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, andContinue

Our hearts break for the victims and survivors of this week’s tragic shooting at a 4th of July parade in Highland Park.In response to the shooting, I want to share a timely article with you, “If we want to curb gun violence, we need more investments in treatment, written by local faith leaders about curbing gun violence and treating community members who have lost their loved ones and witnessed violence. In recognition of the trauma that Chicagoans know all too well, I have been fighting for the creation of a citywide non-police crisis response and care system within the Public Health Department andContinue

You're invited to an amazing yard sale on Sunday, July 9th in Avondale with 60+ participating addresses! Date & Time: Saturday, July 9, 2022 from 9am-3pm Read more about the Avondale Yard Sale here! Neighbors are encouraged to join this facebook group to get updates from neighbors about what items they are selling at their yard sales.Check out the interactive map of the participating addresses.  Residents can stop by the office next week to pick up a printed map of the participating addresses. In This Week's Newsletter Quick Links  Request services33rd Ward CalendarChiStreetWork construction portalSenior ServicesReview Zoning ProposalsResources for Renters *Want more information on communityContinue

Today the US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade--which for 50 years protected our ability to make decisions over our bodies and our reproduction. It’s a brutal moment in history that threatens to take us back to the time when so many died from unsafe, illegal abortions.  I want to remind us all that our right to legal and safe reproductive care is protected in Illinois. We will do everything we can protect and support all people in need of abortion care.  I'm working with my colleague Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and legal advocacy groups to ensure our city is a sanctuary for anyone seekingContinue

During last year’s budget negotiations, I fought really hard alongside grassroots organizations, like the Collaborative for Community Wellness coalition, to expand services in our public mental health clinics. Photos by Karina Mireya, @kaymireya.jpeg Thanks to this fight, we won a 70% increase in staffing for the clinics!Some of these positions are now open and you can apply! We need dedicated clinicians to help us heal this city, and we demand that our public mental health clinics are increasingly funded and supported. Click through these graphics on the Collaborative for Community Wellness's Instagram page to learn more about how we need Treatment Not Trauma in Chicago! Check out the openContinue

This week, it was such a joy to witness Roosevelt High School students graduate! They have shown so much resolve and resilience in the face of the pandemic- tackling virtual learning, fighting for safety in their schools, maintaining social bonds and community building spaces, and so much more.  We are so proud of all of you, and wish everyone happiness and success on your next adventures. 🎉 Congratulations Roosevelt High School Class of 2022!  In This Week's Newsletter Quick Links  Request services33rd Ward CalendarChiStreetWork construction portalSenior ServicesReview Zoning ProposalsResources for Renters *Want more information on community opportunities and job postings? Check outContinue

As we celebrate Pride and all of our LGBTQIA loved ones in Chicago, it's important that we remember the attacks we have been seeing in our communities, particularly on our Trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming siblings, and especially those who are Black and people of color. This year we have seen lawmakers target trans youth’s rights to read about and discuss gender identities in the classroom, to participate in competitive sports, access gender affirming medical care and more. These policies tell our young people that their identities are not valid and that their bodies are not their own. We have seen so much harm inflicted on young peopleContinue

We are celebrating the 100th birthday of Theodore Roosevelt High School with amazing news- we fought for a new turf field and the funds were just approved in City Council!⚽️ Alejandro, a senior at Roosevelt and member of the boys soccer team, told the Committee on Finance last week: “When I joined the soccer team, it was a bunch of boys, now they are my family. We need places to create family.” Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoOnce the turf field is built, Roosevelt students won't have to use Park District facilities across the City for their practices, which often meant going home late and carrying heavyContinue

Today is my third anniversary of being your Alderwoman. My team and I are honored to represent and support our neighbors.   One of my main goals was to fight for resources for our school communities, and we are going strong.  This month, I introduced a resolution calling for hearings with the CPS on the proposed massive CPS budget cuts, and yesterday, May 19th, we finally had it!  The Chicago Sun-Times reported that CPS is restoring $24 million in funding from the budget cuts of over $60 million, but:"The moves are unlikely to entirely ease concerns, however, as City Council members are joining the chorus of educators and familiesContinue