¡Eventos, actualizaciones y mucho más en el Distrito 26! 🎃

Oct 25

Estimados vecinos,

La semana pasada fue un testimonio de la vitalidad y el dinamismo de nuestra comunidad, así como un duro recordatorio de los retos a los que nos enfrentamos. Desde las reuniones matutinas con los electores hasta las deliberaciones nocturnas en las cámaras del consejo, nuestra semana como servidores públicos es un viaje de dedicación y servicio en constante evolución.

Tuve el honor de asistir al acto de bienvenida del Centro Angelina Pedroso de NEIU. La poesía leída por los estudiantes junto con las brillantes preguntas del público me recordaron que mis raíces en NEIU son fuertes. Este centro fue una de mis primeras victorias legislativas y de infraestructura como organizadora estudiantil, y estoy muy orgullosa de que el Director DeWitt Scott, la Directora Asociada Valentina Gamboa-Turner y la Dra. Dureene Wheeler continúen brindando amor y apoyo a los estudiantes históricamente desatendidos.

Durante la audiencia del jueves sobre el presupuesto del DFSS, pude informarme sobre el compromiso del DFSS con el Libro de la Paz, y me complace comunicar que la Comisaria Knazze se ha comprometido a incluir durante todo el año puestos de trabajo para jóvenes pacificadores. Estamos deseando reunirnos con su equipo para planificar esta inversión. Además, pude preguntar sobre los datos de las llamadas al 311 en relación con la colocación en refugios, la colaboración y el intercambio de información entre divisiones, y los apoyos a los supervivientes de la violencia. Para ver las respuestas del DFSS a todas mis preguntas, vuelva a ver la audiencia aquí.

También me gustaría dar las gracias a Black Men United y ALSO por patrocinar una entrega a la comunidad el sábado. Mi equipo fue capaz de conectar con los electores, entregar signos perro a los vecinos y tomar las solicitudes de servicio. Si usted está interesado en tener su propio perro signos, no dude en pasar por nuestra oficina durante las horas de oficina.

El Consejo de la Juventud del Distrito 26 está muy avanzado en su proceso de elaboración participativa de presupuestos. Actualmente estamos trabajando en la Fase 2: Desarrollo del Proyecto. Echa un vistazo a sus planes preliminares para un espacio público para adolescentes. Se incluyen comederos para pájaros, mesas circulares, mesas de ping pong y una nevera comunitaria. Si tú o algún joven en tu vida estáis interesados en participar en el Consejo de la Juventud, visita bit.ly/youth26 y únete a nosotros el lunes 13 de noviembre a las 16:30 en la oficina de Ward. ¡Un agradecimiento especial a los estudiantes de periodismo de la Universidad Northwestern Aja, Hailey, y Layla por su visita!

Para mí es importante poder apoyar experiencias alegres para los jóvenes del Distrito 26. Esta semana mi oficina patrocinará algunos eventos de Halloween. Mozart Park tendrá un tronco o tratar este sábado, vamos a estar celebrando Halloween en el Paseo Boricua para las festividades anuales Paseo Embrujado, y Hermosa Park estará celebrando el Día de los Muertos. Por favor, continúe desplazándose hacia abajo para más detalles.

Estoy profundamente comprometido con el bienestar y el progreso de nuestra comunidad, y es este compromiso que me impulsa a trabajar sin descanso, frente a las diversas necesidades y preocupaciones de nuestros electores. Si desea concertar una cita, envíe un correo electrónico a info@the26thward.org para inscribirse en nuestras Noches de barrio. Comparta nuestro boletín con un amigo y pídale que se inscriba para recibir nuestras actualizaciones y noticias semanales en www.the26thward.org.

Atentamente,

Concejal Jessie Fuentes

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26th Ward Office Updates

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Pumpkin Patch at Mozart Park

Join us this Saturday, October 28th at Mozart Park (Armitage and Avers) for a Pumpkin Patch between 1 and 4pm. Pumpkins, food, music, candy, and more!

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Day of the Dead Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Participate in a Day of the Dead Pumpkin Decorating Contest on November 1st at Hermosa Park at 4:30pm. Kids can swing by the park to pick up a pumpkin starting today — provided by my office!

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Health & Housing Expo

Join us for a Housing and Health Expo at the McCormick YMCA on Saturday, November 18, 2023! We are excited to work together to provide the community with essential resources and services that will assist first-time homebuyers, those looking for affordable housing, rental and mortgage assistance, financial education, and small landlord workshops! We will also have vendors assisting with medical insurance questions and applications, as well as a health truck providing free health screenings and flu vaccines. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/48ZlFQu

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26th Ward Ambassadors

We are excited to announce the new 26th Ward Ambassadors program to build stronger connections with neighbors & spread the word about important resources. Join a community of neighbors ready to take action, attend educational workshops, and more. If you're interested in signing up, call our Ward Office at 773-395-0143 and ask for Juanita.

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Property Tax Notice

The Cook County Board of Review is now open for pre-filing tax appeals for West Chicago and Jefferson Townships. To enter a tax appeal, visit the Cook County Board of Review's Appeals Portal at http://appeals.cookcountyboardofreview.com. Please note that while the exemption application deadline to apply has passed, if you believe you qualify for an exemption you can file a certificate of error after you receive your second bill in November. If your certificate of error is approved, you will receive a refund check. Missing exemptions? Have questions? Contact us at 773-395-0143.

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Connect with the 26th Ward Office

Ward Hours

The 26th ward office is currently located at 2511 W Division St. The office's regular hours of operation are as follows:

Monday 1 pm - 7 pm*
Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm
Wednesday 1 pm - 5 pm
Thursday 10 am - 5 pm
Friday 9 am - 3 pm.

*Ward Night: Monday's 5 pm - 7 pm

Ward Nights

Ward nights are an opportunity to meet with Alderperson Fuentes to talk to her about any local or city issues. Ward nights take place every Monday from 5pm - 7pm. Ward night meetings will be by appointment only and on a first come, first served basis.

On Monday, October 30th we will be hosting a Ward Night Pop-up at Iglesia Emanuel from 5pm to 7pm.

If you’d like to meet with Alderperson Fuentes during ward night, please call or email the ward office at 773-395-0143 or info@the26thward.org.

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26th Ward Youth Council

We are excited to inspire our young people to get involved in government and organize in the community. If you are a youth (12-24 years old) that resides in the 26th Ward and wants to have a say in how we spend infrastructure money and what type of policies I champion, please sign up for our youth council by applying at bit.ly/youth26. Join our next Youth Council Meeting on Monday, November 13th from 4:30pm to 6pm.

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Winter Supplies Needed for Asylum Seekers

Donations of winter clothing and supplies for asylum seekers can be dropped off at our office (2511 W Division St) or any of the other drop off locations listed on the flyer above. Winter coats, blankets, winter gear and sleeping bags are especially in need. Sign up to involved here: https://bit.ly/3NY5YRr.

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26th Ward Zoning

The 26th Ward community-based zoning process requires that anyone requesting a zoning change must first complete a zoning intake form. Once their intake form has been reviewed they will be invited to present their zoning request to the 26th Ward Zoning Advisory Committee and must answer additional questions posed by the committee. When applicable, the person requesting a zoning change may also be required to present their zoning request to the broader public during a community input meeting. For more information go to: the26thward.org/zoning.

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Community Events

Casa Central Gala

Join us for Haunted Paseo on October 31st at 3p.m. for a spooktacular Halloween adventure. The fun starts at 2559 W Division St. and includes a haunted house, games, photo booths, trick or treating and more.

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Casa Central Gala

Casa Central’s annual Gala is coming up on Friday, November 3rd at the Adler Planetarium. This year's gala features a special Keynote Speaker, Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., a former NASA astronaut and the first African American to walk in space! Dr. Harris will share the inspirational story of launching his career, founding a philanthropic organization, and empowering and inspiring others to reach their goals. For more information and tickets go to give.casacentral.org/outofthisworldgala.

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City Civics Day

Join the Department of Planning and Development and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events at a free, day-long celebration of civic involvement and community connection on Saturday November 4th from 9:30am to 4:30pm at the Epiphany Center for the arts. Register at Chicago.gov/CityCivicsDay.

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8th District Community Meetings

Commissioner Anthony Quezada invites you to an upcoming community meeting to learn about Cook County government and the services offered at the 8th District Office. The Commissioner's office is excited to host their an 8th District Community Meeting in the Logan Square on November 2nd at 5:30pm at the Lucy Parsons Apartments (2614 N Emmett St).

Join for some light refreshments and a bilingual presentation (English/Spanish) on Cook County, office operations, and available resources.

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Navi Arts Festival

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 11th, and Sunday, November 12th, when the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture will transformation into a FREE Holiday Artisan Pop-Up Shop, just in time for the festive season. Immerse yourself in the Holiday spirit with music, delicious beverages, scrumptious food, and the opportunity to participate in free family art workshops. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts that you won’t find in retail stores, all while championing small Puerto Rican/Latino-owned businesses right here in Chicago. The first 25 people will receive a free gift each day! On Saturday 11/11 all Veterans will receive a small gift.

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NHS STEAM Fest

Come out to North-Grand for a Dia de los Muertos themed STEAM festival, featuring drones, 3D printing, slime-making, a lotería game, and lots of cool prizes! November 4th, 11am-3pm.

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New Life Center Fall Fest

Join New Life Centers for a free Fall Fest on October 27th from 3pm to 5pm at New Life Centers 3908 W Hirsch St. There will be games, activities, food, and candy.

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Walking and Wellness Club

There is a new Walking and Wellness Club for adults over 55 beginning on October 20th. Space is limited. Please register in person at the Harbor Light Community Center front desk, text 847-316-1365, or email programs@mather.com.

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Public Notices

Alley Construction Notice

Mayor Brandon Johnson, Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, and the Chicago Department of Transportation are pleased to inform you that the reconstruction of your alley will begin on Monday, October 30, 2023. Construction is expected to take 6 weeks, weather permitting. Due to construction the following changes will occur:

During construction, residential garbage pickup will be curbside and we ask that the homeowner relocate cans to the front of the property. If you have private refuse, please contact your service to make special arrangements for pickup.
There will be no access to the alley for approximately 6 weeks depending on the weather conditions. Barricades will block all entrances to the alley.
Access to garages from the alley will be unavailable.
Homeowners are advised to seek alternative parking.
Garage aprons will be replaced only as needed.

This project will be managed by the Chicago Department of Transportation. If you require any additional information regarding this project, please contact 312-722-6590.

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Sign Up For Street Sweeping Reminders

You have probably noticed that the city's street sweeping schedule has changed this year. Use "wethesweeple.com" to search for your Chicago street address and find out when your street will be swept next. Then, register for email alerts or subscribe to a calendar feed so that you get a reminder when the next sweep is coming up.

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Postponed: Team Jimenez Mobile Hours

The office of State Representative Lilian Jimenez will be postponing Mobile Office Hours with Ald. Fuentes starting now 10/16/23 and will return 10/31/23 from 10am-4pm. For assistance with state services please contact their office or fill out their Constituent Service Request form: bit.ly/4thofficehelp.

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Property Tax Appeals

Cook County Board of Appeals

The Cook County Board of Review is now open for Pre-Filing for the two County Townships that encompass the 26th Ward: West Chicago and Jefferson Townships. You can visit the Cook County Board of Review's Appeals Portal at https://appeals.cookcountyboardofreview.com to enter an appeal. The Cook County Property Tax Portal is a valuable website to check Exemption Statuses and other property information.

Pre-Filing allows a property owner who feels that their property was overassessed to enter an appeal before the Township is in an "Open" status for the particular township with the Board of Review. When you pre-file, your appeal will automatically go into review by the Board of Review when your township goes into an "Open" status. If you need assistance filing an appeal, please contact my office at (773)-395-0143.

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Order Discounted Rain Barrels

Rain barrels, a type of green infrastructure, capture rainwater from your roof and save for when you need it. By keeping this water out of the sewer system, it can help reduce sewer overflows and flooding. Rain barrels are now available for $21.50 for residents while supplies last. Residents 65 and over receive an additional discounted price of $10.75. Limit 2 discounted rain barrels per household. Order at mwrd.org.

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Small Business Improvement Fund Opening in Hermosa

Hey Hermosa, the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) opens for applications in October in the Pulaski Corridor TIF district. The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) provides grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs across the city.

Program participants can receive grants to cover between 30 percent and 90 percent of the cost of remodeling work, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grant, which is administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf, does not have to be repaid.

Apply at chicago.gov/sbif by Oct. 31st.

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Filming Notice: Kimball Ave

ArtClass LLC will be filming a commercial in your neighborhood on Thursday, October 26th and Friday, October 27th. In order to park the necessary vehicles and equipment for filming, the following streets will be posted NO PARKING / TOW ZONE from: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM on October 26th and October 27th, 2023:

East side of N. Kimball Ave from Bloomingdale Ave to W. Wabansia Ave.

Please be mindful of the NO PARKING / TOW ZONE signs posted on these blocks. For questions, contact the Production Supervisor, Shannon Leahy, at 630-379-6180.

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Senior Only DMV Centers

The Secretary of State has launched two “Senior Only” walk-in centers in the Chicago area. The two locations include the Evanston Civic Center, 2100 N. Ridge Road in Evanston and Seat Geek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave. in Bridgeview. Seniors at these locations will not need appointments, as these walk-in centers are specifically designed to meet their needs.

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Public Safety Meetings

25th Police District

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Picnic Permits Opening Day

Forest Preserve picnic permits will be going on sale starting November 15th online and November 16th in person. Refer to the flyer above for additional information on locations.

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Get Involved

CDOT Electric Vehicles Survey

CDOT is launching a survey to better understand the level of knowledge residents have about Electric Vehicles and e-mobility devices like electric bikes and scooters, their mobility needs, and how those factors will impact EV charging demand over the next decade. CDOT will host the first of several community meetings on Tuesday, November 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Olive-Harvey College, with more dates to follow. Residents are encouraged to take the online survey and view additional meeting times at the newly launched project website: chicago.gov/chicagomoveselectric.

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O'hare Concessions Symposium

Want your business in front of thousands of people daily? Find out what it takes to set up shop at O'Hare at the ORD Concessions Symposium. Prime concessionaires and city leaders will be on hand to guide you. Learn more: http://flychicago.com/ORDsymposium.

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Mentor Youth with iMentor Chicago

iMentor Chicago is hosting two Fast Track to Mentoring Events on October 28th and November 4th. This offers a fantastic opportunity for new participants to complete all the necessary steps to become a mentor in just one hour. Could you please include this opportunity in the upcoming newsletter under the heading "Fast Track to Mentoring"? Click here to register and learn more.

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Restore the Bathroom in Humboldt Park

Neighbors in the 26th Ward have put together a petition on Change.org that urges park district officials to restore the restrooms in Humboldt Park. Sign click here to sign the petition if you support this effort.

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Job Opportunities

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Citywide Hiring Fair

Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor is hosting a citywide hiring fair on Saturday October 21st and Saturday October 28th at the City Colleges of Chicago. Scan the codes above to register as a volunteer, as an attendee, and as a business.

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Lifeguard Explorers Training Program

The Chicago Park District is committed to identifying and training swimmers from around the city through their Lifeguards Explorer Program. They will teach you the required skills and provide supervised practice time needed to successfully pass the lifeguard skills test, and become eligible to be hired as a Chicago Park District Lifeguard.
Open to all 15-22 year olds. Click here to learn more.

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Vargas Group Hiring

Vargas Group is hiring for workers at O'Hare Airport. Notably, they are willing to hire immigrants pending work permits. Starting pay $16.80 and they will get a raise on November 1, 2023. Learn more at wwww.vargasgroupinc.com.

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Other Career Opportunities

The Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) has recently posted a total of 128 Spanish Speaking Positions. Please visit the Work 4 Illinois website at http://dcfsjobs.illinois.gov/ to view current postings for DCFS.
O’Hare airport is hiring for for Custodian work. Click here to read the full job description and apply.
The Chicago Department of Aviation is hiring for an Aviations Communications Operator. Click here to read the full job description and apply.
The Chicago Department of Transportation has opened up bids for 3 Machinist positions starting at $55.74/hour. Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid. Click here to apply.

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Additional Resources

New Program Connects Landlords and Vacant Apartments To Folks In Need

Chicago Rents is a program that connects landlords to tenants through multiple housing subsidy programs, allowing property partners to receive guaranteed rent, fill vacant units, and access individualized support. Chicago Rents is a program that was created in response to COVID-19 to centralize property partner relationships across multiple housing programs. Through Chicago Rents, property partners are connected with Chicagoans in need of housing, filling unit vacancies and making a real difference in Chicago's neighborhoods. For additional information, please visit: allchicago.org/chicagorents.

If you are a landlord interested in joining the Chicago Rents program, you can click here to apply.

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Reproductive Justice

If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this Department of Public Health resource page to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options.