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There are many great things happening in the 26th Ward. From festivals and skill-building opportunities to infrastructure improvements and new staff, I am proud of the positive changes occurring in our community.
On Tuesday, we will host our 2nd Annual Back to School Bash with the help of many partners. There will be a variety of resources available: haircuts and braiding, dental and vaccine mobile vans, book bags, school supplies, books, and more. Join us for a day of community support and preparation for the upcoming school year. We look forward to seeing you there! Please note that our office will be closed on Tuesday and will reopen on Wednesday, August 14th at 9am. |
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| To better serve our community, we have made some changes to our staff. I am pleased to introduce our new Ward Superintendent, Jorge Velázquez. Jorge brings over 12 years of experience in providing key city services, having worked for CDOT for eight years and Streets and Sanitation for 4.5 years. He served as a Ward Superintendent for 14 months before joining our team. We are grateful Jorge has chosen our ward as his new workplace. Please join us in giving Jorge a warm welcome. |
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Tony Ruiz brings over five years of experience working in aldermanic offices and has been promoted to our Director of Barrio Services. He has already developed a series of guides that have effectively trained our summer interns. Tony is eager to refine our systems to ensure the timely delivery of services to our neighbors. Tony’s dedication and proactive approach toward both constituents and colleagues have significantly enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of our office. |
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We are enthusiastic about our new team members and are committed to addressing the diverse needs of the community. We are still looking for a bilingual Communications Director. If you or someone you know is interested, please send a cover letter and resume to juanita@the26thward.org. Resumes will be accepted until EOD Monday, August 19th. You can find the job description here. |
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We are excited to inform you about upcoming improvements to Greenebaum Park. The soft surface around the playground will be replaced with a new one. This rehab project will begin either this fall or in the spring and is expected to last about a month. |
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We have received several concerns about public wire bins on the parkways being used as personal trash bins. These bins are intended to keep garbage off the sidewalks and streets, and using them for household trash is not permissible. When these cans are filled with household trash, Streets and Sanitation will remove the wire bin. We ask for everyone's cooperation in using personal trash cans in the alley. If you need an additional black garbage cart, please contact our office. |
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On Monday, August 12th, at 6 PM, we’re hosting an important Town Hall at Mozart Elementary to discuss the Northwest Side Housing Preservation Ordinance. This is your chance to learn about a bold new anti-gentrification initiative aimed at preserving and protecting housing affordability in our communities.
Come hear from local leaders, ask questions, and find out how you can get involved. Let’s work together to ensure our neighborhoods remain affordable and accessible for all! |
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I hope to see you there and at our Back to School Bash this Tuesday!
In solidarity, Jessie Fuentes, 26th Ward Alderperson |
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26th Ward Back to School Bash |
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Join us for our Annual Back to School Bash on August 13th from 2 PM to 5 PM! Bring the family for an afternoon filled with fun activities, school supplies giveaways, free haircuts, music, games, and more!
Location: North-Grand High School, 4338 W Wabansia Date: August 13 Time: 2 PM - 5 PM |
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Next week at Mozart Elementary on Monday, August 12th, at 6pm we are hosting a Northwest Side Housing Preservation Ordinance Town Hall.
Join us to learn about our effort to preserve and protect housing affordability in our communities! |
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Our office will be closed for our 2nd Annual Back to School Bash at North Grand High School. Please join us at 4338 W Wabansia. The office will reopen on Wednesday, August 14th at 9am.
The 26th Ward office is located at 2511 W. Division St. Our office's regular hours of operation are as follows: *The office will be closed every day from 1-2pm for lunch* Monday 2 pm - 5 pm* Tuesday 9 am - 5 pm Wednesday 9 am - 5 pm Thursday 9 am - 5 pm Friday 9 am - 5 pm.
*Ward Night: Mondays 5 pm - 7 pm |
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Ward Nights are an opportunity to meet with Alderperson Fuentes about local or city issues. Meetings take place every Monday between 5pm - 7pm, are by appointment only, and available on a first come, first served basis. If you would 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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Youth ages 14-21 are encouraged to apply to be part of the 26th Ward Youth Council! Be part of the participatory budgeting process and help guide me in determining legislative goals. Apply at bit.ly/youth26. |
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Museum Pass: Constituent Education Resource Card |
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We are excited to partner with Museums in the Park this year to provide the 26th Ward with a Constituent Education Resource Card! This card grants the cardholder and three additional guests with general admission to a number of different museums in Chicago. In order to obtain the card, please visit our office to follow the check out procedure. Please note that there is only one card within the ward so it is important to return the card after your museum visit. The program is valid until December 31, 2024. Request the Constituent Education Resource Card here. |
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NEW TO OUR SITE: Upcoming CDOT Projects |
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Join the Call for a New Non-Congregate Shelter in Humboldt Park! |
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As the Alderperson of the 26th Ward, I believe it is imperative that we seek compassionate solutions for the issues that affect all residents of the 26th Ward, including our unhoused neighbors in Humboldt Park. Non-congregate shelters offer safer, more dignified living conditions than congregate shelters by providing individual rooms that grant privacy and autonomy to individuals experiencing homelessness. By establishing a non-congregate shelter in Humboldt Park, we can address immediate needs while working towards long-term solutions for affordable housing and housing stability. By supporting this community initiative, we can work towards ensuring that all residents have access to safe shelter. Join me by adding your name to this petition if you want the City of Chicago to invest in a non-congregate shelter in Humboldt Park. SIGN THE PETITION |
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Street Sweeping Map & Schedule |
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The 26th Ward community-driven zoning process requires that anyone requesting a zoning change must first complete a zoning intake form. Once their intake form has been reviewed they are 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. |
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We are currently reviewing zoning change requests for the following properties. You are invited to provide feedback at: the26thward.org/zoning. |
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You are invited to attend a public meeting regarding zoning changes requested at 1750 N. Springfield Ave and 1748-1756 North Harding with the goal of opening a proposed Community Health Center.
This meeting is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and ask questions so that community input is centered in decision-making. Scan this QR code to RSVP or go to bit.ly/meet1750.
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Roberto Clemente Community Academy Orientation |
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Roberto Clemente Community Academy's Student Orientation is coming up! Freshmen: August 21 at 9am Sophomores: August 22 at 9am Juniors: August 22 at 12pm Seniors: August 21 at 12pm Make sure to bring your shot records, summer school grades, proof of address, and updated contact information |
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Lloyd Elementary Back to School Picnic |
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Join Lloyd Elementary's Back to School Picnic on August 22 from 1-3pm. Meet your teachers and enjoy snacks, resources, and more. |
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Chicago Youth Centers is Now Enrolling |
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Are you looking for a Head Start and/or Early Head Start child program? Look no further as Chicago Youth Centers has launched their enrollment application! To enrolled your children please click here. |
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Bandera a Bandera Salsa Competition |
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“La Havana Madrid” at Millenium Park |
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Grab your blankets, your picnic baskets, your titis and abuelitos and join us at Millennium Park on Friday, August 23rd for the return of the smash hit musical play and love letter to Chicago, La Havana Madrid, as part of the Millennium Park Residency Program and the Park’s 20th Anniversary Summer Season. Admission is FREE, and there’s plenty of room for everyone!
Starting at 5:30PM, DJ Julio Bishop will spin classic salsa music to get the party started. Then La Havana Madrid begins at 6:30PM. Bring your dancing shoes! |
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2nd Annual Homelessness Awareness Festival |
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El Corillo Original de Humboldt Park |
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El Corillo Original de Humboldt Park is playing every Sunday throughout the summer. Free to all! To donate, contact Ellie at 312-597-5188. |
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Big Brothers Big Sister's Humboldt Park Link Up |
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Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters and the exciting new developments that are happening in Humboldt Park. This event will also be an evening where many can get together and collaborate with one another and learn about the impacts that organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters can have. Register to attend here. |
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Join in on a spectacular weekend! Chicago's Only Sangria Festival is bringing together the art of Sangria paired with Latin Cuisine! The two-day event will feature a sensational panel of Restaurants, Chefs, Bartenders/Mixologists hand crafting a variety of flavors. Sip, eat, and dance in the Park while experiencing multi-cultural live music of flamenco and samba entertainment that will take you on an Passport Jounrey. Tickets on sale now at sangriafestivalchicago.com |
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Hispanic Heritage Celebration at San Lucas Church |
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On Friday, September 6, San Lucas Church will host Hispanic Heritage Celebration. The event for all will feature haircuts, music, food, community information, wellness on wheels, and more. |
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National Rally for Recovery Hosted in Chicago |
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Join the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) and Division of Mental Health (DMH) in support of National Recovery Month 2024. Chicago has been chosen to host the National Recovery Hub event on September 21st, 2024, at UIC Credit Union 1 Arena. We want your help to spread the word that recovery is for everyone. Register here. |
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Small Business Improvement Fund Opens! |
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Hey #HumboldtPark: The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) opens for applications in September in the Division/Homan TIF and Humboldt Park Commercial TIF districts. Apply at chicago.gov/sbif by Sept. 30, and register for an informational webinar at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4 bit.ly/sept24sbif. |
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Special Concession Opportunity with the Chicago Park District |
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The Chicago Park District has opened its Notice of Application for a Special Concession Opportunity for 2025, which presents substantial opportunity for small businesses.
RSVP here to attend a Pre-submittal meeting (VIRTUAL) Tuesday, August 20, 2024. |
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Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program |
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The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is accepting applications for their 2024 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program. This program is designed to provide crucial financial assistance to Chicago residents who are pursuing post-secondary education and vocational training during the fall semester of 2024, with specific minimum income requirements for eligibility.
DFSS will host webinars on August 12th and August 19th at 10 a.m. To register for a webinar, applicants must email their preferred date and time to DFSScsbgscholarship@cityofchicago.org. Applications must be submitted via the web-based CSBG Scholarship Application Platform by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024. |
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La Estancia Apartments Waitlist is Open! |
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CDL Classes at Wright College |
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If you or someone you know is interested in CDL classes, Wright College at Humboldt Park is hosting a CDL Permit Workshop. Please share this information widely. For more details, visit the following page CDL Permit Workshop. |
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Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund |
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The Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund (ESVF) provides economic relief to victims and survivors of gunshot wounds and homicides. ESVF has now expanded to 15 priority communities with the highest levels of violence.
Who qualifies?
•Victims or family members of victims who have suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds or homicide in the calendar year
•The incident occurred in one of the 15 communities listed
•Victim is a resident of one of the 15 communities who was victimized within the City of Chicago
•Families of people 24 years of age or younger who have been victims of homicide in the City of Chicago
•Victims and applicants must have proof of residency in the City of Chicago
You must work with a victim advocate from one of the funded delegate organizations that administers the program. See chicago.gov/ESVF for the complete list of funded organizations. |
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Trees provide numerous health benefits and can help our communities be more resilient to the impact of climate events and reduce greenhouse gasses, one of the leading causes of climate change. Request a free parkway tree by calling 3-1-1, on the mobile CHI311 app, or by visiting www.311.chicago.gov/s/article/Tree-planting |
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Free Classes at Humboldt Park Library |
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Maternity BVM offers a 26th Ward Scholarship for available specifically for students entering Kindergarten through 6th grade and transfering from charter or public schools or homeschooling. |
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The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has introduced a new and improved interactive calendar, which you can click here to access. One of the key features of this calendar is the inclusion of the yearly meeting calendar for both the Commission for Public Safety and your Local District Councils. By simply visiting this website, you can find the dates, times, and locations of all scheduled meetings. 14th Police District Council Join elected District Councilors every first Saturday of the month at 1pm to work for better police accountability, restorative justice, and evidence based approaches to public safety. Please sign up at bit.ly/do14news for Councilor David Orlikoff's newsletter or email David.Orlikoff@cityofchicago.org with questions. |
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Career Opportunities with the City |
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| If you need assistance with a city service, let us know! You can submit your request through our website, by giving us a call, or submitting a request directly to 311.chicago.gov. Our team is here to provide the support you need and ensure our community thrives. |
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