Newsletters

We are humbled and honored to serve the 30th Ward, and we remain committed to engaging with and listening to each of you. Your input and involvement are invaluable as we continue to work towards a greater neighborhood.

I want to share my gratitude for the privilege of serving each and every one of you. Together, we've embarked on a transformative journey of progress and unity, achieving remarkable milestones that have enriched our neighborhood.

Happy Spring to our 30th Ward Neighbors! It's been wonderful seeing so many friends out and about in the neighborhood. A big shout out to everyone who shared their spring flowers on our Facebook Page!

In this newsletter, you will read about all the great things we have been up to, from enhancing accessibility for our residents through Satellite Ward Services to hosting different departments, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which was offering VA services to our Veterans in the ward and providing comprehensive support. Cook County Commissioner Anthony Quezada was also in our office assisting residents in understanding their property tax bills and helping property owners file for tax exemptions and certificates of errors.

Happy New Year! As we step into January, we are delighted to bring you the latest updates and happenings from our community. Your continued support is invaluable, and I’m excited to share the stories, events, and news that make the 30th Ward vibrant. Wishing you a year filled with joy, connection, and positive moments.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve witnessed the true essence of our community values through heartwarming events like turkey giveaways, community luncheons, and dinners. These acts of kindness aren’t just seasonal; they resonate throughout the year.

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Our recent meeting with the Department of Transportation (CDOT), Water Department (DWM), and People’s Gas highlighted ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects to the Ward. Team Cruz has been hard at work, participating in community cleanups and outreach efforts. If your neighborhood is planning a community clean-up or if there are ways we can better serve you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

In this edition of our newsletter, dive into the latest updates on our office activities, ongoing enhancements in the ward, and a curated list of free, fun events and captivating winter programs suitable for all ages. Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit and join us for the festivities ahead!

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In this week’s newsletter, you'll discover the latest updates on our activities, ongoing improvements and cleanup initiatives in our ward. Exciting events, and loads of engaging fall programs for all ages.

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As many of you know, we have officially started the first ever Participatory Budgeting program in 30th Ward history! We are one of only a few Aldermanic offices that do this in the whole city, so this is an exciting and unique opportunity.

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We are having a party to celebrate our first year serving the residents of the 30th Ward - and we would love for you to join us!

We will be gathering at Lorca Elementary from 5-7 on Wednesday, May 29th. Space is limited, please RSVP using this link: bit.ly/30th1year

Safety, cleanliness, and support are our top priorities. If you're interested in volunteering at the shelter, please email katherine.schafer@cityofchicago.org.

We are also proud to welcome a new member of our team! Justin Heath has experience across the city, especially on the Northwest Side. He will come in and focus on Zoning, Policy, and constituent services, like our whole staff!

Thank you to everyone who visited us in the office this week! You are what makes us love our jobs!

We’ve heard your feedback and are addressing your concerns with the upcoming events, focusing on community safety, property taxes, and services for Veterans.

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I am writing today to let you know about several events happening next week. The team and I have been out in the community, distributing flyers and talking to residents about what we have planned for January. However, our team is small and the 30th Ward is large. We want to make sure everyone knows about the upcoming events - so share with your neighbors, share with your friends, and as always, call our office if you have any questions.

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I am reaching out to share important information about an upcoming community meeting hosted by the City to discuss the establishment of a temporary shelter in the 30th ward for our new arrivals.

So please, if you have not done so already, don’t miss your chance to vote on how $500,000 can be spent on ward improvements and projects submitted by 30th ward residents!

In this edition of our newsletter, dive into the latest updates on our office activities, ongoing enhancements in the ward, and a curated list of free, fun events and captivating winter programs suitable for all ages. Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit and join us for the festivities ahead!

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I wanted to inform you that there has been an extension to apply for federal disaster relief for those of you impacted by the flooding from June 29th - July 2nd.

Below you’ll find updates on the Participatory Budget town halls I hosted across the ward, as well as events and work my team and I have been up to. Read on a bit further and you’ll find opportunities for upcoming fall programs and events to mark on your calendars that you won’t want to miss!

Over the past year, we've enjoyed bringing numerous exciting events and initiatives to our community. From our participatory budget program and the community zoning committee to our popular Bingo events, we've worked diligently to make our Ward a better place for everyone. We're also proud to have addressed over 24,000 311 requests, ensuring our community's needs are met promptly and effectively.

Join us for a series of Earth Month events aimed at promoting sustainability and green living. From Clean and Green initiatives to birdwatching in Riis Park, tree plantings, and registering native plants, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with nature and make a positive impact on our environment.

In this newsletter, you will read about all the great things we have been up to, from enhancing accessibility for our residents through Satellite Ward Services to hosting different departments, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which was offering VA services to our Veterans in the ward and providing comprehensive support.

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As winter approaches, you may want to consider resources like CEDA’s LIHEAP for energy assistance or the Department of Housing’s Emergency Heating Repair Program for furnace support.

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As the year comes to an end we’ve had much to reflect on and so much to be thankful for. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve my community and the City of Chicago.

My first eight months of serving the 30th Ward have been full of learning and engagement through community meetings, participatory budgeting, and outstanding constituent services. I couldn’t have done any of it without such engaged passionate residents and staff.

As we head into 2024, I am excited to see what the year will bring for the new 30th Ward!

Thank you to all who have voted so far. It has now been 1 full week of voting.

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Back in September when my office hosted 3 town halls across the ward, we wanted to give folks a lot of opportunities to engage with the PB process. This included selecting 10 categories to generate and focus ideas on and the creation of a volunteer-led PB Committee (comprised of residents throughout the ward for equity and transparency). We also wanted residents to vote for how much of the $1,000,000 would go towards streets and alley repaving.

In this week’s newsletter, you'll discover the latest updates on our activities, ongoing improvements and cleanup initiatives in our ward. Exciting events, and loads of engaging fall programs for all ages.

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In this week’s newsletter you’ll find updates on what I’ve been up to, work my staff is doing out in the community, improvements and cleanups in the ward, job opportunities, fall programs and events to mark on your calendars.

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