I am proud to co-sponsor an ordinance calling for the creation of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention alongside Live Free and other community groups highly impacted by gun violence.
In 2021 alone, 745 Chicagoans were killed due to gun violence, and Black Chicagoans were victims of more than 80% of homicides. For years, community members, organizers, faith leaders, students and more have been fighting for safety in their communities. Our current Office of Violence Reduction was a step in the right direction, but is nowhere near enough.
The goal of the ordinance is to create community accountability, long-term, and sustainable solutions, give the office grant-making power, and assurance that this office is not subject to be dissolved due to political priorities!
This comprehensive initiative would create a long-term plan to address violence through the following:
- Convening an advisory board led by experts, community leaders, and survivors of gun violence, to provide strategic direction, oversight, and accountability for progress on the plan
- Having procurement power to provide the resources necessary in communities to address gun violence
- Ensuring a cohesive strategy across City agencies to leverage the full power of the City to address violence
Read the full ordinance here, check out the fact sheet, and endorse the campaign!
In This Week’s Newsletter
Quick Links
*Want more information on community opportunities and job postings? Check out our Community Bulletin!
*Block party applications are open! Read more under “Form” on the Neighborhood Services page, and apply here!
Win a free bike from Bike Chicago: Apps open on July 18th
Online and paper applications will be accepted beginning July 18th at 11am and until August 4th at 11:59pm, and bike distribution will begin in August.
CPS Vaccination Clinics NOW OPEN
CPS vaccination clinics Chicago Public Schools has resumed COVID-19 vaccination clinics! Many clinics have the vaccine approved for children aged 6 months+. Clinics will also be available at all Back to School Bashes.
Book your child’s spot on line: http://cps.edu/vaccine.
1. Albany Park Lot Jams Concerts, July 14-Oct 8th
2. 2. Sidewalk Sale, July 15th and 16th
3. Clean and Green, July 23rd
Youth Opportunities
1. 2022 Illinois Dream Fund Accepting Applications for Undocumented Students in Illinois, due TONIGHT, July 15th, 11:59 AM
2. CPS Summer Meals Program, free breakfast and lunch
Children attending CPS summer programs—and all Chicago children between 1 and 18 years old—are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch at any school where summer programs take place! Find CPS locations to get meals here!
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 Strike Update
Since June 7th, members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 have been on strike against Lehigh Hanson, Vulcan Materials, and Lafarge Holcim – three companies that produce aggregate material, such as sand, gravel, and stone needed for asphalt and concrete. You can read about their strike demands here.
The Chicago Department of Transportation has been in close communication with contractors to keep projects moving, but many projects have slowed or had their start date temporarily postponed. We will update residents when we learn more about how this impacts ward projects.
Riverfront Property Development Update
Check out this recording of the visioning meeting discussing the potential development of the riverfront property located at Addison St and California Ave (formerly DePaul College Prep)!
Housing Support
1. Homebuyer 101 Workshop, July 25th
Covid-19 Resources
1. Children as young as 6 months can now get a COVID-19 vaccine!
Upcoming family vaccination clinics at City Colleges of Chicago, 9am-2pm
*Reservations recommended but walk-ins accepted
*For ages 6mos-4 years old
- Saturday, July 23 – Kennedy-King College
- Saturday, July 30 – Richard J. Daley
College and Wilbur Wright College
2. You are now eligible for 8 MORE free at-home COVID rapid tests!
Residential households in the U.S. are now eligible for 8 free at-home tests on USPS.com.
3. 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!
4. 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