern.

Ald. Vasquez and the 40th Ward staff smiling from a Streets and Sanitation truck

For Neighbors

Chicago’s 40th Ward is a beautiful mix of neighborhoods. Folks of every culture, identity, income, and residency status live and work here. Above all, we are a community, and we welcome you as our constituents and neighbors.

Neighborhood Network Slack Channel

We encourage you to join the 40th Ward Neighbor Network Slack group. The 40th Ward office uses slack to post messages about ward happenings and volunteer opportunities. This channel is also a great way to stay in touch and communicate with your neighbors and community. New to Slack? Learn how to use the platform.

Plan your next block party or garage sale, explore neighborhood parks and green spaces, find a local school, and more. The 40th Ward is a community of neighbors and we are glad you are here! Meet your neighbors.

Get involved!

From ongoing Neighbor Network Programs to seasonal needs like our Shovel Squad field team, your volunteer efforts make the community stronger and safer for everyone.

Event calendar

Find local events and happenings on our community calendar. We encourage you to submit your community events too! We often feature events in our newsletter and on social.

Block party permits

Requests for block party permits must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event. The permit application process is FREE and our office is here to help. To get started, read our Block Party Permits and FAQs.