Newsletter – October 27, 2023

 

Dear 33rd Ward Community, 

My staff and I had a full week of community events. We were so happy to see our young neighbors and families out enjoying Halloween activities. We started our weekend with the Hibbard Harvest Fest on Friday afternoon. We played games and passed out a lot of candy! On Saturday morning, we hosted a pumpkin painting station at the Bateman Elementary BOOOsterfest. We want to thank everyone that attended these events and supported our school communities. Events like these inspire me and everyone in my office, and remind us why we do the work that we do. I also wanted to share the list of finalists for our annual Halloween decorating contest. We will share the winners this week on October 31! 

My office is also currently partway through the Participatory Budgeting process for the year. If you’d like to help move this project forward, learn how we make decisions about spending our $1million dollar infrastructure budget each year, and meet neighbors, please attend our weekly meetings at Roosevelt High School on Thursdays from 4-6pm. You can see more information below in our newsletter. 

Our Sage Brigade continues to meet monthly. We held our monthly meeting at the ward office yesterday morning where we played Loteria, shared snacks, and learned about resources available to seniors. Our Sage Brigade helps each other to answer questions, apply for resources, connect with community, and build community together. These meetings are open to all and we encourage you to join! You can find more information in our weekly newsletter for future meetings. 

This is an important time of year to consider our health and prepare for winter illnesses. We encourage all of our neighbors to make an appointment as soon as possible to receive their updated COVID booster vaccination and their annual flu shot. The Covid booster is currently available to everyone and their are a number of ways to access your shots for free. You can see more information below in our newsletter. Locally we will have two health fairs on November 4th from 11am-3pm at Cleveland Elementary and from 9 AM – 12 PM at Koz Park, 2732 N Avers Ave. More information can be found immediately below my signature. 

We also want to issue notice that the statewide program for Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors will be closing very soon as it has reached its budgeted capacity. The State of Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services issued notice that beginning November 6th new enrollment will be stopped for Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (ages 65+). Those already enrolled in the program or who apply before 11/6 will continue to receive coverage. The program has reached the 16,500 person enrollment cap the agency imposed in June 2023. In the meantime, it is crucial for everyone ages 65 and older who might be eligible to enroll prior to 11/6. If you need assistance with your application, please contact my office at 773-840-7880 or visit my office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave during our office hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 5pm; Friday 9am – 4pm. The web application is available by clicking here. 

Please reach out to my office for any assistance. We are here to help.
– Rossana, 33rd Ward Alderwoman

Office Phone: 773-840-7880
Office Address: 4747 N Sawyer Ave, Monday – Thursday 10am – 5pm; Friday 9am – 4pm

Rincon Family Services Mental Health Crisis Line: (773) 640-9803

Notice: Due to a string of incidents in which Halloween decorations have been lit on fire, we recommend our neighbors remove any flammable materials from front porches or near buildings. If you are a tenant and your landlord has kindly decorated their building, please contact your landlord with this notice. If anyone sees any attempts to start decoration fires, please contact 911 immediately. 

Flu and Covid vaccine clinic: Nov 4, 2023 from 11am – 3pm @ Cleveland Elementary School. Make a separate appointment for each family member. Only select quantity (1) of each vaccine per appointment. Appointment can be made by clicking here.  • You may arrive anytime within the 3-4 hours between the start and end times of this event. Wait times are typically longer at the start of an event.  •  No government issued ID is required. Insurance will be requested. However, uninsured persons will be served free of charge. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian with them to sign consent.

Please note that the Chicago Department of Public Health released its website connecting Chicagoans to free updated Covid vaccines and flu shots. Vaccines will be available beginning next week. You can learn more information by clicking here.

Sign up for At-home Covid Testing Kits to be delivered by the USPS starting on Monday Sept 25 by clicking here.


33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION

Address: 4747 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 5pm; Friday 9am – 4pm
Phone: 773-840-7880
Email: info@33rdward.org
Website and constituent resources: www.33rdward.org
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter


WARD EVENTS

Ward Night 
Upcoming: Monday, October 30, from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at 4747 N Sawyer Ave

Ward Night is an opportunity to bring your questions or concerns to the Alderwoman in a one-on-one meeting. Each Ward Night is first come, first serve. Walk-ins will be taken until 5:45 pm. For more information, please contact our office at info@33rdward.org or 773-840-7880.

Participatory Budgeting

This year’s Participatory Budgeting process (PB) has entered the second phase of work. Our idea collection period has closed and we will now be reviewing our list of projects. You can still join our committee to learn the ins and outs of Participatory Budgeting and help us involve our community. Your voice matters, and together, we can improve and maintain our community through direct participation in infrastructure decisions. Let’s shape our community together! To be added to our PB email list, please reach out to info@33rdward.org

Next meeting: Thursday, October 26 from 4:30pm – 6:00pm at Roosevelt High School
Upcoming: Thursday, November 2 

You can enter the doors off of the parking lot on Leland. Ring the doorbell and the security guard will open the door for you. Each meeting is open to the public. You can participate as you are able. We do not hold the expectation for you to attend every meeting. Please come join us to learn, share your thoughts, and eat some snacks! The PB Committee will meet weekly unless otherwise noted.

🎃Winners announced Oct. 31! – 33rd Ward Halloween Decoration Contest 

Alderman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez and the team would like to thank our neighbors for always bringing the spooky season to the 33rd Ward in BIG and creative ways. For that reason, we are bringing back our 33d Ward Halloween Decoration Contest! We have received all of our submissions and voting is closed. We will make an announcement of the winners on Oct. 31st! You can view all of the submissions by clicking here. If you weren’t able to participate this year, we look forward to seeing your decorations next year!

SAGE Brigade Meeting
Sage brigade is a group of volunteers along with Councilwoman Rossana Rodriguez’s office, to help seniors with benefit information and fill out some applications in case they need help. Anyone can attend, but we focus on providing information regarding benefits or programs for seniors. Stay tuned for our next meeting date!


CONSTITUENT RESOURCES

Block Party Applications

Request Ward Services

CDOT Infrastructure Improvement Map

33rd Ward Community Driven Zoning

33rd Ward Safety and Wellness

Find your CAPS Beat

Recycling and garbage schedule

2023 Street Sweeping schedule and interactive map 

COVID-19 Resources

Resources for Seniors

Resources for Renters

Chicago Clerk’s Office


COUNCIL CORNER

We will use this space to share updates on legislation coming through the Committee on Health and Human Relations and City Council. 

Update to Migrant Mission Website – FAQ added

Chicago has added an official Frequently Asked Questions page to their website dedicated to the Migrant Mission. This FAQ details the process for welcoming migrants and responds to many of the questions that have been asked by the public. Check this page for information. 

City Council is currently in budget hearings with each of the city departments to understand investments the city will be making into each of their initiatives through 2024. You can review documents related to the budget, the budget document itself, and see information about the Mayor’s budget engagement community process by clicking here. 

There has been an international call for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine. You can learn more from this interview with our Congresswoman Delia Ramirez. You can view the congressional resolution for a ceasefire by visiting this website

The Treatment not Trauma Working Group will be officially established next week and will begin meeting immediately. We will be sharing updates as they develop. We are very encouraged to see funding in the 2024 budget for two new public mental health centers and a large investment in staffing to support new and existing clinics. 


WARD UPDATES

11/6 Enrollment Closure for Immigrant Senior Health Coverage
The State of Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services issued notice that beginning November 6th new enrollment will be stopped for Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (ages 65+). Those already enrolled in the program or who apply before 11/6 will continue to receive coverage. The program has reached the 16,500 person enrollment cap the agency imposed in June 2023. 

In the meantime, it is crucial for everyone ages 65 and older who might be eligible to enroll prior to 11/6. 

How to Enroll

Chicago Launches Composting Pilot Program

The City of Chicago is launching its first-ever citywide Food Scrap Drop-Off Program, and all Chicago residents are welcome to drop off their household food scraps for composting at one of 15 locations across the city– for FREE!  Composting keeps food scraps out of landfills, reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and recycles nutrients that enrich soil. You can learn more here. See this article by The Triibe for information as well. 

Our ward has two nearby sites: the Irving Park location at 4605 W Lawrence Ave, and the Avondale location at 3143 N Rockwell St. Images showing the cart locations can be found on the website.   Use this Food Scrap Drop-Off Form to sign up for one of the drop-off sites.

Share your thoughts for a new mural!

The NorthRiver Commission is looking for valuable thoughts, opinions, and feedback on an upcoming mural project located near the Tapestry 360 Lawrence location! You can respond to their survey by clicking here. 

This mural will be brought to you by a collaboration between North River Commission, The Center for Neighborhood Technology, and Elevated Chicago, to engage with community based organizations and the local residents and businesses being served through the ongoing Nature Near Transit program. The NNT program emphasizes the need for local input and involvement during the design section of each public art piece; with the intention for murals such as this one to highlight the nature-aspects of neighborhoods like Albany Park to enroot community ownership and meaningful connection to the installations.

Liquor Moratorium Engagement Process Results

Upon reviewing the responses from the virtual community meetings and from the online feedback forms, the alderwoman has decided to move forward in introducing two ordinances to City Council to remove the liquor moratoriums on Montrose Avenue (Kedzie to Sacramento Ave) and Albany Avenue (Lawrence to Wilson Ave). 

The two ordinances will go into effect in late November once the ordinances are reviewed by the Committee on License and Consumer Protection and by the City Council, respectively. Once passed, businesses in these areas will now be allowed to apply for Packaged Good Licenses from the Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). 

Please note that these two liquor moratorium lifts apply only to Packaged Good Licenses, not Tavern Licenses where patrons can consume alcohol on business premises.  

Our feedback forms received 21 responses for Montrose Ave, with 76% of participants in favor of lifting the moratorium. We received 10 responses for Albany Ave, with 60% of participants in favor of lifting the moratorium. Thank you to all who participated in this community-driven process. Please reach out to our office if you have any questions or concerns.

Discounted Rain Barrel Program – While Supplies Last
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is selling subsidized rain water barrels at a discounted rate (10.75 for seniors/$21.50 for everyone else). Rain barrels are a helpful tool in diverting rain water flow from downspouts to gardens. You can order a rain barrel at the following link: https://mwrd.org/rain-barrels You can reach out to our office for assistance with your application.

Road closure notice: Sewer Repair and replaceAt this time, work is expected to begin during the week of October 2, 2023.

Beginning in early-October 2023, a Department of Water Management private contractor will begin installing an underground sewer structure at the intersection of N Albany Ave and W School St. Due to the nature of the work, this intersection will be closed to traffic for the duration of construction. Work at this location is expected to last approximately 4-6 weeks. Upon completion by the contractor, a City of Chicago In-House sewer crew is expected to continue installation of sewer pipe along W School St between N Albany Ave and N Elston Ave.

Grid-Based Tree Trimming
The Bureau of Forestry is no longer receiving individual tree trimming requests and has shifted to a grid-based maintenance schedule similar to the street sweeping schedule. You can view the map here. 

Previously completed grid section: N032 W028, which covers Addison to Belmont from California to Kedzie
Current grid section: N040 W028, which covers Montrose to Irving Park Rd from California to Kedzie

Each grid segment can take between three weeks and two months to complete. Tree trimming personnel will be in the ward weekly, weather permitting. Similar to street sweeping notifications, trees will be posted with signage in advance of tree trimming. Upon the completion of each grid segment, we will make an announcement about which grid will be completed next. If you’re worried about the immediate safety of the area around a given tree due to its conditions, you can reach out to 311 or our office so the appropriate service request can be made. 

The results of both increased funding for the Department of Forestry and move to a grid-based system has resulted in more than triple the amount of trees being trimmed this year compared to the same time period last year. This change in system, along with an increase in full-time equivalents for forestry operations in the 2023 budget, will mean more trees in our ward, and the city, will be maintained than year’s past. 

Having trouble filling a vacant apartment? Chicago Rents can help:
Ariel Parrella-Aureli reported on the Chicago Rents program for Block Club. Chicago Rents is a program that offers guaranteed rents and additional incentives for landlords interested in providing affordable housing for tenants.The program has already housed more than 2000 Chicagoans. Chicago Rents provides support to both the tenant and the landlord throughout the duration of the lease. If you’re a landlord who’s interested in learning more, click here. Landlords can also fill out a survey by clicking here and Chicago Rents staff will reach out to you. 

Local School Playground Improvements
There are several active school playground improvements in the ward.

Cleveland’s new playgrounds and outdoor classroom have funds from the state. Those funds were approved recently as noted in our newsletter. Construction is expected to be complete by the new school year. We will share updates in our newsletter as the project advances.

Bateman has funds from our Participatory Budgeting program and additional grant funding to come from CPS and the state. The applications are being processed and we will share updates in our newsletter as the project advances.

Von Linne has funds from our Participatory Budgeting program and additional grant funding from CPS and the state. The playground is in its design phase and we expect construction to begin in the summer.

The Roosevelt High School turf field is under construction and received funding from a variety of sources including the Kedzie/Lawrence TIF.

It is very challenging to secure funds for our school improvements, and we are very proud of the organizing work everyone at the schools has done to make these projects happen. We understand this process has taken a long time, but we are very close to celebrating all of these new projects together.


SUPPORTING NEW CHICAGOANS

Update to Migrant Mission Website – FAQ added

Chicago has added an official Frequently Asked Questions page to their website dedicated to the Migrant Mission. This FAQ details the process for welcoming migrants and responds to many of the questions that have been asked by the public. Check this page for information. 

Donations
Our office continues to receive calls, emails, and walk-ins from constituents who wish to support new Chicagoans. One of the immediate ways to help is to check the Instituto del Progreso Latino Amazon Wish List which is updated frequently to meet the needs of new arrivals in the city’s temporary shelters. Only new items are being accepted at this time. Additionally, Instituto del Progreso Latino is accepting monetary donations to purchase items in bulk. Donations can be made by visiting InstitutoChicago.org. For additional information, visit chicago.gov/support

Please do not drop or donate any items at Chicago Police Districts. 

Furniture can be donated to Chicago Furniture Bank. The Furniture Bank, in partnership with New Life Centers, is providing furniture to new arrivals who are being resettled into permanent housing. The Furniture Bank is also the largest provider of free furniture to the unhoused Chicagoans as well. 

To donate your gently used and new furniture, clothing, and other essential hygiene items visit any @C2CChicago location or select @NLCenters  locations.

Volunteer Opportunities

Members of our community have formed the Community Care Collective to direct mutual aid efforts in the 33rd Ward. You can learn about volunteer opportunities by following this link. 

Public Dashboard
The city recently created a public dashboard that provides insight into the number and distribution of migrants in Chicago and where they are being sheltered.


APPLYING FOR FLOOD RELIEF FROM FEMA

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance has passed. 

You can learn more information click here. FEMA will continue to process inspections and work with any applicants to provide as much relief as possible. The link above will provide details about that process. Please reach out to any of the Relief Centers listed on the website for any questions. 

How to Appeal: Fliers can be found by clicking here


COMMUNITY EVENTS

Halloweek Activities from the City of Chicago

Halloweek is back! The city is organizing a variety of fun events for children and their families throughout the month of October. A full overview can be found at chicagohalloweek.org. These events include: 

Two Parades: An “Arts in the Dark” parade downtown in the Loop on Saturday, October 21, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and an “Upside Down” parade in Washington Park on the South Side on Saturday, October 28, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. 

City Civics Day – November 4th
City Civics Day is an all-day celebration where attendees can explore how to effect positive change through public engagement. The event will feature panel discussions, breakout sessions, artist performances, and more; check out our website to explore the full programming schedule and a list of presenters

The free event will take place at Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland, from 9:30-4:30pm and includes a catered breakfast and lunch. All Chicagoans are invited. 

Communities United – A Gathering of Communities: Strategizing for a Healing-Centered City
When: Saturday, November 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m
Where: UIC Student Center East | 750 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60607

Register today for A Gathering of Communities: Strategizing for a Healing-Centered City to be a part of an organizing effort that prioritizes healing and justice. 

If you cannot attend the conference but are interested in supporting our efforts, please spread the word and DONATE.

Irving Park Community Food Pantry Coat Drive Begins in October
Irving Park Community Food Pantry (4256 N. Ridgeway) hosts its annual coat drive this October and November and seeks donations of new or gently used winter coats. 

Coats will be distributed Tuesday, October 10th and continue every Wednesday through November 8 for clients in 60641 and 60618 zip codes. The Pantry also accepts hats, scarves, gloves and mittens. 

Drop off partners: 

  • Big Helpers, 4184 N. Elston Ave.
  • Compass Real Estate, 2044 W Roscoe St.,1653 N. Milwaukee Ave. and 2350 N. Lincoln Ave.
  • Disney II Magnet School, 3815 N. Kedvale Ave.
  • Disney II Magnet High School, 3900 Lawndale Ave.
  • Distinct Bath & Body, 4046 N Milwaukee Ave
  • Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave.
  • Irving Park YMCA, 4251 W Irving Park Rd. 
  • Jet’s Pizza, 3951 N. Kimball Ave.
  • J.T.’s Genuine Sandwich Shop, 3970 N. Elston Ave.
  • Old Irving Brewing Company, 4419 W Montrose Ave. 
  • Front porch at 4731 Kiona Ave. 

To drop off a large donation or to host a drive, email info@irvingparkfoodpantry.org. http://www.irvingparkfoodpantry.org

Brands Park Fall Programming
For more information or for questions, please contact teresa.wooldridge@chicagoparkdistrict.com or call (312) 656-7223. Register online at www.ChicagoParkDistrict.com or by visiting Horner Park.


YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES


BUSINESS RESOURCES

Submit to be a vendor at the 2024 Democratic National Convention

The 2024 Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago from August 19 – 22 next year. You can submit an application to be a vendor at the convention by clicking here.

Chicago Parks District Vendor Applications Open

The 2024 concession program application is available at www.parkconcessions.com. Please see attached the Notice of Availability (NOA) and the advertisement. Vendors interested in joining the concession program should contact UCG Associates. website:  parkconcessions.com | email: parkconcessions@unison-ucg.com | phone:  (312) 988-3360.  

Citywide Hiring Fairs

We are pleased to invite you to set up a resource table at our Citywide Hiring Fair. This event will take place over two weekends on October 21st and October 28th from 10 am – 2pm at multiple City Colleges of Chicago locations. Thousands of potential employees will be in attendance. We are seeking employers and businesses that are currently looking to fill positions with individuals of relevant work experience to participate in this hiring fair. If you have more questions or need additional information, please contact

Lanessa.Young@cityofchicago.org or Ayana.Clark@cityofchicago.org.

Small Business Improvement Fund Applications – Apply Nov. 1, 2023
Applications open: 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1
Applications close: 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30

The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own.

Program participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf and do not have to be repaid.

DPD and SomerCor will host an informational webinar to review program requirements and the application process.

SBIF Informational Webinar  –  1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1 | Register

For additional information, visit www.chicago.gov/sbif


EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Full Time Job Opportunity with Benefits in Avondale
General Manager for Playbound Indoor Playground at 3501 W Belmont Ave

Manage staff, organize operations, work with families and kids. Associates Degree, experience with kids, leadership experience, English and Spanish speaking required

Please email contact@playbound.us with your qualifications and contact info!

Sprinkler Fitters Union Local 281, U.A. will be accepting applications for their Apprentice Program. 

No applications will be given unless all the requirements listed are met. The application can also be found on their website by using the following link: https://www.sprinklerfitterchicago.org/news?zone=homepage&nID=18614 

If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please contact Alan Crawford, Director of Training. Alan may be reached at 708-597-1800 or by email at acrawford@sftf281.org.

Citywide Hiring Fairs

We are pleased to invite you to set up a resource table at our Citywide Hiring Fair. This event will take place over two weekends on October 21st and October 28th from 10 am – 2pm at multiple City Colleges of Chicago locations. Thousands of potential employees will be in attendance. We are seeking employers and businesses that are currently looking to fill positions with individuals of relevant work experience to participate in this hiring fair. If you have more questions or need additional information, please contact

Lanessa.Young@cityofchicago.org or Ayana.Clark@cityofchicago.org.


COMMUNITY HEALTH

Rincon Family Services Mental Health Crisis Line: (773) 640-9803

Flu and Covid vaccine clinic: Nov 4, 2023 from 11am – 3pm @ Cleveland Elementary School. 
Make a separate appointment for each family member. Only select quantity (1) of each vaccine per appointment. Appointment can be made by clicking here.  • You may arrive anytime within the 3-4 hours between the start and end times of this event. Wait times are typically longer at the start of an event.  •  No government issued ID is required. Insurance will be requested. However, uninsured persons will be served free of charge. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian with them to sign consent.

Health Fair at Kosciuszko Park: Nov. 4 from 9am – 12pm
State Representative Will Guzzardi will be hosting our Annual Fall Family Health Fair! This year’s fair will take place on Saturday, November 4th from 9 AM – 12 PM at Koz Park (2732 N Avers Ave). The office of State Representative Will Guzzardi will be providing community members with free health services, including free COVID vaccinations, Flu vaccinations, RSV vaccinations, COVID tests and masks, hand sanitizers, groceries, dental services, blood pressure checks and more! There will be many community organizations with free resources and fun activities for the kids, food, raffles, and face painting. The first 200 people will receive hot coffee or hot apple cider!

Chicago Department of Public Health Prepares For Rollout of New COVID-19 Vaccine

Following approval from federal health officials, the Chicago Department of Public Health is announcing its plans to make the new fall 2023 COVID-19 vaccine available to all Chicagoans age 6 months and up. In addition, CDPH is encouraging everyone 6 months and older to get an annual flu shot.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the updated COVID-19 vaccine targets currently circulating strains of the virus. Shipping of the new vaccines (one from Pfizer-BioNTech, one from Moderna) will begin this week, and doses are expected to be available within 5 to 12 days at clinics and pharmacies throughout Chicago. If it has been at least two months since your last COVID-19 vaccine, it is recommended you get the new vaccine right away.

This year, vaccine will continue to be available to everyone at no cost, regardless of insurance or immigration status. However, where people go to get the updated vaccine may be a little different as a result of the end of the federal public health emergency last spring and the commercialization of the vaccine.

You can receive updated information from the Department of Public Health’s website. Location information can be found by clicking this link.

Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
Our office has been certified to distribute Narcan and Fentanyl testing resources to our community. You can stop by during our open hours or reach out to info@33rdward.org for more information.

Free Asthma Services from American Lung Association
Do you know a child, adult or family member that has uncontrolled asthma? The American Lung Association in Greater Chicago has a program where a skilled healthcare professional will visit your home and provide an asthma assessment. The healthcare professional will provide health education and any materials and products needed to mitigate your asthma symptoms. Products include, but are not limited to, green cleaners, HEPA vacuum cleaners, air cleaners, beds, bed and pillow covers. More information by clicking here. 

Receive Your Updated COVID-19 Vaccine At Home!

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!

Vaccinations for CPS Students: 


COMMUNITY SAFETY UPDATES

My office believes that the best approach to community safety requires us all to participate in conversation together, to learn about each others’ needs and find ways to support each person. We encourage everyone to participate in the CCPSA, attend your regular beat meetings (CAPS), and your local CCPSA District Council local meetings. 

Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability
Last year, Chicagoans elected their first ever Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA). The CCPSA is a city-wide elected body of three representatives from each police district. These representatives have a wide range of responsibilities that you can learn more about by clicking here

CCPSA Announced Meeting Schedule for 2023. 

COPA Civilian Academy

Begins October 23, 2023. 

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is excited to announce COPA People’s Academy (CPA) Session II, a six-week condensed version of COPA’s Training Academy for the public (civilian or sworn) and organizations around the country. 

After a successful inaugural launch of COPA’s People’s Academy in March of this year and we are thrilled to offer the session again and hope you can help spread the word. COPA People’s Academy is designed to educate residents on COPA’s processes including, the History of Civilian Oversight of Policing in Chicago, Introduction to Officer-Involved Shootings Investigations, Witness Reliability, Legal Concepts Overview, Standards of Proof, Analyzing Video, Use of Force Investigative Tools, and our Policy Research & Analyses Division (PRAD).  

Registration is now open. We invite you to enroll and/or share this information with others, including your community or your office staff who you believe would be interested in how COPA functions as an agency and works to further civilian oversight here in Chicago. If you have attended a People’s Academy in the past, you are welcome to sign up again for the second session. Session II begins October 23, 2023. 

To enroll in COPA People’s Academy, or to simply learn more, please visit:  chicagocopa.org/cpa. If you have any additional questions, please email copa-publicaffairs@chicagocopa.org.

17th District CAPS Meetings: 17th District CAPS Webpage with schedule.
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

Click here for information about beat meetings.


CONSTITUENT RESOURCES

Block Party Applications

Request Ward Services

CDOT Infrastructure Improvement Map

33rd Ward Community Driven Zoning

33rd Ward Safety and Wellness

Find your CAPS Beat

Recycling and garbage schedule

2023 Street Sweeping schedule and interactive map 

COVID-19 Resources

Resources for Seniors

Resources for Renters

Chicago Clerk’s Office


33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION

Address: 4747 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 5pm; Friday 9am – 4pm
Phone: 773-840-7880
Email: info@33rdward.org
Website and constituent resources: www.33rdward.org
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter


33RD WARD STAFF

Veronica Tirado-Mercado, Chief of Staff

Stacy Erenberg, Deputy Chief of Staff

Jonathan Nagy, Director of Communications and Engagement

Rebecca Rios, Director of Infrastructure and Zoning

Raul Marron, Neighborhood and Business Services Coordinator

Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent

Elizabeth Espino, Neighborhood Services Representative

Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative

Charlie Billingsley III, Neighborhood Services Intern


Do you have news to share?

We are always trying to improve our communication! If you have information to share with the community, we would like to know! To submit an item for our weekly newsletter, please send an email with the event details including date, time, and location, and a brief written description.  Any photos should be submitted in .JPEG format. Please submit by 5pm on Thursday.

4747 N Sawyer Ave. Chicago, IL 60625