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< 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 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

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< Back Mayor Johnson defends choice to lead city's Animal Care and Control, despite conditions at city-run shelter Chicago Sun-Times Fran Spielman Feb 25, 2026 https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/02/25/mayor-brandon-johnson-animal-care-and-control-susan-cappello Previous Next

< Back At Vigil For 16-Year-Old Cyclist Josh Anleu, Family Urges Drivers To ‘Do Better’ Block Club Chicago Ariel Parrella-Aureli Nov 6, 2023 https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/11/06/at-vigil-for-16-year-old-cyclist-family-urges-drivers-to-be-better/ Previous Next

< 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

Community Zoning Committee The 30th Ward Community Zoning Committee (CZC) was created by Alderwoman Ruth Cruz in 2024 as part of her promise to implement a community-driven zoning process in the 30th Ward. Currently composed of eleven community members from the Ward, the CZC meets monthly to review zoning and development proposals and submits its insights to Alderwoman Cruz and her staff. The Alderwoman and 30th Ward staff use this input as they works directly with property owners, business and civic leaders, developers, and City agencies to make informed zoning decisions for the ward. Current CZC members: William Susinka, Old Irving Park Sergio Rengifo, Belmont Cragin Richard Valencia, Kilbourn Park Ricardo Lopez, Old Irving Park Pamela Vanderlinde, Villa District JuanPablo Prieto, Kilbourn Park Joaquin Silva, Belmont Cragin Dan Schaefer, Portage Park Christopher Martin-Givens, Kilbourn Park Ben van Loon, Avondale Becca Bowlin, Kilbourn Park The CZC is staffed by Jason Liechty, Director of Policy and Zoning for Alderwoman Cruz. To learn more about the CZC, contact Jason.Liechty@cityofchicago.org . CZC Mission Our mission as the CZC is to provide community-driven analysis for the Alderwoman’s consideration in making informed zoning and development decisions. CZC Vision Our vision as the CZC is to elevate the 30th Ward as a top destination for families, business owners, artists, professionals, and visitors. CZC Values The mission and vision of the CZC are founded on five core values: Transparency The CZC values engaged, transparent, and collaborative decision-making around zoning and development matters for the ward Smart Development The CZC embraces strategic, informed, and innovative development for the ward. Accessibility The CZC prioritizes multiple aspects of accessibility, including affordability, walkability, transit access, and a built environment that meets the needs of all residents, visitors and those with disabilities. Environmental Sustainability The CZC recognizes that human health, economic growth, and a sustainable environment are interconnected. The challenges of climate change demand smart solutions for energy, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems in the ward’s environment. Strong Community The CZC prizes the diversity, cultural strength, and historic beauty of the 30th Ward. Our businesses, arts, schools, cultural institutions, and social spaces are ward’s identity and cultural fabric. We welcome development that builds upon these strengths and defines the ward as a destination of choice for residents and visitors alike, existing safely and in mutual respect.

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< 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

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.

< Back Festival Re:SET: organizadores y comunidad discuten la celebración del evento en Belmont Cragin (Univision Youtube) N+ Univision Chicago (YouTube) - Jul 31, 2023 https://youtu.be/JMP-aNJqGNU?si=qnnwBR39DLSBhaA1 Previous Next

< Back “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 Mar 6, 2026 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 Garrett Barnes, an engineer, lives on Waveland and Long avenues in Portage Park. "I am here to support bike lanes in our community, as a person who drives to and from work [in the suburbs] every day, but also will bike occasionally around the city," he said. "I have been surprised by how much biking has improved my life and I think it's a fun way to get around. And I realize that I tailor my travel to where there are bike lanes, especially with the death of [bike rider Josh Anleu, 16, that happened on my block, it feels like this is something that I want to support. And I think that our alderwoman Ruth Cruz has been really good about helping to implement some of these things." Previous Next