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< 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

Policy & Issues Participatory Budgeting City Council

< Back Avondale’s Polish History Honored With Heritage Corridor On Milwaukee Avenue Block Club Chicago Ariel Parrella-Aureli Oct 30, 2024 https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/10/30/avondales-polish-history-honored-with-heritage-corridor-on-milwaukee-avenue/ Previous Next

Contact Us Phone: 773-628-7874 Email: Ward30@cityofchicago.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alderwomancruz Instagram: @alderwomancruz 5418-A West Belmont Avenue Chicago, IL 60641 (click for Google Maps ) Office Hours: Monday 9-7 Tuesday 9-5 Wednesday 9-4 Thursday 9-5 Friday 9-3 Ward Night: Monday 5-7 (except holidays) Weekend Ward: 2nd Saturday of the month: 9-1

< Back Alders advance mayor's pick to run Chicago's animal shelter WBBM Newsradio Geoff Buchholz Mar 10, 2026 https://www.audacy.com/wbbm780/news/local/alders-advance-mayors-pick-to-run-chicagos-animal-shelter Previous Next

< Back City Animal Shelter Needs New Chief Amid ‘Concerning’ Conditions, Alderpeople And Volunteers Say Block Club Chicago Melody Mercado Feb 20, 2026 https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/20/city-animal-shelter-needs-new-chief-amid-concerning-conditions-alderpeople-and-volunteers-say/ Previous Next

Resources to know Explore different resources available: Business Resources Know Your Rights Senior Resources Community Organizations Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) Homeowners Going Green by the Youth Committee

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 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 VIDEO: Mayor names new head of Animal Care and Control amid shelter backlash: 'Very concerning' Fox 32 Chicago Feb 26, 2026 https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-1jdag69wxu42s5ky Previous Next