The 2026 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program will open to new applicants on January 12th, 2026 at 6:00am.
Articles and News
2025 Annual Report of the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Posted onIt’s been a challenging year for the City of Chicago and the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights, as we’ve navigated the brutal campaign of immigration enforcement and its impact on our neighbors. But we are so proud of how our city has come together to stand up for the rights of immigrants and refugees […]
December City Council Roundup
Posted onCity Council is still in the midst of budget negotiations. In this month’s City Council meeting, Ald. Vasquez introduced several amendments to the budget, and we passed legislation improving the disabled parking permit process! Budget Updates At the December 10th City Council meeting, Ald. Andre Vasquez introduced amendments to this year’s budget management ordinance calling […]
December Immigration Briefing
Posted onOn Tuesday, December 10th, the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights hosted a virtual Immigration Briefing, covering our learnings from the first year of the second Trump administration, and updates on federal litigation and USCIS policies.
Statement from Ald. Vasquez on the FY2026 Budget
Posted onThank you to all of you who have taken the time to fill out our budget survey and otherwise reach out over the past few weeks about your thoughts, questions, and concerns about this year’s budget! In this year’s budget survey results, the top five priorities our neighbors identified for this year’s budget were: housing, […]
Tips and Resources for Extreme Cold
Posted onCold season is beginning! Check out tips and resources below, as well as a list of warming centers near the 40th Ward, if you need a safe place to stay warm. Extreme Cold Safety Tips For more on how to stay warm this winter, check out the Uptown Winter Safety Guide from Liberate Ward 46. […]
November Immigration Briefing
Posted onOn Tuesday, November 18th, the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights hosted a virtual Immigration Briefing, covering Illinois legislative updates, some good news on ongoing federal litigation, and updates on USCIS processes.
Announcing the 2026 People’s Budget!
Posted onVoting for the 2026 People’s Budget is open! Vote by December 31st, 2025. The 2026 People’s Budget is officially open for voting! From now until December 31st, 2025, 40th Ward residents ages 14+ can vote on how we should spend one million dollars in infrastructure funds, including: To learn more about how participatory budgeting works, […]
SNAP Benefits Are Expiring! Here’s How to Get Help and Give Help.
Posted onBeginning on November 1st, the Trump administration’s cruel and drastic cuts to SNAP benefits begin. The $200 billion cuts to SNAP benefits will impact an estimated 360,000 families in Illinois and drastically increase food insecurity in our city. Governor Pritzker is set to sign an executive order directing $20 million in state funds to food banks this week. […]
Budget 2026 Update
Posted onOur team has been hard at work analyzing the 2026 City of Chicago Budget proposal, as well as meeting with independent budget watchdog organizations to get their feedback! Here’s what we’ve learned so far: New or Notable Revenues The budget proposal includes many proposed new revenues, including: Notable Investments CPD continues to be the best-funded […]
Notice of Intent: 5054-58 North Ashland Avenue
Posted onAfter consideration of resident feedback, the 40th Ward office will support the proposed zoning change from RS3 Community to B2-5 by Mackinaw Development LLC at 5054-58 North Ashland Avenue with design changes.
October Immigration Briefing
Posted onOn Tuesday, October 21st, the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights hosted a virtual Immigration Briefing, covering the increase in ICE enforcement we’ve seen in Chicago, several recent federal court decisions impacting Chicago, and more.