Earlier this week, the City Council passed two significant pieces of legislation – Alderman Martin’s Complete Streets ordinance as well as a Labor Peace Agreement covering the city’s delegate agencies. Delegate agencies are nonprofit organizations that contract with the city, receive public funding, and carry out services. Many of these services were once carried out by the public sector itself.

Many frontline nonprofit workers, particularly in social services, work under extremely difficult conditions for very low pay. Over the last few years, there has been a wave of organizing among many nonprofit workers working at organizations that contract with the city. The purpose of the Labor Peace Agreement ordinance is to ensure that city departments can rely on a continuity of service from delegate agencies. City contracts with delegate agencies will now ensure that the right of workers looking to collectively bargain for better working conditions (such as healthcare and pay) can do so without fear of retaliation from the delegate agency.

This ordinance is a major step towards ensuring Chicagoans who depend on these critical services can access them without disruption, communities can continue to receive the quality services they deserve, and the frontline workers who work in a wide variety of fields can exercise their right to sustainable and humane working conditions.

In This Week’s Newsletter

Quick Links 

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

Haugan Elementary School Construction

Neighbors, please be advised that Haugan Elementary School is set to have work done from March – September, this includes tuckpointing, roofing, and installing a new playground. Due to this construction work noise and disruptions will go into the afternoon and evening during weekdays. Parking may be affected in the area due to the activity happening on surrounding streets.

Property Tax Appeals & Tax Exemption Support

On Tuesday, March 28th our office is hosting another Property Tax Appeal Support with Cook County Board of Review. Property Tax Appeals allow homeowners get their property value reassessed with the hopes of having the property taxes reduced. If you would like support with filing your appeal please call our office at 773-840-7880 or send an email to info@33rdward.org. 

On Monday, April 3rd, our office will be teaming up with the Assessors Office to help neighbors who need assistance with filing for tax exemptions. Tax exemptions are essentially tax deductions on property taxes for seniors, veterans, and homeowners. If you or someone you know would like support with filing for tax exemptions please schedule a time to do so by contacting our office.

Both events are by appointment only from 10 AM to 5 PM, so please contact us via phone or email to reserve your spot. Stay tuned for more details. 

Construction Notice

On March 13th construction will begin in our ward that will address draining issues with the sewers. This construction will take about 2 months to complete. The construction will take place from W Belmont Ave to W Fullerton Ave between North Central Park Ave and N Kennedy Expressway. This construction will be repairing catch basins and drainage structures within these boundaries.    

Neighborhood Cleanup, April 15th

Join Cleanup Club Chicago to clean up the trashtastic Diversey and California highway interchange! We’ll cover both underpasses, multiple ramps, and the green spaces in between. There will also be a round of LITTER BINGO with prizes sponsored by Block Bins Composting! The cleanup will go from 12 PM – 2 PM.

PLEASE NOTE: for safety and liability reasons, Cleanup Club Chicago does not allow any volunteers under the age of 8.

Meeting Location: For the cleanup, we will meet up at the big green space at the corner of California and Diversey. It’s right across from Popeye’s Chicken, which is the address attached to this event.

Supplies: We will provide grabbers, bags, and some protective gloves. We recommend that everyone please bring their own 5 gallon bucket, water, and gloves

Click here if you’re interested in volunteering!

CTA Shuttle Bus Service- Blue Line Trains

Due to construction happening at the Belmont crossover, the CTA Blue Line will offer a free shuttle service between the Addison stop and the Western stop. Shuttle buses are expected to depart from the stations every 4-15 minutes.

The dates construction will be happening is March 31st-April 3rd, April 14th-17th, April 21st-24th, and April 28th- May 1st.

33rd Ward Zoning Updates

4343-4357 N Richmond 

A public community meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 29th at 6:30 p.m. so the applicant seeking a Special Use for 4343-4357 N Richmond can present their proposal to community members. 

The purpose of this meeting is informational only and no decision will be made at this meeting. The Zoning Board of Appeals, not the 33rd Ward Alderwoman, will make the final decision on whether this proposal moves forward on Friday, April 21st. Feedback at the March 29th public meeting will help inform the 33rd Ward Alderwoman about where community members stand regarding the applicant’s proposal.  

To register to attend the public community meeting on the 29th, click here. To submit a question in advance of the meeting, please click here. If you would like to provide feedback on this or any other zoning proposal under consideration, you can always go to https://33rdward.org/zoning-proposals/. 

For additional questions or concerns, please reach out to 33rd Ward Director of Policy and Development Joe Engleman at joe@33rdward.org. 

Runoff Election Voter Information

Runoff Election Day for mayoral candidates is Tuesday, April 4th. Early voting begins on Monday, March 20th and 33rd Ward residents can cast their vote at the American Indian Center (3401 W. Ainslie St.) or at the early voting supersites downtown (191 N. Clark & 69 W. Washington). On April 4th you will be able to vote at your assigned polling place and you can check that here. Early voting polling site hours are as followed:

• Weekdays: 9:00am – 6:00pm
• Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
• Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm

April 4th polling hours are from 6:00am to 7:00 pm.

Vote by Mail applications are now open and the last day to request your mail in ballot is March 30th. 

Free Tax Prep for Income Eligible Families

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services is happy to announce that the City’s Tax Prep Chicago free income tax preparation and assistance program is back, offering expanded in-person, drop-off, and by-appointment services at 11 locations across Chicago. This program is more important than ever with opportunity to claim Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Please note all sites are first come, first served.

Eligible Chicagoans could receive up to $8,183 from the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits, in addition to other credits. But many people may not claim all the credits they deserve without the help of knowledgeable preparers.

Families earning up to $60,000 and individuals earning up to $32,000 are eligible to take advantage of the free and confidential Tax Prep assistance at eleven sites across Chicago. Volunteer tax preparers certified through IRS-approved training will assist them with federal and state income tax returns. Most sites will be open between end of January and mid-April 2023. (Please refer to the attached flyers and links below for specific information on site locations and hours.)

For more information about how to access the free tax assistance program, Chicagoans can:

• Call the City’s 311 helpline
• Visit the City’s tax assistance website at www.TaxPrepChicago.org
• Call (312) 588-6900 if you have any questions
• Visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov and type “free tax help” in the search box or call (800) 829-1040.

Neighborhood Events

1. Blood Drive, March 18th

2. Go Run Free 5k, March 25th

Go Runs are FREE and open to anyone in their effort to make running enjoyable and accessible to all, both newcomers, and long-time runners alike.

Through Go Run, CARA, and the Chicago Park District have an objective to activate neighborhood parks, build communities and encourage an active lifestyle through running and volunteerism.

Enjoy a free timed 5K and 1 Mile event Horner Park on March 25th. Click here to sign up or volunteer.

3. Self Defense Seminar, April 1st

4. Free Paper Shredding & Electronic Recycling Event, April 1st

Youth Opportunities

1. Teen Opportunity Fairs

The Chicago Park District is excited to present three Teen Opportunity Fairs over the next few weeks for local youth. This is a great opportunity for youth to network, apply for summer jobs, and learn more about resources available to them. The Teen Opportunity Fairs are free and geared toward youth 13-19. For more information about the Teen Opportunity Fair please visit this website.

Saturday, March 18

• Kennedy King College, 10 AM to 1 PM

Saturday, March 25

• Malcom X College, 11 AM to 2 PM

2. Girls Who Code Summer Program, General Application Due March 24th

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! 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.

Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) Scholarship Opportunity, Application due May 5th

Are you a college-bound high school student from Chicago? Or are you currently in undergrad? The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) is providing forty $5,000 scholarships to qualified students from across Chicago! Students can apply online via the Caucus’ website. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 5, 2023 at 11:59pm. 

Global Garden Community Garden at Lawrence & Sacramento

The Global Garden community garden at Lawrence and Sacramento has opened registration for this upcoming gardening season!

Plot fees are $50/plot for the year, although there are options for reduced fees if needed. These fees will cover any necessary plot improvements, soil, mulch, signage, programming, and scholarship plots for the 2023 season.

If there are more people registered than available plots, they will create a waitlist. Please fill out this form to register for a plot and they will be in touch with you soon.

2023 Horner Park Farmer’s Market

Horner Park is happy to announce that the 2023 Horner Park Farmers Market will take place on Saturdays from June 3 through October 14 – their 9th season!

Their 2023 Market Guidelines, 2023 Market Application, and 2023 Market Application for Business/Nonprofit are now online. Here’s a quick list of the particulars:

Overview:

• Location: Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60618 (Horner Park is a Chicago Park District park). Map
• Dates: Saturdays, June 3 through October 14, 2023.
• Hours: 7:30am-9am setup, 9am-1pm open, 1pm-2pm takedown.
• Fees:
  • $35 application fee (non-refundable). Payable via electronic invoice or via check.
  • $30 per date for a space of approximately 11’x11’, fitting a 10’x10’ canopy; $10 for each additional adjacent space, up to 3 total spaces ($30 for 1 space, $40 for 2 adjacent spaces, $50 for 3 adjacent spaces).
  • Vendors who pay for the entire 2023 regular season of 20 markets prior to June 3 will receive a discount of two free markets, paying for 18 markets instead of all 20.

• Deadline: Applications are due April 1 for first consideration. Applications are accepted throughout the season if there is available space.

Grant Program Offered by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)

CityArts Program

Nonprofit arts and culture organizations of all sizes can apply for general operating grants. In direct response to community needs, general operating grant amounts are now significantly larger, and grants are renewable for one year. The deadline to submit an application is March 24, 2023 at 5:00pm CT. To learn more and apply, visit chicagoculturalgrants.org.

Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events Application Webinars

The City of Chicago – Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) will be conducting a series of webinars to help you get ready for the 2023 season for the Special Event Permitting Process.  

DCASE staff will run through the online application process in English and Spanish: 

General Permit Application Discussion (Spanish) – Wednesday, March 29 at 1 pm -2:30pm  

ALL organizers are strongly encouraged to attend or view these webinars. Please check their website one week prior to each webinar for the zoom link. The webinars will also be recorded and posted on our website for future reference. 

For additional questions please e-mail SEPermits@cityofchicago.org   

Public Health & Safety Community Meeting, March 21st

Join North River Commission and your neighbors to discuss health and public safety in our communities. Learn about NRC’s Health Equity and Violence Prevention initiatives and work. Discuss action steps and upcoming opportunities to engage and volunteer so that together we can help create safer and healthier communities. Everyone is welcome to attend and no RSVP is required.

Spanish translation and child care will be provided.

Networking & Discussion Happy Hour, March 30th

Close Women’s History Month on a high note by meeting other local entrepreneurs, eating delicious Brazilian food, and talking about retirement options for entrepreneurs, and planning the future of your business after retirement.

Professional women from Wintrust Bank and Country Financial Insurance will be joining to discuss these topics and answer any questions that you might have! 

WHEN: Thursday, March 30 at 5:30 PM

WHERE: Brazilian Bowl Grill, 3200 W Lawrence

RSVP: by noon on March 30th

Health Legacy Program for Women, April 13th- May 25th

Health Legacy Program for Women is a free 6-week community-based health program designed for women of color offering weekly health education, nutrition counseling, exercise, and support group sessions for women. HLP staff meets with women twice a week to educate, motivate and support participants on their journey to better health.

The goal of Health Legacy program for women is to impact and create behavior change and thus improve family outcomes in the area of obesity and diabetes by focusing on the health literacy and the health behaviors of women as they are “health regulators” of their family unit; purchasing groceries and meal planning, making health appointments, and modeling health habits and behaviors for their families.

They are hosting this workshop online through Zoom. Registration for the workshop is required, so they can provide the technical support necessary to access the workshop. All workshop materials will be mailed to participants. Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 13th- May 25th ,3pm-5pm.

If interested in joining, women can call to register at (800) 757-0202

Business Resources

1. How to Write a Business Plan, March 21st

Join North River Commission and Founders First on the last sessions of their FREE series of webinars in English and Spanish that will talk about Marketing Plan and Financial Projections. Get your Business Plan ready so you can apply for a loan, open your business, or grow your business!

Español: Lunes, 20 de marzo a las 12 PM – Registrarse aquí

English: Tuesday, March 21 at 12 PM – RSVP here

2. 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. 

3. Business Grant Applications

• The Kitty Fund makes micro-investments in Moms who are running employer-based small businesses with two or more employees. The award was created in honor of Morher’s Day and Founder’s First CEO Kim Folsom’s mother, Catherine “Kitty” Abrams Tadlock Webster, who passed away in March 2020. This 25,000 fund will make investments of $1,000 to 25 mother-led business owners in the form of grants. Applications open on March 21, but you can pre-register today!
• CTA Building Small Businesses Program is an immersive financial capacity-building program tailored for small business acceleration that provided programming focused on financial management, access to capital sourcing, technical assistance and back office support, and procurement connections. Register for the orientation on Thursday, March 30th at 5:30 PM and get a free one-on-one financial assessment. Register HERE. 

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

Employment Opportunities

1. CTA Diversity Programs Workforce Outreach Event, March 20th

2. Second Chance Program Hiring Event, April 8th

3. General Laborer Hiring, Accepting Applications Until March 28th

Click here to apply today.

4. Job Openings at O’Hare & Swissport

• ORD-Cargo Ramp Agent  $18/hr. FT
• ORD GH -Ramp Services Agent $18/hr. PT
• ORD – Passenger Services Agent (Bi-lingual Spanish/English) $18+/hr. PT
• ORD – Fueling Agent  $20.75/hr. FT

All positions are full-time with full health benefits

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