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

  Spring is upon us, and it's time to clean and beautify our streets! So join your neighbors for the Avondale Clean & Green!Get all of the details on the Facebook event page!  REGISTER HERE. 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 out our Community Bulletin! *Block party applications are open! Read more under "Form" on the Neighborhood Services page, and apply here!  Rally for Abortion Rights: TOMORROW, May 14th We've been fighting the destruction of reproductive justice rights and we will keep fighting. 💰 ABORTION RIGHTSContinue

  Our reproductive rights and bodily autonomy are under attack by the recent Supreme Court draft decision to ban abortion. More than 22,000 women and girls die each year after having an unsafe abortion, according to a comprehensive report published by the Guttmacher Institute in 2018.We in Illinois are a safe haven for people in need of abortions, as we are protected by the Reproductive Health Care Act. *Graphic from The Washington Post This is not a final decision and abortion is still legal.We will build a coalition with our BIPOC siblings, including trans and non-binary siblings, to organize, share resources, build the power andContinue

Our school budgets are in danger and 33rd Ward parents, teachers, and community members are fighting back, and you can too!  The City is slashing the CPS budget for teacher and staff pay by about $60 million. According to WBEZ, it is “one of the biggest budget cuts in funds for core instruction since CPS started tying school budgets tightly to enrollment about nine years ago.”The Numbers 💸 These cuts are going to devastate about 185 Chicago Public Schools, each of which are losing about $200,000 used to pay for core instruction.📚 No classes in CPS are below the state recommended 16-to-1 teacher ratio for primary grades orContinue

This week I spent hours talking to CPS principals, teachers, parents, and community members about the budget cuts our school communities will be facing.  These cuts will hurt many of our community schools-some are losing fundamental resources like SPED teachers, SECAs, art teachers, support workers, and more.  The proposed budget also does not account for raises for teachers and staff, and CPS is still decreasing funding for schools with declining enrollment.  These budget cuts are very harmful, especially after a pandemic that has left everyone emotionally drained, exhausted, and in need of support. 🚨 In response to these cuts, I amContinue

Kedzie Ave is FINALLY being resurfaced and paved from Foster all the way to Elston, which is nearly all of the 33rd Ward! With all of the great input from our community and through several rounds of Participatory Budgeting, Kedzie will be getting some really exciting safety upgrades: bike lanes, a red stamped crosswalk, and curb extensions and bump outs.  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 out our Community Bulletin! Neighborhood Events  1. Easter Egg Hunt at Drake Gardens: TOMORROW AprilContinue

Spring cleaning in the ward continues! Do you have electronics, documents, and prescriptions that you were going to throw away? Well, tomorrow you can recycle them instead!  Check out the Facebook event for more information. This event will provide: On-site document shredding Electronics recycling Prescription drug take-backPlease make sure you remove paper clips, binder clips, and large staples from documents you want to shred before bringing them to the event. This will be a drive-through event.  In This Week's Newsletter Quick Links  Request services33rd Ward CalendarChiStreetWork construction portalSenior ServicesReview Zoning ProposalsResources for Renters Good Friday Peace Walk: Friday, April 15th Housing Support TUESDAY, APRILContinue

It's time for spring cleaning, and we wanted to give you a heads up that street sweeping begins TODAY, April 1st!  Stay up-to-date by checking out the interactive map on our website, as well as a pdf of the map and a full schedule.  You can pitch in too! Join Horner Park Neighbors on Sunday, April 3rd at 10am for a Community Clean-Up day. Refreshments and basic cleaning supplies will be provided.  Join Neighborhood Clean & Greens with the 33rd Ward Office Assist us in keeping our neighborhood clean and our natural areas thriving! FILL OUT THE FORM TO JOIN!Details: Our office will provide grabbers, gloves, and garbage bags.Location: Specific locations will be sentContinue