We are not going to stand by as the right-wing Supreme Court and the GOP roll back the clock on abortion access and reproductive health care.

That’s why last week I introduced the Bodily Autonomy Sanctuary ordinance (O2022-2486) to protect people seeking or providing reproductive health and gender affirming care. One part of this ordinance will ensure that local law enforcement does not collaborate to criminalize people for receiving the medical care they need or people aiding others in accessing care.

The executive order prohibits “any city agency from taking part in legal proceedings initiated by another state that wants to impose civil or criminal action against any person or entity for providing legal reproductive healthcare in Illinois.”

She has also committed to getting the Bodily Autonomy Sanctuary ordinance passed in September because these protections need to be codified and not subject to change based on who is in office. The ordinance will also create a new line through 311 to provide information on resources for people seeking care.

I’m so grateful to my chief-co-sponsors on these measures: Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, Ald. Matt Martin and Ald. Maria Hadden. Thank you especially to the ACLU IL, Planned Parenthood IL, Equality Illinois, Chicago Abortion Fund, Midwest Access Coalition, and Illinois Nurses Association for helping us think through what meaningful and comprehensive legislation looks like.

I’m looking forward to continuing this work along with members of the public, my colleagues in the council, and our allies at the state level. And I’ll be in the streets with the movement to say we are not going back—not now, not ever!

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! 

Public Community Meeting: Cannabis Dispensary Permit, August 8th 

Green Star Equity LLC has applied for a Special Use permit to operate a cannabis dispensary at 3545 N Kedzie Ave, and will hold a public community meeting for feedback. The Zoning Board of Appeals will have the final say in the application’s approval.  

Date: Monday, August 8th | 6 p.m.
Attend in person at Revolution Brewing: 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Attend via Zoom: https://zoom.us.join 
Meeting ID: 920 6873 0092 | Passcode: 372410
Join by phone: 312-626-6799

Questions? You can ask the applicant’s attorney Sylvia C. Michas at 312-836-4030 or at smichas@taftlaw.com OR Joe Engleman, 33rd Ward Zoning and Development Manager at joe@33rdward.org. 

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.  

Neighborhood Events

1. Albany Park Lot Jams Concerts, Present-Oct 8th


2.  Red Cross Blood Drive, August 3rd

3. Dog Days of Summer Fundraiser for Horner Park Dog Park, August 4th 

4. Back to School Drive with Israel’s Gifts of Hope, August 6th

5. Back 2 School Fiesta, August 13th 

6. 2022 Avondale Bar Crawl Fundraiser, August 13th
Event link here

Youth Opportunities

1. Bateman Before and After School Care Registration is OPEN! 

Watch: 33rd Ward Construction/Infrastructure Projects Info Session

We were joined by Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) to discuss construction projects taking place in the ward this summer/fall, pedestrian and cyclist safety measures being planned, and major resurfacing projects taking place on Kedzie, Irving Park, Belmont, and Diversey. Check out the video of our discussion on Facebook Live!

2023 Chicago Budget Engagement Forum, TOMORROW, July 30th

Join this year’s annual Budget Engagement Forums to hear from City leaders on the 2023 budget and to share priorities on City services! 

Attend in person at Truman College (1145 West Wilson Avenue) OR watch the Live Stream here! 

Sidewalk Patio Rebates Awarded to Local Restaurants!

Congrats to this weeks recipients of the Sidewalk Patio Rebate: Beograd Cafe, Pete’s Place, and Mima’s Taste of Cuba!

Check out their cute patios for a drink and a meal! Interested in the Sidewalk Patio Rebate Program? Check out the website here!

Business Spotlight: Skinovatio Medical Spa

Skinovatio Medical Spa opened this week at 2632 N Lincoln Ave! 

They are running some major discounts for their grand opening- check them out here!

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 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