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Dear Neighbor,
Yesterday, I held a joint hearing in the Police and Fire Committee and the Workforce Development Committee to address the Chicago Fire Department's historically discriminatory recruiting practices. Black applicants to the department have not been offered equal opportunities to join for decades. When Black firemen received letters last year claiming they had failed a drug test—despite the fact that none of them had been tested—it brought attention to these persistent issues once more. Yesterday's hearing is just the first step. I look forward to continuing to work for justice for our firefighters.
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Funeral for Police Officer Luis M. Huesca
This week I attended the funeral service for Chicago Police Officer Luis M. Huesca, who was tragically shot and killed during a carjacking while he was coming home from work. May his memory be a blessing and his service never be forgotten. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Officer Huesca, the 5th Police District, and the entire Chicago Police Department.
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Volunteer Opportunity Tomorrow - Building Gardens for Seniors
Tomorrow on May 4, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the non-profit Pro Social Chicago will be building and planting six raised flower beds for the residents of the Mary Jane Richardson Apartments. Please join us tomorrow for this fun volunteer project.
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Art on City Lots - Next Steps
I would like to thank the company Mortenson, who is partnering with my office to bring the first round of art on city lots in the 4th Ward to fruition. After consulting with neighborhood residents, two new positive phrases will be added to fences at empty lots:
- "Black Is Beautiful" at Oakwood and Pershing
- "Your Life Matters" at 4421 S Cottage Grove
We will be installing these on May 18 and welcome you to join us. More details will be released soon.
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Parking Passes Available for Oakenwald and Lake Meadows
Seasonal parking passes for the Oakenwald and Lake Meadows parking zones are now available for pickup at 928 E 43rd St. Season-long stickers and one-day guest passes are available. Residents can get up to 10 guest passes. Ticketing of cars without seasonal parking passes is now being enforced in these zones.
In order to pick up your pass, please bring proof of residency, either an ID with a current address or mail to your address with your name, and license plate number of your vehicle(s). One individual can pick up all the passes for their household, but you cannot collect passes for neighbors. My office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. If you have any questions, please email ward04@cityofchicago.org or call 312-744-2690.
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New "Don't Litter" Signs
Free "don't litter" signs are now available for pickup from my office. My office is located at 928 E 43rd St., and is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.
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Polish Constitution Day Parade
This Saturday, May 4, the Polish Constitution Day Park will bring approximately 25,000 participants to the ward from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The parade will have 50 floats and will proceed northbound on Columbus, from Balbo to Monroe. Please keep an eye out for no parking signs and generally plan to avoid the area unless participating in the parade or coming to view it.
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Friends for Senior Program - Supporting A Displaced Senior
A few weeks ago, one of our seniors lost her home in a devastating house fire. Our office has been dedicated to supporting her every step of the way. I’m incredibly thankful for our “Friends for Seniors” program and the “Friends” and staff who generously volunteered their Saturday morning to assist her in salvaging her precious belongings. #4thwardstrong
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Chicago Public School (CPS) Pre-School Applications Now Open
CPS has now opened the applications for the 2025-2025 school year pre-school programs. CPS offers half day preschool programs for three-year-olds and full day preschool for four-year-olds. All the programs are free. To learn more about the programs and to apply, click here.
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Farmers Market Schedule
Chicago Farmers Markets sells fresh seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods, unique Chicago-made products, and rare finds at Chicago’s longest-running farmers market on Daley Plaza, the historic Maxwell Street Market, and community markets in neighborhoods across Chicago.
- Insight Farmer's Market (2525 S. Michigan Ave.): Saturdays, starting August 17, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Bronzeville Farmers Market (4700 S. King Dr.): Sundays, from July 14–October 20, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- UChicago Farmers Market (4 E. 58th St.): Saturdays, starting April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Lake Meadows Park Cleanup
On Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., The Honeycomb Project will be out at Lake Meadows Park, 3117 S. Rhodes Ave. You can register by clicking here.
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Free Inflatable Bounce House for Block Parties
The city is offering a free inflatable bounce house to residential block parties. The bounce house is available from May 25 through September 1. The city does not provide a generator, so a power source must be within 100 feet. To apply for the bounce house, click here.
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The Kindness Campaign Fresh Food Market
I would like to thank the Kindness Campaign for hosting the reoccurring free fresh food market at 44th and Cottage Grove. Providing fresh fruit and vegetables is a much-needed community service and I'm always proud to support their efforts.
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Pet Adoption Fair
Thank you Kenwood Academy High School, PAWS Chicago, Chicago Animal Care and Control, and Lucky's Pet store for hosting a Pet Adoption Fair! It was a great opportunity to meet residents and several dogs were adopted at the event.
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LGBTQ Roundtable
I would like to thank Congressman Mike Quigley for inviting me to his annual LGBTQ leadership event. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about federal efforts to protect LGBTQ rights and expand healthcare access.
| Left to Right: Alderman Knudsen, Congressman Quigley, County Commissioner Morrison, and Alderman Robinson | |
Street Sweeping
Please keep an eye out for no parking signs, and please move your car to allow the Streets and Sanitation staff to clean the streets. Streets and Sanitation will do their best to hang signs at least 48 hours before sweeping begins. A full calendar of planned sweeps is below. If you would like to sign up for email updates on when your block will be swept click here.
| Additional Parking Enforcement Complaints on 311 App | |
The Department of Finance is pleased to announce that City residents now have the option to report the following parking enforcement complaints on the 311 app or online:
Bus lane parking, commercial loading zone, commercial vehicle parked on a residential street, disabled parking, fire hydrant parking, other, residential parking, rush hour safety zones, school safety zones, and vehicles parked in bike lane.
Previously, only bike lane violations could be reported on the app. Complaints are one of the drivers of community-based enforcement. Residents can also report violations by calling 311 or clicking "Request Parking Enforcement" at www.chicago.gov/parking.
Please report reoccurring problems to the 311 app because that data helps city departments and my office know where to concentrate enforcement or where to consider infrastructure changes.
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Fundraiser to Repair Tennis Courts
The Chicago Prairie Tennis Club, one of the oldest Black-run tennis organizations in the country, is raising funds to redo their tennis courts. With a goal of raising $50,000, CPTC's vision of making tennis accessible and affordable for folks living on the South Side can continue. To learn more and donate click here.
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4th Ward Bingo
My staff and I have been hosting bingo days at the senior buildings around the ward to gather resident feedback and have some fun. Thank you to the buildings that have participated so far and I look forward to going to more buildings soon.
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Donations for Unhoused Residents and New Arrivals
To support our new arrivals and unhoused Chicagoans, The Mayor's office is asking Chicago's businesses to donate essential equipment, professional services, and supplies in the following needed areas:
- Shelter Support: cleaning supplies, disinfectant wipes, janitorial supplies, commercial-sized trash cans, commercial soap/shampoo dispensers, lice kits, laundry detergent, blankets, microwaves, detergent, towels, etc.
- Office Equipment: copiers, ink, copy paper, chargers, laptops, basic supplies, etc.
- Operations Support: cots, mats, extension cords, first aid supplies, surgical masks, etc.
- Recreational: board games, table games, TVs, puzzles, activity books, etc.
- Support Services/Gift Cards for transportation, laundry, meals, copying, etc.
To support please fill out this form so that a member of the City's Partnerships & Donations team can follow up.
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Advisory Councils
We still have a few spots left to fill in our youth advisory councils, hence the delay in announcing new advisory council members. If you are between the ages of 15 and 24 and interested in being a leading voice in our community, please email us at ward04@cityofchicago.org.
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Request New Bike Racks
CDOT is looking to install new bike racks around the city and they are asking residents where they should be located. If you are a cyclist, or know any, please share your thoughts by clicking here.
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Help Save A Local Business
Bronzeville's only Black-owned pet store needs our help to stay open. Lucky's Pet Store at 924 E 43rd St. is owned by Amanda Daniels. She is fundraising to help pay for back rent and other expenses after a prolonged renovation and costs skyrocketing. This is exactly the type of small, Black-owned business that we need more of in the 4th Ward. Lucky's Pet Store sells a variety of animal care and hygiene products, as well as pet grooming services. I strongly encourage you to shop there or if you would like to donate directly click here.
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Loop Businesses & the Democractic National Convention (DNC)
Do you know a business or run a non-profit in the Loop? The Chicago Loop Alliance is collecting information on events and business offerings to be shared directly with DNC delegates. If you have any info you would like to be shared with the DNC email the Chicago Loop Alliance's Director of Marketing and Communications, Ariella Gibson, at Ariella@ChicagoLoopAlliance.com.
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New Murals at 53rd and 55th Street Viaducts
The Downtown Hyde Park Special Services Area (SSA #61) is currently working with Chicago Public Arts Group (CPAG) to replace the photograph art panels in the viaducts over 53rd and 55th streets at Lake Park Avenue. Artists can submit their work(s) to a panel assembled by CPAG.
Details on the submission process and specifications for the artwork can be found click here.
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Temporarily Moved Divvy Station at 53rd and Kimbark
To allow for sidewalk improvements, the Divvy station on the northeast corner of Kimbark and 53rd will be moved to the southwest corner of the same intersection. The move is scheduled for May 2, and the station will be returned to its original location after work is completed.
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4th Ward Community Blood Drive
On Wednesday, May 29, please join my office along with 5th Ward Alderman Desmon Yancy for a South Side community blood drive. The event will be managed by the company Versiti and donations will help over 85 area hospitals. All donors will be sent a $15 e-gift card. To learn more and to sign up click here.
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Next Office Hours for Veterans
Every second Tuesday of the month, staff from the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs hosts office hours at my 4th Ward office to answer questions as to what benefits local veterans are eligible for. No appointment is necessary. I hope you can join us for the next session on May 9.
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Earth Day Park Clean Up
On Earth Day, my office, along with community volunteers and staff from Insight Hospital, came together to clean up Kennicott Park. We spread out new mulch, swept the sidewalks, and more. Thank you for all the volunteers who joined us.
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Dearborn Park
Thank you to all who joined our Dearborn Park meeting, in person or virtually, to discuss renovations at Dearborn Park with a $100k+ investment I was able to secure. Parks are community heartbeats and I appreciate the collaboration of The Chicago Park District in this important effort.
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Community Baby Shower
Join me, and other South Side elected officials, for a community baby shower where we will be giving away free diapers, baby clothes, blankets and more. Hope to see you on May 11, 10am-12pm, at 4351 S Drexel.
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150th Anniversary of the Chicago Bar Association
Congratulations to the Chicago Bar Association for their 150th anniversary! It was an honor to introduce a resolution commending them. This organization has been a leading advocate for changes to significant parts of Illinois law, including participation in two Constitutional Conventions (1920 and 1969), and passage of one Illinois Constitution (1970). Thank you for your contributions in molding our legal system for the better, and serving the residents of Chicago.
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Construction on Your Block
Construction on your block, and you don't know why? Check out ChiStreetWork.Chicago.Gov for a full list of permitted construction projects on your block and surrounding areas. You can also sign up for alerts when new projects are announced.
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Happy Passover
I would like to wish a Happy Passover, Chag Sameach, to all who celebrated last week.
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FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow me on Instagram by clicking here or on Facebook here to stay engaged in the 4th Ward.
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PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION | |
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Police Beat Meetings
The Chicago Police Department holds regular beat meetings for residents to learn about their local crime statistics and to share ideas with local officers. To find which beat you live in, click here. If you live in the First District, you can find the meeting calendar by clicking here. For a calendar of Second District beat meetings please email caps.002district@chicagopolice.org.
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BUSINESS AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES | |
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Paid Youth Summer Internships - One Summer Chicago
To learn more about the program and to apply click here.
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Community Growers Grant Program
The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection has announced the next round of the Community Growers Program, which provides grants for longterm urban infrastructure projects. Grant applications will be accepted from May 1 through June 30. To learn more about the program and to apply click here.
| Contracting Opportunities with CTA | |
Meet and Greet for Minority or Women Owned Construction Firms | |
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Airport Job Fair
The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) will host its third annual Airport Expo and Job Fair on Thursday, May 16 at the UIC Forum. The expo will connect hundreds of job seekers, contractors, and small business owners with employment and procurement opportunities available both within the department and Midway and O’Hare International Airports.
CDA leaders will guide interested candidates through the various job opportunities available with the department. Attendees will also be able to interview and apply for jobs with dozens of airport employers, including airlines, cargo operators, concessionaires. To learn more or register either as a job seeker or vendor, visit flychicago.com/airportexpo.
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Full List of City Contracts Open to Bid
There are many City of Chicago contracts that are open to be bid on by vendors. To access the list click here.
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City Law Department Hiring
To learn more about open full time positions click here. For information on the Department's various clerkship and internship opportunities click here.
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HR Jobs with the City of Chicago
The Chicago Department of Human Resources is hiring for a wide variety of jobs in May and June. To see open positions and the job descriptions click here.
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Scholarships for Students in Healthcare Fields
The application period for the 2024 Provident Scholarship Fund is now open! The scholarship program supports students pursuing health care careers who are from, and committed to caring for, underserved communities.
Cook County government and Cook County Health have allocated $1 million to fund up to 60 scholarships this year. The scholarship program is administered by the Cook County Health Foundation.
The Provident Scholarship Fund offers $20,000 scholarships to health professional students, including those in medical, dental, physician assistant and nurse practitioner programs and $10,000 scholarships to undergraduate and allied health students, including those nursing, surgical and radiology technology, respiratory therapy, and paramedic programs.
Applications can be submitted through Friday, May 10, 2024.
More information about the Provident Scholarship Fund, including criteria and application information can be found at http://cookcountyhealth.org/about/careers/provident-scholarship-fund.
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Internships with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)
DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. DCASE is looking for student interns to work with various DCASE units for $18/hr. To see the full job posting click here.
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Earn Money By Attending Group Art Therapy
Black Alphabet, the LGBTQ arts nonprofit, is offering up free group art therapy. Spots are limited. To RSVP and sign up now click here.
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Community Survey on the Future of the Bronzeville Trail
The Bronzeville Metropolis National Heritage Area Commission is asking residents for their opinions on tourism and how to better tell the story of the Great Migration to Bronzeville. To take the survey click here or scan the image below.
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May Events at the King Library Branch | |
May 18 Mental Health Networking and Resource Fair | |
Free Balloon Art Classes for Youth | |
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Free Community Film Workshop
Join other Chicago creators to write, shoot, edit, and screen a short film in one day. The "Meet & Create" workshop will be at Harris Park, 6200 S Drexel, from 12-4pm. Registration is required and the event is free. To register, go to: www.cfwchicago.org. For additional information, contact Natalie Battles, nataliebattles@yahoo.com or Margaret Caples, 312.636.4412 or cfwchicago@sbcglobal.net.
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Pre-College Science and Engineering Classes for All Ages
The Chicago Pre-College Science and Engineering Program (ChiS&E) is providing free math and engineering classes for students ranging from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. To see a full list of classes click here.
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Mother's Day Celebration at Donoghue Elementary | |
Community Fundraiser for the Bronzeville National Heritage Area | |
Support Adult Literacy Programs | |
Free Tennis Lessons from the US Tennis Association | |
Blood Drive to Assist Sickle Cell Patients | |
HIV Testing and Treatment for Black Women, By Black Women | |
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Food Scrap Drop Off Program in The Ward
The city of Chicago is piloting a new program that allows households to compost their food scraps. The program is free and available from 7am-7pm every day, except holidays. Our ward hosts one of the compost locations at 4352 S Cottage Grove. For more information visit the city's food scrap program homepage by clicking here.
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