|
September 1, 2025
Dear Neighbors,
Happy Labor Day! We salute all those brave people who fought for workers’ rights. Thank you to those who came before us and everyone fighting today.
A reminder to get ready for the 11th Ward Career and Resource Fair on September 24 at the Bridgeport Art Center, brought to you by my office, Commissioner John P. Daley, SSA #13, the Greater Bridgeport and South Loop Chamber of Commerce, and many great local employers.
On Tuesday, we will have a community meeting regarding the remediation of a piece of land on the east side of Park #571 / the Eleanor Street boathouse, at 2730 S Eleanor St. This land is a former People’s Gas manufactured gas plant. We are in early stages with this project, but this would be a great area to make into more green space along the river. The hybrid meeting will take place Tuesday, September 2, 5:30 PM, in person at the ward office or online via zoom, see below for full details.
The 11th Ward Office will resume its regular hours starting next week. Don’t forget to take advantage of Ward Night on Mondays.
Public Safety
I’ve been paying close attention to the news of recent military deployments in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and especially this week with the President readying to deploy troops in Chicago. It’s something I am very concerned about, and I’m sure you are too.
We may be concerned for a lot of reasons: What does this mean for moving around the city? My kids take the CTA to get to school, will they have to go through check points? There’s no insurrection here, why would they send the military? Will the National Guard be carrying out deportation orders? I run a small business, and if the National Guard presence keeps people from going out and spending money, how will I survive?
My AlderBrain wonders: how much longer our ward infrastructure projects will be delayed if a deployment of National Guard forces work to stop? How much more overtime pay will CPD require as a result of an unwanted military presence in our city? This and many more questions are likely going through the minds of all Chicagoans.
Here’s what I know: 1) Chicagoans don’t take kindly to outsiders trying to tell us what to do or how to take care of our own. 2) Any federal agency carrying out orders without at least communicating with local law enforcement undermines the hard work that the brave men and women of the Chicago Police Department, Cook County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois State Police 3) The President of the United States is not a king – at least not according to our constitution. 4) The safety of the public is a top priority for all of us, and the a military deployment is a manufactured distraction from his poor approval ratings and unpopular cuts to important services like Medicaid. The things our city should be focusing on are how to fill a forecasted $1.15 billion deficit for our 2026 budget, how to invest in public safety strategies that actually work, and how to save our transit system—not preparing for an uninvited military occupation
News reporting indicates that part of the federal deployment of troops to Chicago may be to ramp up ICE deportation activity. I have been alarmed at the Trump administration’s track record of disregarding due process in immigration enforcement—click here to learn more about your rights if you are targeted by immigration enforcement action, or contact the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community (CBCAC) for more info: https://www.cbcacchicago.org/.
You can also contact our office and we will work to put you in touch with the resources you may need.
City Council
Upcoming
I will return next week to committee meetings with the Committee on Police and Fire on Friday at 1PM.
2026 Budget
I had my first briefing on Friday regarding the FY2026 budget. efore I pass any serious judgment, I am taking the time to work through it thoroughly. Sometime later this month, we are scheduled to receive additional presentations including a financial report produced by Ernst & Young and a report back by the Mayor’s Budget working group.
We now know that the City is forecasting a $146M shortfall for 2025 and a deficit of $1.15B to close to balance the 2026 budget. Adding to our deficit are several mandates from the State, including increased pension benefits for police and fire as well as healthcare. While these costs are required, the City does not currently have a mechanism identified by which to pay for them.
I want a budget from the Mayor’s Office that our Ward can depend on — one that provides for all our basic needs — police funding, alley maintenance, garbage collection; street lighting, funded parks and pools. We need to make sure the basics are accounted for before starting new programs.
CPS Budget
This week, I signed onto a letter of support for SEIU employees, urging CPS to ensure that SEIU janitors who were laid off be given the opportunity to be rehired at the same rate of pay they were already making. It is not just to fire our workers and make them reapply for the same jobs at lower pay.
I was also pleased that the Board of Education passed interim CPS CEO Dr. King’s proposed budget. I believe this is a responsible and balanced budget that does not bring cuts to the classrooms or include irresponsible borrowing, and ultimately, better for all of us as taxpayers.
Members of the Chicago Board of Education who were elected to office representing the 11th Ward have shared messages to the residents of the 11th Ward. I appreciate the hard work they and the other nine board members who voted to pass the budget. See their messages below. I look forward to our continued partnership. See the “Education” section below for their messages.
Street Closures and Infrastructure
Graffiti and Sign Issues
Graffiti and bent signs continue to pop up around the ward. Please help keep our community clean and safe by reporting graffiti and bent street signs. You can do so through the 311 app, emailing our office or calling us at 773-254-6677. Please provide our office with the location of the graffiti (an address is best) and what it’s on (building, fence, sign, etc).
Housekeeping
35th Street Parking Changes
Time restrictions have been removed to now allow residents to park along 35th Street throughout the day between Ashland and Western.
White Sox and Event Residential Parking decals and passes
Decals and passes are available for pickup at the ward office.
Have a great holiday weekend,
Nicole
| 
