In honor of Black History Month, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is collaborating with the Mayor’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice to invite the public to provide feedback on people and places of memory that help define Black Chicago heritage. Please participate in this endeavor at the Black Chicago Heritage Initiative (BCHI) […]
Articles and News
Chicago Resiliency Fund 2.0, Now Accepting Applications from Domestic Workers and Undocumented Residents Seeking Financial Relief
Posted onThe Chicago Resiliency Fund 2.0 funded by the City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is accepting applications from domestic workers and undocumented residents. Awardees will receive a one-time $500 payment, and it is anticipated that around 7,000 domestic workers and 10,000 undocumented workers will receive an award. To be eligible, applicants […]
New Migrant Arrivals in Chicago
Posted onAs you all may know, we have been receiving migrants from Texas since the end of last year. The 40th Ward Office has continued to receiving calls from recently arrived folks who are looking for housing, financial and job-seeking support as our new neighbors. The City, State and Community Based Organizations are continuing to work […]
City Council Updates: February 1st, 2023 Session
Posted onThis week, the City Council paid tribute to former IL House of Representatives Majority Leader Greg Harris for his 16 years serving the 13th District. Greg has been a personal mentor to me since I took office, and has been a truly historic champion for LGBTQ+ rights, Marriage Equality, and so much more. I invite our 40th Ward neighbors […]
New Climate Infrastructure Fund for Nonprofit Organizations and Small Businesses
Posted onA new grant opportunity aimed at catalyzing climate action across Chicago by nonprofit organizations and small businesses has been announced by the City of Chicago. Individual grants from approximately $50,000 to $250,000 are available through the fund to support capital investments in energy efficiency projects, electric vehicles, and green infrastructure. Applications are due by February […]
40th Ward Town Hall, Q1 2023
Posted onWhere: Chicago Waldorf School, 5200 N Ashland Ave – School Auditorium
When: Wednesday, January 25, 6 – 7:30PM
First City Council Meeting of 2023
Posted onThis week, we had our first City Council meeting of 2023. As always, there was plenty to move forward, here are some updates from Wednesday’s meeting: Smart Streets Ordinance Introduction At Council, Alderperson Vasquez joined Mayor Lightfoot, Alders Reilly, Hopkins, Martin, Villegas and La Spata to introduce the Smarts Streets Ordinance, which establishes a Automated […]
Notice of Intent 1744-46 West Balmoral Avenue (Nobody’s Darling Expansion)
Posted onAfter consideration of resident feedback, the Ward office has no objection to the proposed zoning change from B1-1 to C1-2, for the expansion of the existing business Nobody’s Darling, at 1744-46 West Balmoral Avenue. All proposed zoning changes in the 40th Ward undergo a community feedback process. Neighbors are invited to comment on the proposal […]
Alder Vasquez Stands with Howard Brown Health Workers
Posted onStatement Regarding Strike at Brown Elephant in Andersonville On January 4th at approximately 12:45PM, I was contacted regarding a situation at Brown Elephant (5404 N Clark) in the 40th Ward, where members of Howard Brown Health United and Illinois Nurses Association were striking against unfair layoffs made by Howard Brown Health (HBH) during the holiday […]
Weather Advisory: Winter Storm Warning
Posted onThe National Weather Service in Chicago indicates that conditions will deteriorate quickly Thursday afternoon with snow, gusty winds, and plummeting temperatures. The snow will taper on Friday though dangerous cold will remain. Subscribe to Weather Alerts The City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC) issues several alerts and notifications to keep people up to date on […]
Bike Lane Enforcement Ordinance: Blocking Bike Lanes Can Get You Ticketed or Towed
Posted onThis week, we are pleased to report that we passed the Bike Lane Enforcement Ordinance! As work on the Clark Street Bike Lane progresses, we want to ensure that our cyclist neighbors are able to get around safely. This ordinance strengthens the enforcement mechanisms for violations of vehicles driving, standing , or parking on bicycle […]
PUBLIC SAFETY STATEMENT: INCIDENT AT 5100 N Oakley Block
Posted onEarlier today, December 12, 2022, there was a car collision and fire at the intersection of Oakley and Winona, associated with a vehicle of interest in an investigation related to car jackings and robberies in the area. I happened to be on the scene just after the collision had occurred, and one of our staff […]