City 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 […]
Articles and News
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.
City Council Roundup: Release of the FY26 Budget
Posted onRelease of the FY26 Budget At this week’s City Council meeting, Mayor Johnson released the administration’s budget proposal for FY26: Our team is currently analyzing the full budget, and look forward to sharing our insights with you soon! In the meantime, budget hearings begin next week, and we encourage you to tune in. You can […]
Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund is Open for Applications!
Posted onThis year, Cook County is launching the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund, a $15 million program to help households that have experienced a substantial increase on their property tax bills by providing one-time, $1,000 payments to eligible households. Apply now through October 10th to get relief on this year’s property tax bills! To qualify for […]