In this newsletter
26th Ward Office Updates • Community Events • Public Notices • Ways to get Involved • Job Opportunities • Resources.
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Dear Neighbors,
Last Wednesday, Mayor Brandon Johnson released his 2024 Chicago City Budget. In his first budget, Mayor Johnson is making a point to address inequities while not balancing our deficit on the backs of working-class families. He is committing to his campaign promises of not raising property taxes and also increasing funding for youth employment. For the next two weeks, City Council is attending budget hearings to dive deeper and ask hard questions, and I want to share some key investments in the budget that I feel aligned with.
Public Safety Strategies: The mayor diversified the city’s public safety strategies in addition to creating the first ever Office of Community Safety within the Mayor’s Office. The investment includes over $100 million for anti-violence programming; restorative justice, re-entry work; domestic violence and gender-based violence prevention and intervention; and the City’s Community Safety Coordination Center. The budget also increases the number of detectives as well as CPD civilian positions, freeing up officers to do law enforcement work that they are uniquely trained to do.
Housing: The budget makes a $250 million investment in homelessness support as well as support for the city’s shelter network. This budget also invests $10 million to support low-income homeowners in need of critical repairs as well as funding for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities Home Modification Program to make residents' homes more accessible.
Labor: This budget invests over $76 million towards youth jobs and programming to ensure that youth have employment opportunities available year-round. The budget also invests resources within the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and the Office of Labor Standards to ensure they have what they need to defend and serve all workers.
Overall, the budget makes key investments to improve the lives of Chicagoans as well as maintains the City’s commitment to financial responsibility without relying on one-time revenues. This budget reaffirms the Mayor’s commitment toward a better, stronger, safer Chicago.
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As a former educator, visiting North-Grand High School and engaging with the Civics classes was a highlight of the beginning of the month. Scholars asked really poignant questions, ranging from why I choose to run for Alderperson to how being a member of the LGBTQ+ community impacts my career to what advice I have for the younger generation. I felt like I was able to truly connect with each and every student. Shout out to Civics teacher Joann Lugardo who arranged for my visit, and thank you to all of the young people who put so much thought into preparing questions. I am excited to see who participates in the 26th Ward Youth Council!
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My office hosted our first Senior Wellness Fair at the Humboldt Park Fieldhouse on Friday. Over 100 seniors attended the fair where a range of services and resources were provided including healthcare, legal aid on power of attorney and power of medical decisions, vaccination opportunities and wellness activities. It's important to acknowledge and thank our partners and sponsors, including Senator Aquino, Representative Jiménez, Commissioner Quezada, Humana, and Jems Insurance Group, for their support in making the event possible. A special thank you to the organizations that made it possible and always say presente when needed. Events like these play a crucial role in promoting the health and well-being of the senior community, and the dedication of those involved is greatly appreciated.
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A small but mighty group attended a fishing derby in Wilmington, Il at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie over the weekend. Despite the rainy and chilly weather, the group had a great time. Congratulations to Eliot for catching a 19.5" catfish and to Ethan for catching a 5.75" blue gill, earning prizes for the largest and smallest fish. The partnership with the USDA's Forest Service made the event even more special. We are grateful for this partnership and are looking forward to more events in the future. Fishing derbies like this can be a fun way to connect with nature and the community while enjoying the great outdoors.
Lastly, on Friday City Council members held a conversation in regard to the ongoing, heartbreaking conflict in the Middle East, where I condemned the violence of Hamas. If we are going to condemn violence, we must condemn it all around and live in a world where we are pleading for and facilitating a conversation for peace. I stand with the people of Israel, the innocent people who are impacted, not the government that seeks to ensue a genocide. I will always be someone who seeks to protect our Jewish siblings, I will also fight with my Palestinian siblings for the freedom of Palestinians. We can believe in and do both. As I condemn the violence that was inflicted in Israel, I condemn settler colonialism, occupation, forced eviction, and the operation of the largest airborne prison in Gaza. I condemn the killing of an innocent 6 year old Palestinian boy in Plainfield. I condemn the bombing of the hospital in Gaza that happened yesterday and killed over 500 innocent Palestinian including children. As mentioned in our press conference today, I ask for critical journalism that humanizes our Palestinian siblings, and I implore our Illinois delegation to urge President Biden to demand a ceasefire.
I want to remind you that my office is committed to serving every resident and meeting them where they are. If you would like to set up an appointment, please send an email to info@the26thward.org to get signed up for our Ward Nights. Share our newsletter with a friend and ask them to sign up for our weekly updates and news at www.the26thward.org.
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Your 26th Ward Alderperson,
Jessie Fuentes
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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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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
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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
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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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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 Thursday, October 19th from 4:30pm to 6pm.
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Winter Supplies Needed for Asylum Seekers
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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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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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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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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
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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 first 8th District Community Meeting in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood today, Wednesday, October 18th at 5:30pm at Blackhawk Park (2318 N Lavergne Ave).
Join for some light refreshments and a bilingual presentation (English/Spanish) on Cook County, office operations, and available resources.
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Bikerdike and the C.U.B. are hosting a Community Solar Workshop on Thursday, October 19th from 5:30pm to 7pm at the Lucy Gonzalez Parson Apartments (2614 N Emmett St). Learn abou free programs designed to save money and energy, how to reduce your carbon footprint, and how to take advantage of solar power without solar panels. Click here to register.
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Affordable Housing Workshops
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Now is your chance to apply for affordable housing! Attend a workshop to discover CHA's housing options in vibrant, thriving communities. Get hands-on help to apply for your new home. These workshops inform attendees on various CHA waitlist, the difference between public housing, income based housing, eligibility requirements, application processes and maintenance of eligibility. For more dates and times and locations across the City of Chicago, scan the QR Code or visit www.sc4housing.org.
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Just Cause For Eviction Meeting
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Just Cause for Eviction is having an meeting on Wednesday, October 25th where members of the public are invited to learn more about tenant organizing. Tenants and renters interested in learning about tenants unions and ongoing housing justice campaigns are encouraged to attend. Register at tinyurl.com/JustCauseOct25.
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New Life Center Fall Fest
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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
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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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Sign Up For Street Sweeping Reminders
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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
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The office of State Representative Lilian Jimenez will be postponing Mobile Office Hours with Ald. Fuentes starting now 10/16/23 and will return10/31/23 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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Cook County Board of Appeals
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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
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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
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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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Raise Your Hand's parent leaders meeting are back! They will meet at Roberto Clemente HS in the Parent University Room. Join for a conversation about LSC elections, the Elected Representative School Board, and State funding for public schools. Childcare and dinner will be provided. All CPS parents and their families are welcomed to attend. Register at bit.ly/OctoberMeet.
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Parent University Open House
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Parent University is hosting an Open House where you can get direct access to their free programs including programs to learn basic computer skills, obtain your GED, and/or learn English as a Second Language. Register at https://bit.ly/Clemente_Nutrition.
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12th Police District Council Community Meeting
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Humboldt Park Advisory Council Survey
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The Humboldt Park Advisory Council wants your help to understand what is important to you by completing this very short survey! Please contact info@humboltparkadvisorycouncil.org with any questions.
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Picnic Permits Opening Day
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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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CEREBRO (Cognitive Enhancement and Risk-reduction through Exercise for Brain-Related Outcomes) is a research study at the University of Illinois Chicago that examines how virtual dance and exercise programs can affect the health of Latinos.
You may be eligible if you:
● Identify as Latino/Hispanic
● Are 65 years of age or older
● Participate in little or no exercise
● Experience memory or cognition concerns
● Can speak Spanish
● Have access to a tablet or computer with internet access
Please contact Jocelyn Ocampo at (312) 413-0087 or jocamp20@uic.edu or the Principal Investigator Dr. David Marquez at (312) 996-1209 or marquezd@uic.edu if you are interested and/or have any questions. Eligible participants will be compensated for their time.
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Mentor Youth with iMentor Chicago
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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
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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
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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 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
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New Program Connects Landlords and Vacant Apartments To Folks In Need
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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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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.
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