Water and Sewer Project Updates Grace Street Water Main Replacement Kilpatrick Avenue Sewer Project Sewer System Maintenance St. Louis Avenue Water and Sewer Project Grace Street Water Main Replacement Updated June 12, 2026 Pipe installation along Grace Street and Lawndale is complete. The contractor will finalize pipe disinfection next week. After the pipe has been successfully disinfected the lead water service line replacements will commence. We anticipate service line replacements to begin the week of June 22. 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. Kilpatrick Avenue Sewer Project Updated June 18, 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: W Waveland will be closed to traffic from N Cicero Ave to Kilpatrick Ave. No Parking signs have been posted on all Waveland Ave from Cicero to Kenton Ave. Also, Kilpatrick will be closed for south bound traffic from Warwick to Waveland. The street will be opened to traffic once the work on Kilpatrick and Waveland intersection is completed, which is anticipated to be done by July 1, 2026. Crew passed the flyers to the residents. W Cornelia Ave will be shut down from N Kolmar Ave to N Kenton Ave throughout the project completion. No Parking signs have been posted. Resident parking information Overnight parking at the parking lot at W Waveland Ave and N Cicero Ave will continue to be available for residents through July 10, 2026. Residents must display a parking permit to park overnight. If you need a permit, you may pick one up at the 30th Ward Office during regular business hours. Schedule: 6/29/26 – 7/3/26: Water shutoff notice As part of the sewer installation at the Kilpatrick Avenue and Waveland Avenue intersection, the Department of Water Management (DWM) anticipates a water shutoff for nearby residents while crews work to cross beneath the existing water main. The shutoff is expected to occur sometime between Monday, June 29, and Wednesday, July 1, during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The exact day and time cannot be determined in advance, as they will depend on construction progress. DWM plans to redistribute notices to affected residents when the water shutoff is approaching. Crew S03 DWM crew will continue excavation and installation of 42” diameter reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) moving north on N Kilpatrick Ave towards Waveland Ave. Will drop a manhole at Waveland intersection and connect it to 30” existing sewer on north. There will be a cut and cap of 6” water main at the intersection, the residents will be notified about the water shut down. Crew S06 Catch basins will be installed on W Cornelia Ave Completed 6/22/26 – 6/26/26: Crew S03 DWM In-House Sewer Crew installed 42” diameter RCP on N Kilpatrick Ave between Patterson Ave to close to Waveland Ave. Dropped a manhole at the alley between Patterson and Waveland Ave. Installed 42” diameter RCP moving further north of the manhole on N Kilpatrick Ave. Crew S06 DWM In-House Sewer Crew installed 24” diameter RCP including a manhole on W Cornelia Ave from N Kolmar Ave to N Kenton Ave. Main sewer line completed 100%. Mainline Sewer Main Pipe Progress to date: 2,095 of 5,179 linear feet. 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 June 26, 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 main 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. Addison St (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. Bernard St (No Parking signs have been posted). On Tuesday (06/30/26) traffic on N. Elston Ave. will be shifted to the north lanes from Bernard Ave to just North of St. Louis for installing of the source connection at the intersection of N Elston & St. Louis Ave. Completed - 6/22/26 – 6/26/26: DWM continued coordinated installation of new 8” water main and 36” reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) Sewer Main on N. St. Louis Ave between W. Grace St and W. Waveland Ave., reaching close to St. Louis & Waveland intersection. Sewer Schedule - 6/29/26 – 7/2/26: DWM to continue installation of new 36” RCP sewer main on N. St. Louis Ave between W. Grace St and W. Waveland Ave. DWM to install new manhole structure in the intersection of N. St. Louis Ave and W. Waveland Ave. and will most likely begin installing the 24” sewer main on Waveland heading east. Water Schedule - 6/29/26 – 7/2/26: DWM to continue installation of the new 8” water main on N. St. Louis Ave., including installation of source connection at Elston Ave on Tuesday and crossing the intersection of Waveland & St. Louis on Wednesday & Thursday. A scheduled water main shutdown will occur on Tuesday, 06/30/26, at Elston Ave from Bernard St to Drake Ave (south side addresses) AND on St. Louis Ave from Elston Ave. to Grace Ave. for the source connection at the intersection of St. Louis Ave. & Elston Ave. Residents will be notified prior to any temporary service interruption. (shutdown time TBD later) Safety Notice: Residents are encouraged use caution in and around the construction area, as heavy equipment operations and deep excavation work will be in progress during weekday working hours. For everyone’s safety, please avoid entering the work zone and follow all posted traffic control signs and directions. Mainline Sewer Main Pipe Progress TO DATE: 572 of 3,003 linear feet = 19.1 % Mainline Water Main Pipe Progress TO DATE: 860 of 1,008 linear feet = 85.3%

Ruth Cruz 30th Ward Alderwoman Stay connected! Click here to subscribe to the 30th Ward newsletter. CLICK HERE for water and sewer project updates Welcome! Welcome to the website of 30th Ward Alderwoman Ruth Cruz. Find our office information here, learn about city services here, and subscribe here for newsletter updates. (And explore our website further via the menu at the top or the links below.) Not sure if you live in the 30th Ward? Check your address here . Latest News and Information Ald. Cruz: Parking meter sale dead on arrival Approving this deal is “like asking me to vote for canceling Christmas or to eat 100 hot dogs with ketchup. Never gonna happen.” Read Alderwoman Cruz's full statement opposing the proposed sale of the parking meter lease. SNAP / LINK / EBT food assistance benefit rules are changing. Don't lose your benefits - see if you still qualify. Eligibility screening tool SaveOurSNAP.org (general information) Ward night changes in June and July Explore our site About Us Policy & Issues Contact Us City Services Resources Zoning, Planning & Development News & Events Follow us on social media!

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

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 Sale of Parking Meter Dead on Arrival Absent Major Changes Alderwoman Ruth Cruz Jun 12, 2026 Chicago, Illinois—30th Ward Alderwoman Ruth Cruz today issued the following statement announcing her firm opposition to the proposed sale of Chicago parking meter concessionaire Chicago Parking Meters LLC to Stonepeak Partners, absent major changes to the underlying agreement that favor the City and Chicago residents: This proposal is dead on arrival, at least with me. The current owner of the parking meter concession doesn’t want it any more? Tough. Chicagoans are saddled with this bad deal for five more decades, and unlike the owner, we don’t have a private equity fund lined up to solve our problems. Asking me to vote to approve this sale without changes is like asking me to vote for canceling Christmas or to eat 100 hot dogs with ketchup. Never gonna happen. All of us need to come together at this unique moment to demand major changes to the agreement that benefit the City and its residents. The parking meter deal is probably the worst agreement in the history of municipal finance anywhere on Earth. Chicago residents have made clear repeatedly how much they hate it. I am one of them. Why should we make it easy for the owner to unload this lease on a new party that will continue profiting at the expense of City residents and visitors for another 57 years? Investors have already earned back far more than they paid for the lease in the first place, with more than five decades remaining. I intend to use my leverage to get a better deal for Chicagoans. If the owner wants to sell and the buyer wants to buy, they need to come to the table ready to make a deal. Some of my ideas include: Terminating the agreement decades earlier than the current 2084 end date. Reducing the “true-up” payments required from the City when meter revenue does not meet projections. Revenue caps that limit how much the owner can earn in a given year, with excess revenue returned to the City. Allowing removal of a certain number of meters every year and/or removal of meters accounting for a certain revenue total each year, to enable the City to use the removed parking spaces to accommodate street and transit improvements like bike lanes, bus lanes, Complete Streets projects, traffic calming measures, landscaping, wider sidewalks, outdoor dining areas, and other changes. Elimination of the fee for using the mobile application to pay. I also share many of my colleagues’ concerns about the prospective buyer’s investment in companies supporting the federal government’s cruel and harmful immigration enforcement activities, and additional concerns regarding the Johnson Administration’s failure to share adequate information in a timely manner with the Council. Ultimately, however, the reason to reject this sale, absent major improvements, is that it ratifies the terrible deal made in 2008. I am not persuaded by the argument that the Council must approve this sale or face arbitration or lawsuits. First, it is clear from a reading of the ordinance and concession agreement that the Council retains full authority to approve or reject a transfer of ownership and is not restricted in any way by a “reasonableness” standard. Second, we could hardly do worse than the current situation, so the threat of arbitration or lawsuits does not deter me in the least. Previous Next

< Back 300 migrants to be housed at shuttered Catholic church on Northwest Side Chicago Sun-Times Cindy Hernandez Apr 5, 2024 https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2024/04/05/chicago-migrant-crisis-st-bartholomew-shelter-archdiocese-zakat-mayor-brandon-johnson Previous Next

< Back Meeting held about proposed migrant shelter on Northwest Side (WGN) WGN TV - Dec 18, 2023 https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/meeting-held-about-proposed-migrant-shelter-on-northwest-side/ Previous Next

< Back City Animal Shelter Chief’s Appointment Clears Key Committee Despite Pushback Block Club Chicago Quinn Myers Mar 10, 2026 https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/03/10/city-animal-shelter-chiefs-appointment-clears-key-committee-despite-pushback/ Previous Next

30th Ward Team Alderwoman Cruz has a strong team of professionals helping her serve the people of the 30th Ward and the City of Chicago. Katy Schafer Director of Communications Katherine.Schafer@cityofchicago.org Jason Liechty Director of Policy and Zoning Jason.Liechty@cityofchicago.org Miguel Cordero Constituent Services Lead Miguel.Cordero@cityofchicago.org Alba Orizaba Correa Office Manager Alba.OrizabaCorrea@cityofchicago.org Citlally Fonseca Hernandez Scheduler/Constituent Services Manager Citlally.FonsecaHernandez@ cityofchicago.org Barb Beronski Director of Community Outreach Barb.Beronski@cityofchicago.org Dominic Maino Policy and Zoning Lead Dominic.Maino@cityofchicago.org Jazmin Cruz Constituent Services Lead Jazmin.Cruz@cityofchicago.org

< Back Reinberg Elementary School Holds Peace Rally After Loss Of Two Young Students, Online Threat Block Club Chicago Molly DeVore Oct 7, 2024 https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/10/07/portage-park-elementary-school-holds-peace-rally-after-loss-of-two-young-students-online-threat/ Previous Next

< Back Mayor Brandon Johnson’s organizer roots at fore as he courts progressives in budget fight Chicago Tribune Jake Sheridan and Alice Yin Dec 15, 2025 https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/15/mayor-brandon-johnson-organizer-roots-progressives-budget-fight/ But right now, caucus members Aldermen Desmon Yancy, Ruth Cruz, Ronnie Mosley, Andre Vasquez and Matt Martin have all expressed concerns with the overall budget to varying degrees. And the moderate-led council opposition is looking to pounce. Previous Next