Hi neighbors,
On Monday, the City Council's Police and Fire Committee approved an ordinance I introduced that directs the Chicago Police Department to create a workforce allocation study. This study would make district-specific staffing recommendations that take into account the frequency, locations, and types of calls for service, as well as department-wide staffing levels and 911 response times. In addition, the study would resemble analyses completed by San Diego, San Francisco, and Houston, and would be updated at least annually so that CPD can adjust staffing decisions accordingly. And it would fulfill a requirement within the federal consent decree that CPD develop a data-driven staffing model.
I hope that the full City Council will give the proposal final approval later this month, and want to thank 19th Police District Councilors Maurilio Garcia, Jenny Schaffer, and Sam Schoenberg for their collaboration on this important issue.
Earlier this week, I met with Lissette Castañeda, the new Commissioner of our City's Department of Housing. We discussed her decades of work in affordable housing development, as well as opportunities to expand the existing accessory dwelling unit (ADU) pilot, which removes restrictions on the ability to build basement units and coach houses on residential property. I also had a lively and wide-ranging conversation with Cub Scouts from Pack 3865 that touched upon street repaving, a potential new Bears stadium, and the world-renowned Chicago Rat Hole!
Yesterday, I toured a large shelter for new arrivals located at the corner of Irving Park and Marine Drive. Approximately 1,300 people currently live there, the vast majority of whom are families with young children. Shelter staff and I discussed ongoing efforts to help the residents apply for work authorization permits, find permanent housing, and access health care. My thanks to the scores of volunteers who continue to help new arrivals in and near our community secure clothing, diapers, and infant formula.
I hope you all have an enjoyable weekend. If you're looking for something to do in connection with the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday, the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce has compiled a wonderful list of offerings and activities for your viewing pleasure.
Yours in service,
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