Earlier this week, the Mayor proposed a new franchise agreement between the City of Chicago and Commonwealth Edison – the private company that the city has contracted to be the city’s power utility since at least 1992.

This new proposed agreement would last a minimum of 15 years and prevent the city from running the power system on its own (the way that cities like Los Angeles, Nashville, Seattle, and many across Illinois do) for at least the next five years. So far the Mayor has touted that ComEd’s private shareholders would donate $100 million to an as of yet uncreated nonprofit entity which would fund green energy projects in the Chicago area. Who would staff, administer, and serve on the board of directors of this nonprofit remains murky, and put in perspective, that $100 million represents merely half of the penalty that ComEd paid to the federal government as part of its deferred prosecution agreement. 

Given ComEd’s blatant corruption over the past decade, not to mention recent reporting that ComEd’s parent company was one of the nation’s leaders in shutting off people’s power in 2022, I am deeply concerned about the prospect of any new agreement with ComEd particularly when a better way forward is clear and possible. Back in 2020, some of my colleagues on the City Council encouraged the Mayor to explore the feasibility of the city running its own power system. What the feasibility study demonstrated is that there is a pathway to municipalization should the city be bold enough to take it. The feasibility study also preceded the passage of the landmark Inflation Reduction Act which could make a pathway towards municipalization – city-owned and run clean, renewable energy even easier and cheaper. I look forward to working with my colleagues over the next few months to ensure that the Mayor’s proposal doesn’t move forward this term, and to working towards a public sustainable, and renewable way to provide energy.  

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Today is the official last day to cast your vote for Participatory Budgeting 2023! If you have not had a chance to vote you are able to do so by midnight tonight. To vote online please click here. Once you complete the steps outlined in the form, you will receive a link via email that will take you to the voting site. To be eligible to vote you must live in the 33rd ward, be 13 years or older, or have children that attend school in the 33rd ward. 

We are grateful for all who have participated in this process so far, and once all votes are in we will keep you updated on the projects that will be implemented.

In This Week’s Newsletter

Quick Links 

*Want more information on community opportunities and job postings? Check out our Community Bulletin!

Apply Online for Maria Elena Sifuentes Apartments

If you were unable to attend the Maria Elena Sifuentes Apartments Application event last month you have another chance to apply! Applications can now be submitted online. Once 250 applications have been received the online application portal will be closed. Because of this it is important to complete the online application as soon as you are able.

If you have questions about the online process, please email info@3559wlawrence.com or call (773) 989-8000.

Gloria Dukes Fundraising Campaign

Gloria is a resident in the 33rd Ward who recently gained full custody of her grandson. Due to the financial strain this has caused her close friends have started a fundraiser to help her with these unforeseen expenses. If you are able to give or would like more information, please visit the website they created. 

Soon, there will be a donation drive for people to donate diapers, gently used clothes, and other infant items she would need to take care of her grandson. Once there is more information we will include it in future newsletters and on our Facebook page. 

Vote By Mail & Early Voting Information

Residents may apply to vote by mail in the February 28 municipal election through the Chicago Board of Elections website. The deadline to apply to vote by mail is February 23rd. Please click here to apply.

Once you apply to vote by mail, the Board of Elections will send you an email once the application is accepted, when your ballot is mailed, when your ballot is received, and when it is processed and counted.

Residents can also apply for the Permanent Vote by Mail roster to have ballots sent to their address directly ahead of every election without having to re-apply.

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Early Voting started on January 26th. At this time there are only 2 early voting locations:191 N Clark St. and 69 W Washington St.

On Monday, February 13th all 50 wards will open their early voting location sites and they will be open through February 28th. The 33rd Ward early voting location is the American Indian Center, located at 3401 W Ainslie St.

Early voting locations are open on weekdays from 9 AM to 6 PM, on Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Sundays from 10 AM to 4 PM. On February 28th (voting day) polling locations will be open from 6 AM to 7 PM. For more information about voting in Chicago please click here. 

Neighborhood Events

1 . Northwest Brewfest, February 4th

2. Visceral Dance Chicago Winter Engagement, February 17th-19th & 23rd-26th

Youth Opportunities

1. Spring/Summer Softball & Baseball sign ups for K-12 at Gompers Park

The Gompers Park Athletic Association is a youth baseball and softball league serving Chicago’s Northwest Side for almost 50 years. They have opened registration to their youth softball and baseball teams. For more information, click here.

2. Girls Who Code Summer Program, Early Application Due February 15th

Girls Who Code: Summer Program Application Now Open!
Girls Who Code is offering a two-week summer immersion program or a 6-week self-paced experience that will allow students an opportunity to learn about computer science in a style that works best for them while making meaningful connections. All high school students who identify as girls or non-binary can apply, and no prior computer science experience is required! Early acceptance applications are due by Wednesday, February 15. The general application deadline is Friday, March 24.

3. CPS Families Child Tax Credit

Chicago Public Schools families may be eligible for up to $3,600 per child through the expanded federal Child Tax Credit program.

To find out if you’re eligible, and to apply for this credit, visit GetCTC.org/chicagops, a simplified tax filing tool that takes just a few minutes to complete and does not require any tax documents. Some families may also be eligible for an additional $1,400 stimulus payment. Families have until mid-November to claim this money. More information can be found on this flier.

Social Hour for Seniors, Starting March 1st

Concordia Place is starting a 6 week program for seniors to allow for more opportunities to meet other seniors in the area. This program will begin Wednesday, March 1st and will go through April 5th. Each Wednesday lunch will be provided for those that attend.

If you would like to participate in this program or have questions, please call 773-463-1600 or email Kiki at kcollias@concordiaplace.org or Amy at amy.mcnicholas@aah.org.

Vehicle Safety Day, February 18th 

The 14^th District is hosting a Vehicle Safety Day for residents with vehicles registered within this district.

At this event you will be able to register and mark your vehicle’s catalytic converter to help prevent theft, learn about the Cook County Sheriff’s Office & CPD vehicle tracking program, and apply for the Chicago Community Safety Coordination Center (CSCC) vehicle GPS reimbursement program. This event will also include giveaways.

This event is only for 14th district residents of Chicago

Registration for this event is required and walk-ins will not be accepted.

To register for this event and to receive more information, please email CAPS.014district@chicagopolice.org.

Free Income-Tax Preparation with Ladder Up

What: Ladder Up is preparing to open several pop-up Tax Assistance Program (TAP) sites in hard-to-reach areas around Chicago. These sites offer free tax preparation services to those who qualify through mid-April. Additionally, Ladder Up will host Tax-a-Thon on February 4 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at Olive-Harvey College.

Why: Ladder Up serves families and individuals often marginalized by today’s financial systems due to race, gender, and class identifications. The clients are less able to understand how to prepare an accurate tax return and are most at risk of making costly mistakes. Without Ladder Up’s support, clients are more likely to be taken advantage of by predatory financial providers charging unnecessary fees.

To view more opportunities with Ladder Up for income tax support, please visit their website.

Fair Housing Workshop for Tenants, February 8th

Join the North River Commission in partnership with Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance CAFHA and HOPE Fair Housing Center for a FREE tenants workshop to learn about tenants’ protections under state and local laws and how to identify housing discrimination.

When: WEDNESDAY, February 8th at 12 pm
Where: Christ Lutheran Church located at 3253 W Wilson Ave

Light refreshments will be provided. To RSVP email Erika at erika@northrivercommission.org.

LIHEAP Workshop, February 23rd

Are you behind on your utility bills? Join North River Commission in partnership with Spanish Coalition for Housing for a FREE LIHEAP Workshop! Come to apply for utility assistance on Wednesday, February 23 at 10 AM at our office located at 3403 W Lawrence Ave.

YOU MUST bring the required documents below:

• State ID/ Proof of identification
• Social Security Card of yourself and anyone else in the household.
• Proof of household income of the last 30 days (2023 Social Security award letter)
• Most recent utility bills (light & gas)

To RSVP please email Erika at erika@northrivercommission.org. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Immigrant Tenant Workshop, March 9th

Join North River Commission and Latino Policy Forum for an Immigrant Tenant Protections Workshop on Thursday, March 9th from 6-7 PM. Learn about the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act, finding accessible housing resources, and housing rights and protections! Connect with us via Zoom or in-person at our office 3403 W Lawrence Ave. 

To RSVP please email Erika at erika@northrivercommission.org. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Small Business Spotlight: Brothers Restaurant

Earlier this week, we were able to visit a restaurant that has become a staple of the Avondale community. Brothers Restaurant is a neighborhood gem and we want to ensure that they continue to receive support from our community. The food is incredible and the service makes you feel so at home. They are located at the corner of Belmont and Sacramento. Go visit them for breakfast, brunch or lunch and thank us later.

Business Resources

1. Roosevelt High School Apprenticeship Program

North River Commission is seeking Albany Park businesses to work with our youth. We want to encourage our youth to gain a sense of responsibility while offering an opportunity for hands-on entrepreneurial experience!

If you are interested in mentoring high school students on how to be successful in your respective professional arena, please reach out to Megan Lacey, Youth & Family Organizer, at meganl@northrivercommission.org or 312-718-3819. 

2. How to Write a Business Plan Webinar, February 28th

Do you have a business idea, but don’t know where to start? Are you already a business owner, but are struggling to secure funding? Is your marketing strategy not working, but you don’t know why? Join the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce and Founders First for a three-part webinar series about how to write a business plan. You’ll get all your questions answered, and end the series with a business plan! 

Tuesday, February 28th  at 12 PM – Marketing Plan and Operations Plan- click here to register

Did you miss Session 1: Industry and Market Analysis? Don’t worry, email Catherine at cgeorge@northrivercommission.org for a recording of the webinar and notes. 

3. Business Grant Applications

• Founder’s First Grant — A total of $100,000 will be awarded to 30 businesses in Chicago in the form of cash and full-tuition scholarships to a stellar accelerator.
  • Grant money can be used as growth capital to hire or rehire premium wage jobs.
  • Cash infusion can be used to purchase, fix or enhance equipment necessary to help you manage growth challenges and scale for the future.
  • Founder identifies as one of the following: Latinx, Black, Asian, Women, LGBTQIA+, Military Veteran, or located in a Low to Moderate Income area.
  • TO QUALIFY: Must be located in the state of Illinois and have a current staff of 2-20 employees. Will have the ability to add 1-2+ net new premium wage jobs in the next 12 months. Your company must be a service-based business and at least one revenue stream serving other businesses. Must be a for-profit company with annual revenues between $100K and $3 million.
  • The application deadline is February 4, 2023.  Please email chicago.jobcreators@foundersfirstcdc.org with any questions about the Job Creators Quest Grant.
• Innovations for Healthy Living – Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities funding opportunity
  • Granted by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) as part of the America’s Seed Fund. This opportunity is for eligible SBIR/STTR entities to develop technologies and products that address health disparities while engaging and empowering individuals and communities.
• Upskilling Initiative
  • Provides professional development grants to businesses that serve employees aged fifty (50) and older who are currently earning up to $16 an hour. Training funds will be disbursed in $2,000 increments, pending a guaranteed commitment from the employer of a $1.50 or more per hour wage increase respectively after the training is complete.

• HerRise Micro-Grant
  • Provides financial assistance, with the help of our corporate sponsors and donors, to women of color creating innovative solutions that impact their community and that are often unable to secure funding for their small business. Each month a $500 micro-grant will be awarded to a small business owned by women of color.
  • Small business grants are useful for financing a particular small business need. Past recipients used their growth grants for computers, equipment, marketing materials, software purchase, website creation and more.

For more business grant information please, visit North River Commission’s website.

Employment Opportunities

1. Heartland Alliance’s Free Customer Service Bridge Class

Heartland Alliance is hosting a Customer Service class to support English Language Learners that want to work in customer service roles. This class will help participants prepare a resume, practice interviewing, and learn about different job opportunities.

This course is free and completely online through Zoom. All interested participants need is a stable internet connection and a cellphone, computer, or tablet. 

If interested please call or text Alyssa at 872-346-8184.

2. CPS Job Fair, February 15th

Resume is required for entry and RSVP’s are preferred.

3. CTA’s Second Chance Program

4. St. Mary of Providence is hiring for 2 positions

5. CTA’s Find a Job Fridays

MPox (MonkeyPox) Resources

The MPox virus is spread through close contact with body fluids, sores, shared bedding or clothing, or respiratory droplets (kissing, coughing, sneezing, etc.).

Vaccinations for MPV are currently available in Chicago for adults 18 and up. Because of the limited availability of vaccines, you must meet the eligibility requirements outlined by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).

COVID-19 Resources

1. At-Home Vaccinations:

Get your whole family vaccinated at home! CDPH is offering vaccination appointments at home for up to 10 family members. Click here to set up your appointment!

2. Receive Your Updated COVID-19 Vaccine At Home!

3. Vaccinations

CPS Students: 

– Permanent sites
– Mobile Events
– School-Based Health Centers
–  Sign up for weekly COVID testing at CPS

33rd Ward Vaccination Events

1. Theodore Roosevelt High School

2. Swedish Hospital: Walk-In’s Welcome

* More information on City testing sites here!

Community Safety Updates

1. 17th District CAPS Meetings

The 17th District has resumed beat meetings in-person. 

Information about Beat Meetings here.

Please contact the 17th District Community Policing Office / CAPS, if there are any questions or concerns.

Email: caps.017district@chicagopolice.org

Telephone: 312-742-4588