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In the News Jun 3, 2026 Woman Killed At Busy NW Side Intersection Where Planned Traffic Light Was Never Installed https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/06/03/woman-killed-at-busy-nw-side-intersection-where-planned-traffic-light-was-never-installed/ Block Club Chicago Alex V. Hernandez Read More May 18, 2026 Will Avondale Finally Get A Public Library? Neighbors Launch Petition Seeking Support https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/05/18/will-avondale-finally-get-a-public-library-neighbors-launch-petition-seeking-support/ Block Club Chicago Ariel Parrella-Aureli Read More May 11, 2026 Committee approves $55M tax break for United Center's 1901 Project as some voice concerns https://abc7chicago.com/post/united-center-chicago-news-city-council-committee-approves-55m-tax-break-1901-project-voice-concerns/19082713/ ABC 7 Chicago Sarah Schulte Read More Mar 18, 2026 Chicago City Council Calls On Congress to Pass Medicare for All https://www.commondreams.org/news/medicare-for-all-bill Common Dreams Jessica Corbett Read More Mar 18, 2026 City Council adopts Alderwoman Cruz's Medicare for All Resolution (scroll to the end) https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/city-council-subminimum-wage-tipped-workers-freeze/ CBS 2 Chicago Todd Feurer, Marissa Perlman, Lauren Victory Read More Mar 18, 2026 Mayor’s Pick To Run Animal Care And Control Gets Council Approval After Compromise https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/03/18/mayors-pick-to-run-animal-care-and-control-gets-council-approval-after-compromise/ Block Club Chicago Melody Mercado Read More Mar 11, 2026 Animal Control director appointment approved by health and human relations committee despite some organizations’ concerns https://www.thedailyline.com/chicago-city-council-health-human-relations-committee-recap-march-2026-animal-control-director-susan-cappello-appointment-approved-despite-group-organization-concerns-alderwoman-ruth-cruz The Daily Line Michael McDevitt Read More Mar 10, 2026 City Animal Shelter Chief’s Appointment Clears Key Committee Despite Pushback https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/03/10/city-animal-shelter-chiefs-appointment-clears-key-committee-despite-pushback/ Block Club Chicago Quinn Myers Read More Mar 10, 2026 Alders advance mayor's pick to run Chicago's animal shelter https://www.audacy.com/wbbm780/news/local/alders-advance-mayors-pick-to-run-chicagos-animal-shelter WBBM Newsradio Geoff Buchholz Read More Mar 10, 2026 Nominee to lead Chicago animal control draws critics and defenders ahead of confirmation vote https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/10/chicago-animal-control-susan-cappello/?share=6n1actaipwswtaw6bgoa Chicago Tribune Jerry Wu Read More Mar 6, 2026 “Bikeway Hearing Parking Lot”: Talking with folks from the massive crowd outside and inside the Portage Park Neighborhood Bike Network meeting https://chi.streetsblog.org/2026/03/06/bikeway-hearing-parking-lot-talking-with-folks-from-the-massive-crowd-outside-and-inside-the-portage-park-neighborhood-bike-network-meeting Streetsblog Chicago John Greenfield Read More Mar 6, 2026 “Bikeway Hearing Parking Lot”: Talking with folks from the massive crowd outside and inside the Portage Park Neighborhood Bike Network meeting https://chi.streetsblog.org/2026/03/06/bikeway-hearing-parking-lot-talking-with-folks-from-the-massive-crowd-outside-and-inside-the-portage-park-neighborhood-bike-network-meeting Streetsblog Chicago John Greenfield Read More Mar 5, 2026 Animal Control Boss Defends Record As Volunteers, Alders Sound Alarm Over Euthanasias, Conditions https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/03/05/animal-control-boss-defends-record-as-volunteers-alders-sound-alarm-over-euthanasias-conditions/ Block Club Chicago Melody Mercado Read More Feb 26, 2026 Mayor Defends City Animal Shelter Leader Amid Pushback From Alderpeople, Advocates https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/26/mayor-defends-city-animal-shelter-leader-amid-pushback-from-alderpeople-advocates/ Block Club Chicago Melody Mercado Read More Feb 26, 2026 VIDEO: Mayor names new head of Animal Care and Control amid shelter backlash: 'Very concerning' https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-1jdag69wxu42s5ky Fox 32 Chicago Read More Feb 25, 2026 Mayor Johnson defends choice to lead city's Animal Care and Control, despite conditions at city-run shelter https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/02/25/mayor-brandon-johnson-animal-care-and-control-susan-cappello Chicago Sun-Times Fran Spielman Read More Feb 20, 2026 City Animal Shelter Needs New Chief Amid ‘Concerning’ Conditions, Alderpeople And Volunteers Say https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/20/city-animal-shelter-needs-new-chief-amid-concerning-conditions-alderpeople-and-volunteers-say/ Block Club Chicago Melody Mercado Read More Dec 19, 2025 Aldermen pass 2026 spending plan including debt sale over opposition from Mayor Brandon Johnson https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/19/aldermen-pass-2026-spending-plan-including-debt-sale-over-mayor-brandon-johnsons-opposition/ Chicago Tribune Alice Yin and Jake Sheridan Read More Dec 17, 2025 Mayor Brandon Johnson enters final budget stretch with diminishing options https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/17/mayor-brandon-johnson-final-budget-stretch-diminishing-options/ Chicago Tribune Alice Yin and Jake Sheridan Read More Dec 17, 2025 Where Does Your Alderperson Stand On ICE? We Checked All 50 https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/17/where-does-your-alderperson-stand-on-ice-we-checked-all-50/ Block Club Chicago Grace Del Vecchio, Jerrel Floyd and Sophia Kalakailo, City Bureau Read More Dec 15, 2025 Mayor Brandon Johnson’s organizer roots at fore as he courts progressives in budget fight https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/15/mayor-brandon-johnson-organizer-roots-progressives-budget-fight/ Chicago Tribune Jake Sheridan and Alice Yin Read More Nov 11, 2025 Stop Sign Installed At Dangerous Northwest Side Intersection After Years Of Complaints https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/11/stop-sign-installed-at-dangerous-northwest-side-intersection-after-years-of-complaints/ Block Club Chicago Molly DeVore Read More Oct 31, 2025 Chicagoland neighbors pull together to grapple with Halloween ICE fears and SNAP cuts https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/31/halloween-chicago-immigration-snap-benefits/ Chicago Tribune Tess Kenny Read More Oct 31, 2025 Feds say immigration blitz continues amid Halloween festivities https://chicago.suntimes.com/public-safety/2025/10/31/feds-say-immigration-blitz-will-continue-amid-halloween-festivities Chicago Sun-Times Anna Savchenko | WBEZ and Mariah Rush Read More Oct 29, 2025 How Chicagoans Are Helping Kids Have A Safe — And ICE-Free — Halloween This Year https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/29/how-chicagoans-are-helping-kids-have-a-safe-and-ice-free-halloween-this-year/ Block Club Chicago Leen Yassine Read More Oct 26, 2025 Northwest Siders confront ICE agents firing tear gas; Halloween parade canceled https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/10/26/northwest-side-ice-arrests-tear-gas Chicago Sun-Times Violet Miller Read More Sep 24, 2025 Chicago cop gets street named in honor of Prairie School architect Dwight Perkins https://chicago.suntimes.com/architecture-design/2025/09/24/chicago-cop-schurz-prairie-school-architect-dwight-perkins-street Chicago Sun-Times Lee Bey Read More Sep 2, 2025 Storytime con Yuyo Podcast - Ruth Cruz Concejala De Distrito 30! Ep. 29 (Youtube) https://youtu.be/gLgwUWH72Ec?si=PnyRbw2dU-JvvCYO Storytimeconyuyo (YouTube) - Read More Aug 29, 2025 Pedestrian Safety Upgrades Along Dangerous Portage Park Stretch An ‘Instant’ Success, Locals Say https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/08/29/pedestrian-safety-upgrades-along-dangerous-portage-park-stretch-an-instant-success-locals-say/ Block Club Chicago Molly DeVore Read More Aug 15, 2025 Grayland Metra Station Back Open After Years Of Construction https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/08/15/grayland-metra-station-back-open-after-years-of-construction/ Block Club Chicago Molly DeVore Read More Jul 29, 2025 New bike route links Belmont Cragin and Portage Park after death of 16-year-old cyclist https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2025/07/29/long-avenue-greenway-joshua-anleu Chicago Sun-Times David Struett Read More Apr 24, 2025 Aldermen spurning Mayor Brandon Johnson’s new budget working group: ‘It points to a larger problem’ https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/04/24/aldermen-mayor-brandon-johnson-new-budget-working-group/?share=cayc0know02ecny4rgwj Chicago Tribune Alice Yin and Jake Sheridan Read More Feb 19, 2025 Today, Alderwoman Ruth Cruz, Alderwoman Jeylu Gutierrez and myself passed an ordinance to make our streets safer and give back more parking spaces to residents across the city! (40th Ward Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1738400030432495 Alderperson Andre Vvasquez, 40th Ward Chicago - Read More Feb 19, 2025 ‘Car Flippers’ Gobbling Up Street Parking Spots Could Face Crackdown https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/19/crackdown-could-be-coming-for-unlicensed-car-sellers-taking-over-public-parking-spots/ Block Club Chicago Alex V. Hernandez Read More Oct 30, 2024 Avondale’s Polish History Honored With Heritage Corridor On Milwaukee Avenue https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/10/30/avondales-polish-history-honored-with-heritage-corridor-on-milwaukee-avenue/ Block Club Chicago Ariel Parrella-Aureli Read More Oct 25, 2024 Federal immigration agents deploy tear gas on Northwest Side streets as Chicagoans bellow, ‘Get out of our city!’ https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/25/chicago-tear-gas-irving-park/ Chicago Tribune Kate Perez, Alice Yin, Gregory Royal Pratt, and Stacey Wescott Read More Oct 7, 2024 Reinberg Elementary School Holds Peace Rally After Loss Of Two Young Students, Online Threat https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/10/07/portage-park-elementary-school-holds-peace-rally-after-loss-of-two-young-students-online-threat/ Block Club Chicago Molly DeVore Read More Sep 18, 2024 Anti-Gentrification Ordinance To Protect Northwest Side Housing OK’d By City Council https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/09/18/anti-gentrification-ordinance-to-protect-northwest-side-housing-okd-by-city-council/ Block Club Chicago Ariel Parrella-Aureli and Melody Mercado Read More Aug 27, 2024 How Should The 30th Ward Spend $1 Million? Portage Park Neighbors Can Submit Ideas https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/08/27/how-should-the-30th-ward-spend-1-million-portage-park-neighbors-can-submit-ideas/ Block Club Chicago Molly DeVore Read More Aug 1, 2024 Creating Opportunities For Chicago’s Youth (WGN) https://wgntv.com/spotlight-chicago/creating-opportunities-for-chicagos-youth/ WGN TV - Read More Jul 17, 2024 Anti-Gentrification Ordinance Could Be Expanded To More Of The Northwest Side And Made Permanent https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/07/17/anti-gentrification-ordinance-could-be-expanded-to-more-of-the-northwest-side-and-made-permanent/ Block Club Chicago Ariel Parrella-Aureli Read More Jul 17, 2024 Northwest Side Alderwoman Calls For Hearing On Metra Construction Delays https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/07/17/northwest-side-alderwoman-calls-for-hearing-on-metra-construction-delays/ Block Club Chicago Molly DeVore Read More Apr 5, 2024 300 migrants to be housed at shuttered Catholic church on Northwest Side https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2024/04/05/chicago-migrant-crisis-st-bartholomew-shelter-archdiocese-zakat-mayor-brandon-johnson Chicago Sun-Times Cindy Hernandez Read More Dec 18, 2023 Meeting held about proposed migrant shelter on Northwest Side (WGN) https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/meeting-held-about-proposed-migrant-shelter-on-northwest-side/ WGN TV - Read More Nov 21, 2023 Josh Anleu Ghost Bike Vigil | Chicago 30th Ward Alder Ruth Cruz (Youtube) https://youtu.be/epNcBqPaSUE?si=cOCN0tT9Ob8jQ9e0 Bike Lane Uprising (YouTube) - Read More Nov 6, 2023 At Vigil For 16-Year-Old Cyclist Josh Anleu, Family Urges Drivers To ‘Do Better’ https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/11/06/at-vigil-for-16-year-old-cyclist-family-urges-drivers-to-be-better/ Block Club Chicago Ariel Parrella-Aureli Read More Jul 31, 2023 Festival Re:SET: organizadores y comunidad discuten la celebración del evento en Belmont Cragin (Univision Youtube) https://youtu.be/JMP-aNJqGNU?si=qnnwBR39DLSBhaA1 N+ Univision Chicago (YouTube) - Read More Jun 8, 2023 Re:SET Music Festival Is In 2 Weeks — And The Park District Won’t Say If The Shows Will Actually Happen https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/06/08/reset-music-festival-is-in-2-weeks-and-the-park-district-still-wont-say-if-the-shows-will-actually-happen/ Block Club Chicago Alex V. Hernandez Read More May 10, 2023 Ruth Cruz Grew Up As A Young Immigrant During The Bulls Dynasty. Now, She’s Leading The 30th Ward https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/05/10/ruth-cruz-grew-up-as-a-young-immigrant-during-the-bulls-dynasty-now-shes-leading-the-30th-ward/ Block Club Chicago Alex V. Hernandez Read More

Statements Jun 12, 2026 Sale of Parking Meter Dead on Arrival Absent Major Changes Read More Dec 20, 2025 Statement on My Vote in Favor of the Council’s Alternative Budget Read More Oct 27, 2025 Special Newsletter - 2026 Budget Read More Oct 25, 2025 Public Statement on ICE Activity in Old Irving Park Read More

< Back Special Newsletter - 2026 Budget Alderwoman Ruth Cruz Oct 27, 2025 Dear 30th Ward residents, Mayor Brandon Johnson presented his 2026 budget proposal for the City on October 16. The administration faces the challenge of addressing an estimated $1.15 billion deficit while maintaining investments in the City’s people and infrastructure. I am reviewing the proposed budget with an eye towards balancing it through strategic adjustments to services and revenue streams to ensure fiscal sustainability. There will be difficult choices ahead, and we may not all agree on every decision. I encourage you to share your feedback throughout this process, as the decisions I make will be guided by community input and aimed at serving the best interests of our neighborhood and city. Overall budget picture Overall, the $16.1 billion spending plan is 3.2% lower than last year’s budget. The proposed budget does not include a property tax increase, nor is there a grocery tax—the state eliminated the tax earlier this year but gave local governments the option to reinstitute it. (Before it was eliminated, the grocery tax contributed approximately $80 million annually to City revenues.) At this point in time, I will be watching three major areas closely: First, the decision to declare a very large TIF surplus of $1 billion. This would result in the loss of $13,452,632 from the fund balance of the Belmont Central TIF district, much of which lies in the 30th Ward, hurting our ability to make infrastructure and other public improvements. Second, reducing the advance pension payment by nearly $118 million. This payment is intended to reduce the City’s enormous pension debt by more than the legally required amount, thereby saving the City even more money in the future. I have serious concerns that reducing this advance payment could lead to credit rating agencies downgrading the City’s debt, increasing our borrowing costs and costing us far more than the $118 million saved. Third: The head tax, a proposed tax on companies with 100 or more employees, at a rate of $21 per month per employee. Funds raised would be devoted to community violence reduction programs and other public safety measures. Pros of the head tax: Could provide additional revenue to help balance the City’s budget. Ensures that big companies pay their fair share. Only about 3% of businesses in the City would be affected. Cons: May send the wrong signal to the business community. Could discourage companies from moving to or expanding in Chicago. This might prompt some businesses to relocate elsewhere. My staff and I will be considering the mayor’s budget proposal thoroughly to assess what parts I can support and which I oppose and will seek to change. The City Council will undoubtedly make many alterations to the mayor’s budget proposal, and I will take an active part in those discussions and negotiations. Highlights of the Mayor’s proposal Item Amount NEW OR EXPANDED TAXES AND FEES: Personal property lease transaction tax increase – Also known as the “ cloud computing tax,” this is a tax on software programs hosted online, like Salesforce. The tax rate will increase from 11% to 14%. $333,200,000 Community safety surcharge, also known as the employee “head tax.” The money will go to new “community safety fund” established for violence reduction. The surcharge will be $21 per month per employee for companies with 100 or more employees (3% of businesses in the city). 100,000,000 Social media amusement and recreation tax (SMART) – This is a tax on social media companies like Facebook and Tiktok. The money will go to a new “protecting care fund” to cover expansion of teams responding to mental health emergencies instead of police. The logic is that these social media companies’ products lead to mental health issues in children as well as adults. The tax will be 50 cents per user in Chicago, after the first 100,000 users. 31,000,000 Ground transportation tax changes – this applies to rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. The existing congestion surcharge zone will be expanded to include the most congested 20% of areas in the city, and the tax will change from a flat rate (which varies by vehicle type and time of day) to 10.25% per ride. 5,400,000 Hemp tax – This is a $2 per unit tax on on hemp-derived products like Delta-8 and THCA. 10,000,000 Enhanced debt plan and Smart Streets expansion. We are seeking more information about what the debt plan is, but Smart Streets is automated enforcement and ticketing of vehicles blocking bus and bike lanes along streets. 47,300,000 Online sports betting tax – This is a tax on 10.25% of gambling companies’ adjusted gaming receipts. 26,200,000 Boat mooring fee increase, from 7% to 23%, for boats moored along City waterways like harbors and marinas. 4,100,000 Vacant building renewal fee, meant to dissuade building owners from leaving their properties vacant. 400,000 OTHER REVENUES: City’s share of tax increment financing (TIF) surplus. The total amount to be declared surplus is $1 billion, but that is apportioned out to the different taxing districts. Chicago Public Schools will receive the largest share, over $500 million. 232,600,000 LOWERED EXPENDITURES: Operational efficiencies. Changes to how departments carry out their duties that reduce operating expenses. 111,900,000 Personnel savings (including hiring freeze). There are exemptions for public safety, revenue generation, legislative, elections, consent decree, information technology, mental health, and litigation savings positions. 100,600,000 Reduction in advance pension payment. For the last few years, the City has been paying more than it is legally required to pay to bring down the total future cost of retirement benefits for City employees. Those retirement funds are currently severely underfunded. This measure would reduce that additional payment, in part because the City is already ahead of where it had planned to be at this point in time, but the City will have more ground to make up in the future. 117,800,000 INCREASED EXPENDITURES: Rapid rehousing program. This will allow for homeless people to be quickly moved off the street and out of parks, etc., into housing. -5,100,000 Note: The budget does not eliminate any of the nearly 1,000 police vacancies, but it does include a cap on police overtime beyond $200 million. Any overtime expenditure over that amount will have to be separately approved by the City Council. We want your opinion! Please take our budget survey (links below) to let us know what you think about the mayor’s proposal and some of the individual items within it. You can also email us at Ward30@cityofchicago.org . English Español Polski Understanding what the community thinks makes me a more effective advocate in the City Council. Upcoming budget town hall I am planning to hold a budget town hall in the coming weeks, most likely a virtual meeting on Zoom. Please stay tuned to our newsletter and social media for details. Attend or watch the budget hearings The hearings held by the Committee on Budget and Government Operations on the 2026 Budget began this week. You can attend in person in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., and watch live sessions or past recordings online on the City Clerk’s website . Tuesday, October 21, beginning at 10 am Office of Budget and Management Department of Finance Office of the Chief Financial Officer Wednesday, October 22, beginning at 9:30 am Department of Transportation Department of Streets and Sanitation Department of Technology and Innovation Thursday, October 23, beginning at 9:30 am Department of Aviation Department of Water Management Department of Fleet and Facility Management Department of Buildings Wednesday, October 29, beginning at noon Office of the Inspector General Department of Procurement Services Department of Environment Thursday, October 30, beginning at 9:30 am Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities Department of Family and Support Services Department of Public Health Chicago Commission on Human Relations Tuesday, November 4, beginning at 9:30 am Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Department of Planning and Development Department of Housing Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Chicago Public Library Wednesday, November 5, beginning at 9:30 am Chicago Police Department Thursday, November 6, beginning at 9:30 am Office of Public Safety Administration Office of Emergency Management and Communications Chicago Fire Department Wednesday, November 12, beginning at 9:30 am Department of Human Resources Board of Ethics Civilian Office for Police Accountability Community Commissioner for Public Safety and Accountability License Appeal Commission Chicago Police Board Thursday, November 13, beginning at 9:30 am City Treasurer City Clerk Department of Administrative Hearings Chicago Board of Elections Chicago Animal Care and Control Department of Law Detailed information about the budget: The budget recommendation documents are available for download on the Office of Budget and Management 2026 Budget webpage : 2026 Budget Overview 2026 Budget At-A-Glance ( Spanish version and Polish version ) 2026 Budget Recommendations Book (large document) And you can read press coverage of the mayor’s budget proposal here: Block Club Chicago Chicago Sun-Times Chicago Tribune Previous Next

< Back Anti-Gentrification Ordinance Could Be Expanded To More Of The Northwest Side And Made Permanent Block Club Chicago Ariel Parrella-Aureli Jul 17, 2024 https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/07/17/anti-gentrification-ordinance-could-be-expanded-to-more-of-the-northwest-side-and-made-permanent/ Previous Next

< Back Northwest Side Alderwoman Calls For Hearing On Metra Construction Delays Block Club Chicago Molly DeVore Jul 17, 2024 https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/07/17/northwest-side-alderwoman-calls-for-hearing-on-metra-construction-delays/ Previous Next

Participatory Budgeting View the winning locations of the 30th Ward 2025-26 Participatory Budget Vote! Participatory budgeting (PB) is an innovative democratic process that allows community members to directly decide how to allocate public funds. Alderwoman Cruz has decided to use PB for three reasons: Community Involvement: 30th Ward residents propose and vote on projects, ensuring that funding addresses local priorities. Transparency: PB allows greater transparency and accountability in how public funds are spent. Empowerment: By providing neighbors a say in budget decisions, PB empowers communities and strengthens civic engagement. Funding for participatory budgeting projects come from the ward's annual "menu" money, which is the $1.5 million provided annually in the City budget to each ward, whose alderperson can decide how to spend this money on infrastructure projects. Funds can only be used for capital projects, not operating costs. Examples include street repaving, lighting, pedestrian safety projects, and sidewalk repairs.

Business Tools Discover a variety of tools, workshops, and opportunities offered by the City of Chicago and the 30th Ward. Stay tuned for upcoming updates and ways to get involved! The Avondale Neighborhood Association invites community members, residents, workers, and visitors to nominate the businesses and individuals who deserve recognition for their contributions to the Avondale community. Complete this form to help nomitate them. 🎉🥳EXCITING NEWS for Belmont Cragin! The Belmont/Central Corridor has been selected for the Neighborhood Retail Activation Program through the Mayor’s Office, BACP, and our office. This initiative will help revitalize our commercial corridor and support 2023 and 2024 storm-impacted areas in Austin, Belmont Cragin, and West Garfield Park. For more information, visit: Chicago.gov/BACPRetail The Portage Park Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a "Get To Know Your New SSA 2 Sole Service Provider" Meet and Greet at El Capitan Coffee & Snacks on Tuesday, March 24th, from 4pm - 6pm for the businesses located within SSA. The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) accepts grant applications each month in various TIF districts across Chicago. Eligible businesses must submit their application during the month-long application window for their TIF district to qualify for funding. To find out if and when SBIF grants are available for your business, search the address on the eligibility page . Workforce Solutions Program The City of Chicago provides financial assistance for job training through the Workforce Solutions program managed by the Department of Planning and Development. The program subsidizes training for incumbent workers and new hires for qualified Chicago businesses. Workforce Solutions reimbursement grants are funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and proceeds from the 2025 Housing and Economic Development Bond. Reimbursement grants up to $250,000 may fund up to 100% of eligible expenses for businesses seeking to train current employees and/or new hires. Grants do not have to be repaid. The program is administered by Employment and Employer Services on behalf of the City of Chicago. BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Entrepreneur Certificate Program is a free program for anyone interested in starting or growing a business in Chicago to gain knowledge across various essential business topics. Since the program launched, more than 1,000 Chicago entrepreneurs and business owners have successfully completed the program. All Program graduates, who meet criteria and are based in Chicagoland, are eligible to apply for: the Entrepreneur Loan Program with BACP’s partner, CIBC Bank USA . college credit with City Colleges of Chicago (CCC). Read more . Check out these resources, created in collaboration with Northwest Side Community Development Corporation. From the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events: Calling all local growers and artisans! 🌿 Be a part of the 2026 Chicago Farmers Markets season — running May through October across the city. We’re looking for passionate producers and creators of handmade and natural goods to join our community of vendors. Showcase your craft, connect with your neighbors, and grow your business! Apply now to secure your spot — the deadline is Friday, January 30! 👉chicagofarmersmarkets.us We’re excited to share that our office is co-hosting the Northwest Side Job Fair on Friday, December 5th, from 10 AM to 1 PM at Kilbourn Park - 3501 N Kilbourn Ave. This event is hosted by State Rep. Will Guzzardi and co-hosted by Ald. Ruth Cruz, State Sen. Graciela Guzman, Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vasquez, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The Job Fair will feature employers from the government, nonprofit, and private sectors, along with community organizations offering interview coaching, résumé help, and CV reviews — all to help folks prepare for new opportunities. If you are an employer or organization interested in tabling, please register here . Thanks for helping us spread the word and connect our community with great opportunities! The Chicago Park District has opened its Notice of Application for new concession opportunities for 2026, which presents a substantial opportunity for small businesses. Key Dates: Application Due Date: Friday, November 21, 2025, at 3:00PM Recommendation of Award: February 2026 Concession operations ready for 2026 concession season: Memorial Day Weekend 2026 Small Business Improvement Grant 📣 Calling All Avondale Business Owners! Do you own or operate a commercial or industrial property in Avondale that needs repair or improvements? You may qualify for a Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant from the City of Chicago. What is it? The SBIF program offers grants to help cover costs for façade repairs, roof repair, doors/windows, signage, and other eligible improvements. It’s meant to help small businesses maintain and enhance their properties. Why apply? Offset repair or upgrade costs Improve curb appeal Increase the safety and value of your property Support long-term business growth How to get started: Visit the official SBIF page to review eligibility, guidelines, and application instructions. Gather required documents (property info, cost estimates, permits, etc.). Complete and submit the application by the deadline. More info & application link: City of Chicago — SBIF

< Back Will Avondale Finally Get A Public Library? Neighbors Launch Petition Seeking Support Block Club Chicago Ariel Parrella-Aureli May 18, 2026 https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/05/18/will-avondale-finally-get-a-public-library-neighbors-launch-petition-seeking-support/ Previous Next

Going Green! Tips from the Youth Committee There are multiple ways to adopt environmentally friendly practices in our every day life. Recycling by Sandra Beltran, Summer 2026 The City manages the recycling collection program for residential buildings with 1 to 4 units, and collection schedules vary depending on your home address. You can check it out here ! If your recycling bin is ever lost, stolen, or damaged, our office is here to help. Call or stop by the ward office to request a replacement, and the City will deliver a new bin directly to your home. A very important part of protecting our environment is knowing what can and cannot be placed in your recycling bin. Recycling the right items helps reduce contamination, improves the efficiency of the recycling process, and ensures more materials can be successfully reused. See examples below: ✅ Glass ✅ Plastic ✅ Paper ✅ Aluminum ✅ Cardboard ✅ Metals/tin ❌ Plastic bags (these can be recycled at grocery stores - look for bins near the entrance) ❌ Clothes ❌ Styrofoam ❌ Electronics ❌ Batteries See video for more examples! *Note: You should throw items individually because plastic bags CANNOT be placed in the recycling bin. Food Scrap Drop-Off by Sandra Beltran, Summer 2026 Green bins are for food scraps and other compostable materials. Composting keeps food waste out of landfills, where it would otherwise produce harmful greenhouse gases like methane. Instead, those food scraps are transformed into nutrient-rich compost that helps enrich soil, supports healthy plant growth, and contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable environment. Find a location here . Holiday Tree Recycling by Sandra Beltran, Summer 2026 Each year after the holidays, Alderwoman Ruth Cruz offers a Holiday Tree Pickup Service to help residents dispose of their natural Christmas trees with ease. Natural Christmas trees can be difficult to dispose of because they are too large for regular recycling collection and are not accepted in curbside compost bins. Through the City of Chicago's annual Holiday Tree Recycling Program, collected trees are chipped into mulch that is made available to residents free of charge while supplies last. As part of this effort, our office coordinates holiday tree pickups for residents who may not be able to transport their trees to a designated drop-off location. Before setting out your tree for pickup or dropping it off at a recycling site, please remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, tree stands, plastic bags, and other decorations. For information about Holiday Tree Recycling locations, program dates, and pickup details, visit the City's Holiday Tree Recycling webpage or contact the 30th Ward Office for assistance. Don’t Let Your Environment Go Down the Drain! by Kevin Rzepka, Summer 2026 Little did you know, keeping some smaller household plumbing items up to date can be vitally important for your environment too! And no, it doesn’t necessarily mean spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on the latest appliances, but rather little things such as replacing old showerheads and leaky faucets, which can drastically decrease the amount of water you use. In fact, according to the World Wildlife Fund and the US EPA, older showerheads can use 2.5 gallons per minute or more while newer, more efficient models use 2 gallons per minute or fewer. Although one might think that those numbers aren’t much far apart, it is estimated that by replacing your showerhead, the average family can save 2,700 gallons of water every year, the amount of electricity needed to power a home for 11 days, and more than $75 in energy and water costs each year! The same goes for your faucet, where even if one leaks at a rate of one drop per second, it can waste more than an estimated 3,000 gallons of water per year. That’s why it’s so important to fix your leaky faucet even if it just drips! More specifically, when using a faucet for water to brush your teeth, turn the tap off when brushing, as you can save as much as 3,000 gallons of water per year. That way, you don’t just save on your water bill, but also save the environment. But what about those expensive appliances I mentioned earlier, like TVs, microwaves, and stereos – how can I help protect the environment without being able to spend money on newer, more efficient models? Oftentimes when we use those appliances, which are all idle electronics, they use energy even when switched off to keep display clocks lit and remote controls working. As a result, even when you think they’re turned off or losing very little electricity, they are still running your electricity bill and impacting the environment! So, what could you do? Well you could switch off power strips, unplug electrical devices when unused, or if possible, go into settings and turn the screensaver/ambient feature off. That way, the power saving feature could kick in and turn off the TV (or other idle electronics) after a period of inactivity. Sometimes, it’s the little things that can make a huge difference, especially when everyone works together. Sustainable Transportation and Reducing Waste by Pavle Bumbic, Summer 2026 Use transportation sustainably. Transportation is a significant contributor to pollution. One way we can help reduce pollution is by using cars more reasonably and increasing our use of greener alternatives, such as biking, walking, and public transportation. Reduce waste . One of the best ways to protect the environment is to reduce our consumption of products such as single-use plastic bottles. Instead, we can switch to reusable stainless-steel bottles. This can help reduce plastic waste and limit our exposure to microplastics, which can negatively affect our health. Our planet is increasingly polluted, and we all have a responsibility to take action to protect it. By making small, sustainable changes in our daily lives, we can help create a cleaner and healthier environment for ourselves and future generations. Donate, Don’t Throw Away by Sandra Beltran , Summer 2026 We encourage everyone to donate unwanted clothing instead of throwing it away. Donating clothes helps reduce waste and gives items a second life with someone who may need or enjoy them. Thrift stores are a great option for giving your gently used clothing a new home. Consider donating to: Salvation Army Savers Thrift Unique Thrift Village Discount Outlet These stores accept clothing donations and place items on their shelves for others to purchase and reuse. Donation boxes are also available in many public locations, making it easy to drop off unwanted clothing and other items. Finally, Give N Receive, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that the 30th Ward has proudly collaborated with on multiple community events and clothing drives. Through these partnerships, clothing and other essential items are provided to residents and community members who need them. Supporting organizations like Give N Receive, Inc., is another great way to keep clothing out of landfills while helping neighbors in need. Before throwing something away, consider one of these options! Organize a Community Clean-Up by 30th Ward Staff , Summer 2026 Want to help make your neighborhood cleaner and greener? Organize a community clean-up with your neighbors, friends, or local organizations! Gathering together to pick up litter, clean public spaces, and care for our neighborhood is a simple way to make a meaningful difference. Every clean-up, big or small, helps create a cleaner, healthier, and more welcoming community.

Water and Sewer Project Updates Kilpatrick Avenue Sewer Project Grace Street Water Main Replacement Austin-Marmora Sewer Project Sewer System Maintenance St. Louis Avenue Water and Sewer Project Kilpatrick Avenue Sewer Project Updated August 14, 2026 The scope of work for this project in its entirety is as follows: N Kilpatrick Av from W Roscoe St to W Addison St N Kilpatrick Av from W Roscoe St to W School St W School St from N Kilpatrick Av to N Keating Av N Kolmar Av from W Roscoe St to W Cornelia Av W Cornelia Av from N Kolmar Av to N Kenton Av N Kilpatrick Av from W Addison St to W Waveland Av W Waveland Av from N Kilpatrick Av to 387’ East W Patterson Av from N Kilpatrick Av to 392’ East W Warwick Av from N Kilpatrick Av to 258’ East W Grace St from N Kilpatrick Av to 267’ West Traffic control: No Parking signs have been posted on W Patterson Ave. W Cornelia Ave is now open to traffic from N Kolmar Ave to N Kenton Ave. W Waveland will be closed to through traffic from N Kilpatrick Ave to Kenton Ave. No Parking signs have been posted on Waveland Ave to Kenton Ave. Schedule: 8/17/26 – 8/21/26: Crew S03 Department of Water Management (DWM) crew will continue installation of new catch basins on W Patterson Ave and N Kilpatrick Ave intersection. The crew will also start installation of 24” diameter reinforced concrete pipe on W Patterson Ave moving east. Completed 8/10/26 – 8/14/26: Crew S03 DWM in-house sewer crew installed new precast catch basins at the W Waveland Ave and N Kilpatrick Ave intersection and the W Patterson Ave and N Kilpatrick Ave intersection and connected them to the sewer main. Mainline Sewer Main Pipe Progress to date: 2,560 of 5,179 linear feet. Grace Street Water Main Replacement Updated July 21, 2026 Pipe installation along Grace Street and Lawndale is complete. Restoration work is scheduled to start once the underground phase is completed, weather permitting. The contractor is planning a shutdown on Wednesday, July 22, for the final connection at the intersection of Grace and Lawndale. No residents are expected to be impacted by the water shutdown. No parking signs will be placed for the duration of the work. Parking Restrictions “No Parking” signs will be posted on both sides of the street during construction hours (7:00 AM – 4:00 PM). Parking will be allowed outside of work hours and on weekends. Traffic and Lane Closures Local traffic may be limited during work hours due to staging of trucking and the movements of other machinery needed to perform the work. One lane will always remain accessible for emergency vehicles. Water Shutdowns There is no water shutdown planned for this week. Water Service Transfers / Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Lead service line replacements will begin once the water main installation is complete. Final Connections and Restoration After all buildings are connected to the new water main, final connections will be made to fully remove the old water main from service. Restoration will follow shortly after. Austin-Marmora Sewer Project Updated August 7, 2026 The Department of Water Management (DWM) has issued work orders to rehabilitate the following existing sewer sections within the 30th Ward: N Austin Ave from W Diversey Ave to 335’ North of W George St N Marmora Ave from W Diversey Ave to W George St. Traffic control: N Austin Ave will be closed to through traffic from W Diversey Ave to W Wellington Ave. No Parking signs have been posted. N Marmora Ave will be closed to through traffic from W Diversey Ave to W George St. No Parking signs have been posted.. Status: In progress DWM in-house main sewer side only: 65.2% completion. N Austin Ave from W Diversey Ave to 335’ North of W George St: Installation of main line sewer completed. Catch basins and lead service line replacement (LSLR) in progress. N Marmora Ave from W Diversey Ave to W George St: nstallation of main line sewer and catch basins in progress. LSLR pending. The DWM in-house sewer crew demobilized on N Austin Ave. The DWM in-house sewer crew mobilized on N Marmora Ave and will keep installing pipes next week on N Marmora Ave, heading north from W Diversey Ave. Restoration work is scheduled to start once the underground phase is completed, weather permitting. Sewer System Maintenance Updated June 26, 2026 The Department of Water Management has issued work orders to rehabilitate the following existing sewer sections within the 30th Ward: N Avondale Ave from 238' Southeast of N Hamlin Ave to W Addison St N Kildare Ave from W Cornelia Ave to W Henderson St N Mcvicker Ave from W Wellington Ave to 330' North of W George St N Mcvicker Ave from W George St to W Wrightwood Ave N Kostner Ave from Alley South of W Roscoe St to 3 Sections (380') N of W School St W Cornelia Ave from N Karlov Ave to Alley (160') West of N Pulaski Rd The Notice to Proceed is June 30, 2026, and the sub-contractor, Inliner Solutions, will have 175 calendar days to complete all work on the subject Sub Order 22a. The completion date will be December 22, 2026. The rehabilitation work includes cleaning the sewers and the installation of CIPP (cure-in-place pipe). The installation of CIPP consists of lining the existing sewers and generally does not require excavation except when repairs are required prior to lining of the sewer main, catch basin lateral connections, catch basin structures or manhole structures. Typical work includes the following: Main sewer cleaning and televising Catch basin (drainage structures on the curbside) cleaning, televising, and lining of the pipe connections to the main sewer Catch basin and sewer manhole structures lining Main sewer lining immediately followed by the reinstatement of house drains services and catch basin pipe connections. The lined sewer will be televised to ensure that the work was done properly. The work is scheduled to begin TBD and is scheduled to be completed by TBD. Please note, the work is performed in staggered stages, therefore crews will not be on site every day for the extended period described. As contractors begin lining the main sewers, residents will be provided with a letter/flyer with notification of the work for each project location. No parking signs will be posted in the immediate area a workday prior to the start of any scheduled work. It will be necessary to close some lanes, but the streets will remain open to traffic. St. Louis Avenue Water and Sewer Project (only a small portion is within the 30th Ward) Updated July 31, 2026 The scope of work for the sewer project in its entirety is as follows: N Hamlin Ave from W Byron St to 271' South N St. Louis Ave from W Grace St to W Waveland Ave W Waveland Ave from N St. Louis Ave to N Central Park Ave W Waveland Ave from N St. Louis Ave to N Kimball Ave N Central Park Ave from W Waveland Ave to 263' North N Drake Ave from W Waveland Ave to 253' North N Christiana Ave from W Elston Ave to 54' South The scope of work for the water project in its entirety is as follows: N. St. Louis Ave from N. Elston Ave to W. Waveland Ave Road Closures / Traffic Control: During working hours, no residential parking/through traffic will be allowed on N. St. Louis Ave between N. Elston Ave and W. Waveland Ave (No Parking Signs have been posted). During working hours, no residential parking/through traffic will be allowed on W. Waveland Ave between N. Drake Ave and N. Kimball (No Parking Signs have been posted). Sewer Schedule - 8/10/26 – 8/14/26: DWM to continue installation of new 24” reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) sewer main eastward on W. Waveland Ave between N. Bernard St and N. Kimball Ave. DWM to install new manhole structure in the intersection of W. Waveland Ave and N. Kimball Ave. DWM to complete the cut and cap on the existing 8” water main in the intersection of W. Waveland Ave and N. Kimball Ave to accommodate sewer installation; the interruption of water service is anticipated to be for a couple of hours – This cut and cap is scheduled to be completed on 8/10/26 (time is TBD) – Crews have notified residents of the water service interruption on Monday (8/10/26). A follow up email will be sent to the ward once the interruption of water service has begun and when the water service has been restored to the residents. DWM to complete the cut and cap reconnection of the existing 8” water main in the intersection of W. Waveland Ave and N. Kimball Ave. Water Schedule - 8/10/26 – 8/14/26: DWM to continue Service transfers from the existing watermain to the new 8” WM. Water service transfer schedule: Monday (8/10/26): 3724 N. St. Louis Ave (LSLR) & 3747 N. St. Louis Ave (LSLR) Tuesday (8/11/26): 3728 N. St. Louis Ave (LSLR) & 3757 N. St. Louis Ave (LSLR) Wednesday (8/12/26): 3725 N. St. Louis Ave (LSLR) Thursday (8/13/26): 3727 N. St. Louis Ave (LSLR) & 3806 N. St. Louis Ave (LSLR) Friday (8/14/26): 3811 N. St. Louis Ave (LSLR) ***PLEASE NOTE: There are no scheduled water main shutdowns scheduled on N. St. Louis for next week. Only the water service to the scheduled addresses will be interrupted on the day of the service transfer.*** Look Ahead (8/10/2026 to 8/18/2026): As DWM continues installation of sewer main towards N. Kimball Ave, a street closure of the intersection will be needed. Beginning on August 10, 2026, DMW will be closing the intersection to all traffic to safely complete the required sewer and watermain work in N. Kimball Ave x W. Waveland Ave. N. Kimball Ave is a bus route, and CTA has been notified of the detour for the buses that will be affected. Detour signs will be posted to notify public transportation where their temporary route will be. Sewer/water work in the intersection of N. Kimball Ave and W. Waveland Ave is expected to be completed by 8/18/2026. Completed - 8/3/26 – 8/7/26: DWM continued lead service line replacement (LSLR) on N. St. Louis Ave between N. Elston Ave and W. Waveland Ave WATER SERVICES COMPLETED: 3710 N. St. Louis Ave 3718 N. St. Louis Ave 3719 N. St. Louis Ave 3723 N. St. Louis Ave 3748 N. St. Louis Ave 3750 N. St. Louis Ave 3758 N. St. Louis Ave DWM continued 24” main sewer installation Eastward on W. Waveland Ave between N. Bernard St and N. Kimball Ave. DWM began catch basin installation on W. Waveland Ave between N. St. Louis Ave and N. Kimball Ave. Mainline Sewer Main Pipe Progress TO DATE: 1,224 of 3,003 linear feet = 40.7% Mainline Water Main Pipe Progress TO DATE: 910 of 1,008 linear feet = 90.3%

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