< 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 Ruth Cruz Grew Up As A Young Immigrant During The Bulls Dynasty. Now, She’s Leading The 30th Ward Block Club Chicago Alex V. Hernandez May 10, 2023 https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/05/10/ruth-cruz-grew-up-as-a-young-immigrant-during-the-bulls-dynasty-now-shes-leading-the-30th-ward/ Previous Next

2026 CAPS Meeting Schedule Look up your beat meeting location here .

Alderwoman Ruth Cruz Ruth Cruz has served as Alderwoman of the 30th Ward since May 2023, proudly representing portions of the Belmont Cragin, Portage Park, Dunning, Avondale, and Irving Park communities. Born in Mexico and raised on the northwest side of Chicago from the age of seven, she is deeply rooted in the city that welcomed her. She is also a proud mother, a role that continues to shape her commitment to building safer, stronger communities for the next generation. A proud graduate of Carl Schurz High School, she later attended Roosevelt University, earning both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in management. Prior to her election, Alderwoman Cruz served as a director of college admissions at Robert Morris University and Roosevelt University, where she focused on coaching and developing talent, helping individuals grow into leadership roles and achieve their professional goals. She was also actively engaged in public service through her volunteer work with the 30th Ward Office, the County Restorative Justice Court in Avondale, and the Local School Council at Foreman College and Career Academy. Known for her disciplined, goal-driven leadership and ability to perform effectively under pressure, Alderwoman Cruz approaches her work with focus and determination. Her work on the City Council is guided by a steadfast commitment to working families, public safety, economic development, youth programs, affordable housing, and good government. She strives to ensure that city services are responsive and effective for all residents, foster a sense of security and care throughout the community, and lead with a fearless dedication to progress. Most recently, Alderwoman Cruz successfully passed a resolution through the City Council calling on Congress to adopt Medicare for All and is leading efforts to improve conditions at the Department of Animal Care and Control. In addition, Alderwoman Cruz is a strong advocate for street safety and infrastructure improvements that protect all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, reflecting her broader commitment to safer streets and accessible transportation. She has also brought grassroots democracy to the 30th Ward, creating a community-driven zoning and development review process as well as an annual participatory budget that ensures ward residents decide how to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for infrastructure and public space projects every year. Alderwoman Cruz lives in Belmont Cragin with her husband, two children, and one very spoiled dog. City Council Committee Assignments Traffic and Pedestrian Safety (Vice Chair) Economic, Capital and Technology Development Environmental Protection and Energy Health and Human Relations Immigrant and Refugee Rights Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards Affiliations Latino Caucus (Vice Chair) Progressive Caucus Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation Leadership Academy

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - basement and attic apartments, granny flats, and coach houses - are permitted throughout Chicago beginning April 1. Visit the City's dedicated ADU webpage for the most up-to-date information about ADU policies and procedures. ADUs will be permitted in all residential multifamily zones and most business and commercial zoning districts in the City. In the 30th Ward, single-family districts will allow ADUs, except in precincts 1, 4, 9, and 21. ADUs in single-family districts in the ward will be subject to the following restrictions: Properties must be owner-occupied at the time of application. Only a certain number of ADUs will be permitted per block face (i.e., the street side of properties) per year: 1 permit in RS-1 districts, 2 permits in RS-2 districts, and 3 permits in RS-3 districts. In addition, coach houses in any zoning district will have to be constructed or renovated by contractors who participate in an apprenticeship program registered with the US Department of Labor.

< Back Aldermen spurning Mayor Brandon Johnson’s new budget working group: ‘It points to a larger problem’ Chicago Tribune Alice Yin and Jake Sheridan Apr 24, 2025 https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/04/24/aldermen-mayor-brandon-johnson-new-budget-working-group/?share=cayc0know02ecny4rgwj Progressive Northwest Side Ald. Ruth Cruz, 30th, told the Tribune on Wednesday that she declined the invitation because she believes the best way for her to shape the city’s budget is from outside the mayor’s group. “While I appreciate the consideration, I’m concerned that this group may be more about appearances than a genuine desire for input,” said the freshman alderman, who has often voted with Johnson but recently put more distance between herself and the mayor. “We have seen it for quite some time. Input has been provided and the administration decides to continue with their original plan.” 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

Events

< Back Animal Control director appointment approved by health and human relations committee despite some organizations’ concerns The Daily Line Michael McDevitt Mar 11, 2026 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 Ald. Ruth Cruz (30), the sole no vote on the committee and the co-leader of the aldermanic letter calling for a national search, grilled Cappello and argued she should have worked to fix issues sooner. “You … have been there for three years,” Cruz said. “What have you been doing those past three years?” Previous Next

< Back Mayor Brandon Johnson enters final budget stretch with diminishing options Chicago Tribune Alice Yin and Jake Sheridan Dec 17, 2025 https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/17/mayor-brandon-johnson-final-budget-stretch-diminishing-options/ Previous Next

< Back Aldermen pass 2026 spending plan including debt sale over opposition from Mayor Brandon Johnson Chicago Tribune Alice Yin and Jake Sheridan Dec 19, 2025 https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/19/aldermen-pass-2026-spending-plan-including-debt-sale-over-mayor-brandon-johnsons-opposition/ Previous Next

Homeowner Resources Homeowners have access to a variety of helpful resources! From property tax appeals and sidewalk repairs to financial assistance and referrals, the 30th Ward Office is here to help. Check out the resources below. Commissioner Jessica Vásquez, Cook County Board (8th District) 2934 N Milwaukee Ave Unit C, Chicago, IL 60618 (312) 603-6386 ** Offers assistance with tax exemptions, tax appeals, and more Cook County Treasurer's Office 118 North Clark Street, Room 112 Chicago, Illinois 60602 (312) 443-5100 Northwest Center 5233 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60639 (773) 283-3888 ** Provides foreclosure prevention, LIHEAP & Benefits Enrollment, First-Time Home Buying counseling, and much more Veterans Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County Headquarter Office 1100 S. Hamilton C-O11 (Lower Level), Chicago, Illinois 60612 Phone: (312) 433-6010 **Financial assistance for veterans for emergency aid for rent, utilities, transportation, and food Utility Assistance – CEDA 567 W. Lake Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60661 (312) 782-CEDA (2332) inquiry@cedaorg.net **utility assistance Shared Cost Sidewalk Program The 2026 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program was opened for applications on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Stay tuned for an update in January 2027. **Residents can apply to the program by using the 311 app, calling 311, or visiting the ward office. Housing and Home Modification – City of Chicago’s Office for People with Disabilities (312) 743-5767 or e-mail MOPDHomeMod@cityofchicago.org ** housing and home modifications for people with disabilities Home Repair Program (Formerly known as the Roof and Porch Repair Program) City of Chicago More information will be released later in 2026 Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program **The Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral program is a tax-relief program that works like a loan. It allows qualified seniors to defer a maximum of $7,500 per tax year (this includes 1st and 2nd installments) on their primary home