3rd Ward Back to School Fair - August 2nd

Join Alderman Dowell and numerous community partners, service providers, and local nonprofits at her annual Back to School Fair on Saturday, August 2nd from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the 3rd Ward Public Service Office (5046 S. State St.). Free school supplies, food, music, and games will be provided for everyone to enjoy! Help our students get ready for their best school year yet.

Bud Billiken Parade Reminder

The Bud Billiken® Parade, the largest African American parade in the United States, will be held along King Drive starting at 39th St. and ending in Washington Park on Saturday, August 9th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. A free post-parade festival will be held in Washington Park. Please plan accordingly.

State Senator Hunter's 21st Annual Family Health & Fitness Fair

Join State Senator Mattie Hunter for her 21st Annual Family Health and Fitness Fair! Students heading back to school can receive a free school physical, a haircut and even take home a book bag full of school supplies. The event will also feature health screenings for kidney and diabetes, and eye exams. For more information, call Senator Hunter's office at 312-949-1908.

Where: Illinois Institute of Technology - Siegel Field (north of S.R. Crown Hall at 33rd and State)

When: Saturday, August 2nd from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Alderman Dowell Attends Groundbreakings, Ribbon Cuttings

Residential and commercial development projects continue to flourish in the 3rd Ward. In July, Alderman Dowell was proud to attend two groundbreakings and one ribbon-cutting, kicking-off another round of opportunity in our community! The first groundbreaking was for the next phase of Legends South at 45th St. and State St. This latest phase in the transformation of the former Robert Taylor Homes site will consist of 56 units of affordable, CHA, and market rate housing. The second groundbreaking welcomed a new Wells Fargo Bank branch at 39th St. and King Drive, expanding commercial and personal banking services to a traditionally underbanked community. Finally, Alderman Dowell attended a ribbon-cutting for Southbridge at 23rd St. and State St, which offers 206 units of affordable, CHA, and market rate housing, and new businesses such as the acclaimed Batter and Berries restaurant, and 24 Life Training and Fitness Center.

Plan Commission Approves XS Tennis Village in Washington Park

As part of its July 17th agenda, the Chicago Plan Commission approved plans for a mixed-used development to expand the existing XS Tennis Village (5336 S. State St.) in Washington Park. The expansion would include a 125-room hotel, a 51-unit residential building with 50 affordable units and ground-floor retail, and a cafe and pickleball courts, all to be located in two buildings across the street from the original facility at 5301 S. State St. This catalytic development will transform these long-vacant lots into productive, tax-generating community amenities. Chicago's hotel tax is 17% and the pickleball courts will be subject to the 11% amusement tax.

Local resident and XS Tennis President/CEO Kamau Murray purchased the property at 5301 S. State St. in a private transaction. The development will supplement the existing XS Tennis facility allowing it to host out-of-town players and families for expanded tournament play. The affordable residences will help local community members and XS Tennis employees live in the neighborhood. And the cafe is a needed neighborhood amenity. Congratulations to Kamau on this exciting development!

Flooding Survey for July 25-28 Storms

Due to potential impacts from the storm system that occurred in Chicago between Friday, July 25th and Monday, July 28th, the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communication is working with partners at Cook County Emergency Management and Regional Security (CCDEMRS) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to compile additional information through a Residential Self-Assessment Survey. This supplemental information will help determine if the City, along with our partners, can pursue any options for additional assistance for residents. The deadline to submit the survey is Sunday, August 3. To fill out a survey, please visit click the following link:  Residential Self Reporting Survey or scan the QR code.

Please note that completion of this survey does NOT guarantee or imply eligibility for financial assistance, aid, or funding of any kind. The information collected will be used strictly for assessment and planning purposes. Reporting damages to emergency management is a voluntary activity. It is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.

The City requests that residents continue to report any water in basement service requests to 3-1-1 via phone, app (CHI311), or web (311.Chicago.gov). The IEMA survey is an additional tool to supplement information reported to 3-1-1.

NASCAR Survey Results

Thank you to everyone who filled out Alderman Dowell's 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race Survey. Out of the 318 residents who completed the survey, about half live within 1/4 a mile of the race, and the other half live between 1/4 and 1 mile, making survey respondents some of the most impacted residents in the City.

23% of residents surveyed said they would like to see NASCAR return to Chicago in 2026, while 63% said no, and 12% responded yes, but on a different weekend. As was recently announced, NASCAR will not be coming back to Chicago in 2026, but there are discussions about the City potentially hosting the race again in 2027. As these discussions occur, Alderman Dowell will continue to have an open dialogue regarding the race with residents and businesses.

When asked about the reduction in setup/deconstruction time of this year's race, 26% of respondents said it was a positive development, while 57% said it did not make a difference in their quality of life. 56% of people surveyed said their commute was significantly affected by the NASCAR Street Race, while 43% said their commute was not affected. Only 20% of residents attended a NASCAR-sponsored event like the race, Grant Park concerts, or other neighborhood events. And 71% of businesses surveyed said the race had no positive or negative effect on their businesses.

City Council Considers ADU Ordinance 

As part of the July 15th City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Real Estate meeting, Aldermen considered an expanded accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance. This ordinance makes it legal, by right, for property owners to construct additional units on existing residential properties - like adding a granny flat within a building or adding a coach house to a property.

Specifically, the revised ordinance allows ADUs in all residential zoning districts throughout the City as well as in B, C1, and C2 zoning districts (business and commercial zoned districts). In RS-1, -2, and -3 districts (residential single-family zoned districts) ADUs would be limited to 1, 2, and 3 per-block, per-year respectively. The ordinance also requires homeowner occupancy in all detached houses seeking to build an ADU. The 700-squre-foot cap, and the one-unit cap on coach houses would be eliminated. Every second ADU on a property must be offered as an affordable unit. And, ADUs constructed within existing buildings will only be allowed in properties that are 20 years old or older. Finally, ADUs are prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.

Alderman Dowell voted no on this proposal when it was considered in Committee, but is actively engaged in discussions with its sponsor and the administration prior to a potential September vote in City Council. The ordinance was Deferred and Published during the July City Council meeting, instead of being voted on, in order to allow more opportunity for dialogue. As these negotiations occur, Alderman Dowell will evaluate proposal, and will continue to prioritize careful review, consideration, and community input for all neighborhood development. As the ADU ordinance becomes further refined and considered by City Council, Alderman Dowell will update the community.

Retirement of Commander David Harris

Please join Alderman Dowell in congratulating 1st District Police Commander David Harris on his retirement from the Chicago Police Department. Captain Sheamus Mannion will lead the district following Commander Harris' departure. Commander Harris is retiring after 29 years of service to the City of Chicago. A native Chicagoan born and raised in Lincoln Park, Commander Harris is the father of 5 children, and an avid golfer. Best wishes on your next chapter Commander Harris and thank you for your service to the residents of the 3rd Ward!

Alderman Dowell Introduces Resolution Honoring The Progressive National Baptist Convention

At the July 16th City Council meeting, Alderman Dowell introduced an honorary resolution celebrating the mission and legacy of the 64th Annual Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC), held in Chicago July 20-23, at Liberty Baptist Church in the 3rd Ward. The PNBC started as a movement which reflected the religious, social, and political climate of its time. Its mission was to transform the traditional African American Baptist Convention as well as society. The formation of the convention was wrapped up in the Civil Rights movement and was started by some of the same people who were deeply involved in the freedom movement for African Americans in the United States.

Alderman Dowell also attended their community picnic on July 20th, meeting and welcoming over 350 PNBC leaders to the Bronzeville community. The PNBC leaders in attendance are the next generation of faith-based advocates, carrying on the mission of full voter registration, education and participation, affirmative action against all forms of racism and bigotry, Black economic empowerment and development, equal educational opportunity, and freedom of religion in matters of faith. Thank you to the entire PNBC community for choosing the 3rd Ward as the host of your esteemed convention!

Park District Employee Maceo Johnson Recognized by Alderman Dowell, FOTP

Congratulations to Maceo Johnson, who received the Friends of the Parks (FOTP) Outstanding Park District Employee Award. In honor of this award, Alderman Dowell introduced a ceremonial resolution honoring Maceo for his longstanding commitment to Chicago's parks and the families they serve.

Maceo is the Area Manager for over 26 parks in the Bronezville, Hyde Park, and Fuller Park communities including: Burnham, Armstrong, Mandrake, Ellis, Fuller, Williams, Davis, Taylor, Pendleton, Kenwood, and Kennicott parks. As a 26-year employee, Maceo has built strong relationships with the community and Park PACs, ensuring both Park District employees and the families they serve get the most out of our neighborhood parks. Please join Alderman Dowell in thanking Maceo for his hard work serving the community and congratulations once again on being named Outstanding Park District Employee!

Bike the Drive - August 31st

DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed to car traffic from Bryn Mawr to 57th St. for the annual Bike the Drive on Sunday, August 31st from 6:00 am to noon. On and off ramps will be barricaded to prevent car traffic. Inner Lake Shore Drive will remain open as well as other main through routes that run parallel to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. For more information visit www.bikethedrive.org.

South Loop Event Parking Restrictions

Parking restrictions are in place for the South Loop from Roosevelt Road to Cermak Rd. from Lake Shore Drive to Clark St. during all Chicago Bears football games and many other Soldier Field events. Wintrust Arena events have been removed from the parking restrictions. Vehicles parked in the South Loop without a valid South Loop Event Parking Pass, South Loop Event Guest Pass or Residential Permit Parking pass (for Residential Permit Parking Streets ONLY) are subject to ticketing or towing.

For a complete list of Soldier Field events, please visit www.soldierfield.com/events/all. The 3rd Ward is providing the list below as a courtesy to residents and visitors and does not assume liability for the accuracy of the monthly list of South Loop events. All Soldier Field events are subject to change, including cancellation or the scheduling of additional events. It is your responsibility to adhere to the parking restrictions in place. 

Chicago Bears vs. Miami Dolphins (Pre-Season)

Sunday, August 10th at noon

Chicago Bears vs. Buffalo Bills (Pre-Season)

Sunday, August 17th at 7:00 pm

Oasis

Thursday, August 28th at 7:30 pm

My Chemical Romance

Friday, August 29th at 6:00 pm

The Lumineers

Saturday, August 30th at 6:30 pm

System of a Down and Avenged Sevenfold

Sunday, August 31st and Monday, September 1st at 5:30 pm

WIC Grocery Store Closure - Grand Boulevard

Effective July 31, 2025, Catholic Charities will no longer operate the WIC Grocery Store located at 416 E. 43rd Street. Catholic Charities is deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served families in this community. It has been a privilege to be part of this neighborhood, where together with countless partners, they have supported the health and well-being of mothers and children. To continue receiving WIC-approved groceries, please visit one of the following nearby locations:

WIC Grocery Locations:

• Douglas, 2907 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60616 (2.2 miles)

• Englewood, 6202 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60621 (4.3 miles)

Other WIC-approved Stores:

• Mariano's, 3857 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653 (0.7 miles)

• Jewel-Osco, 443 E 34th St, Chicago, IL 60616 (1.4 miles)

To find additional WIC Grocery locations, store hours, and our WIC Mobile Market schedule, please visit https://linktr.ee/WICGrocery.

CSBG Scholarship Application Deadline Extended

The deadline to apply for a Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) has been extended to Thursday, August 14th! CSBG offers competitive scholarships of $1,000 to $5,000 for eligible college, graduate, vocational, and trade school students. Applicants must be Chicago residents who meet the CSBG income eligibility guidelines. High school graduates and GED recipients are welcome. Students must be enrolled in 12 credit hours or full-time at an accredited institution for Fall 2025. Funds can be used to pay college tuition, vocational training, or other approved education purposes. Apply at chicago.gov/fss/scholarship.

Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Accepting Applications

Submitted applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. The next deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, August 15^th. Applications submitted after August 15th will be reviewed the following quarter. Find the list of deadlines here.

The NOF is an innovative program that invests downtown development fees in catalytic commercial corridor investments on the South, West and Southwest Side. Designed to stimulate business activity, strengthen amenities, and deliver essential services, NOF grants up to $250,000 may be redeemed by successful applicants through reimbursements or construction escrows.

These application rounds include the following improvements for grantees:

• Additional technical assistance for up to 20% of the grant amount to cover services provided by pre-selected project managers and architects.
• Grant coverage up to 75% of project costs, up from 50%.
• Loan Loss Reserve funding from pre-selected Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)

For more information on the program, informational webinars, and in-person community meetings, please visit https://chicago.gov/nof or contact NOF@cityofchicago.org.

24th/Michigan TIF Districts Open August 1st

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor will roll out the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant program for applications in the following TIF district in August.

• 24th/Michigan

Applications open: 9 a.m. Friday, August 1st

Applications close: 5 p.m. Saturday, August 30th

The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own. Please note that residential projects are not eligible for the SBIF program, and residential developers should not apply.

Program participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City's behalf and do not have to be repaid.

What is South Side Pitch?

Every year, small businesses across the South Side of Chicago participate in South Side Pitch, sharing stories about their roots, their impact, and their visions for the future. The contest ends with a shark-tank style event where finalists pitch their businesses to a city-wide audience and a panel of judges for the chance to win a portion of cash prizes that total over $36,000! The goal is to shine a spotlight on these incredible business owners and inspire others to pursue their dreams and build up their communities through entrepreneurship. 

South Side Pitch is hosted by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School. Located on the South Side, IJ Clinic on Entrepreneurship advocates for economic liberty so that entrepreneurs from Chicago can chart their own courses in life, build up neighborhoods, and create jobs. They provide free legal assistance, access to resources, and advocacy for underserved entrepreneurs in the Chicago area. 

The Act of Recording is an Act of Love: The South Side Home Movie Project

This exhibition traces the 20-year history of the South Side Home Movie Project (SSHMP), an archival and community engagement initiative that preserves and shares amateur films and the stories of local everyday life that they uniquely capture. Register here.

Where: Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts (915 E. 60th St.)

When: Tuesdays-Sundays, August 1st through August 24th from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Cosmo Care Day of Giving

This is a free community event designed to connect the community with resources, including free food, game truck, haircuts, school supplies, health screenings and more. Sponsored by Cosmopolitan Community Church.

Where: 53rd St. between Michigan Ave. and Wabash Ave.

When: Saturday, August 2nd from noon to 5:00 pm

Cam Gud Youth Leadership and Sports Camp

Building strong leaders for a better Chicago! Activities include daily sports, leadership skills, cultural exploration, physical wellness, self-empowerment and career exposure. Campers age 11-16. Camp is $40 a day or $200 a week. Need-based scholarships are available. Register at GlobalGUD.org/camp.

Where: DuSable Black History Museum (740 E. 56th Pl.)

When: August 4th-8th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Tour the Arts Block

You're invited to take a walking tour of all four venues managed by Arts + Public Life: Arts Incubator, Green Line Performing Arts Center, L1 Retail Store, and the Arts Lawn.

We will discuss the rich cultural history and current context of the Arts Block as it relates to the Washington Park neighborhood and offer details about the purpose and function of the venues along the historic block of East Garfield Boulevard. Register here.

Where: Green Line Performing Arts Center (329 E. Garfield Blvd.)

When: Monday, August 4th from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm

Job Fair at the Bee

The library is hosting an employment fair that's focused on entry-level positions. Please reach out to Kenneth Johnson (kjohnson12@chipublib.org) if you have any questions.

Where: Chicago Bee Branch (3647 S. State St.)

When: Wednesday, August 6th from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm

Floating Monuments: for Mecca

Floating Museum is excited to present for Mecca, the latest installment of the Floating Monuments series, which revives and re-activates the social history of Chicago throughout the city’s neighborhoods, by erecting inflatable monuments to specific sites of forgotten historical and cultural value to the city. Floating Monuments: for Mecca will be on view by Illinois Tech College of Architecture’s Crown Hall on August 8 - 9, 2025 and will travel across a series of Chicago Park District sites through Summer 2026. Learn more at floatingmuseum.org.

Where: Illinois Tech Crown Hall (3360 S. State St.)

When: Saturday, August 9th from noon to 6:00 pm

Taste of Bronzeville Food Festival

At Taste of Bronzeville, we expect nothing but great food, top-notch entertainment, and tons of family and friends. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new and for people to really see what delicious restaurants are in the community that they may not know much about. Find more information and purchase tickets at tasteofbronzeville.com.

Where: XS Tennis (5336 S. State St.)

When: Saturday, August 9th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Coffee & Conversation: Help Shape the Future of Chicago's Libraries

In an effort to ensure that the voices of Chicagoans across the city are heard, please join us for coffee, tea and pastries to discuss and complete the CPL community survey to help shape the future of libraries.

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Saturday, August 9th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

NHS Financial Literacy Webinar

Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this webinar will prepare you for financial security. Learn How To: develop a spending plan, reduce your debt, and increase your credit score.

When: Tuesday, August 19th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

NHS Home Buyer Education Class

Learn about the home buying process such as the basics of budgeting, improving credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This is an eight-hour course delivered in two 4-hour sessions. Registration is required.

Where: 733 N. Kedzie Ave.

When: Saturdays August 16th and 23rd at 10:00 am

City of Chicago Senior Fest

Chicago residents aged 60 and better - this day is for you! Join this fun-filled celebration of Chicago's vibrant senior community. Featuring a picnic-style lunch, senior resource fair, dance pavilion, raffle prizes, live music and more! Contact your local senior center or seniorfest@cityofchicago.org for more information.

Where: Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.)

When: Thursday, August 21st from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Kids' Crafts and Games

Drop in for an afternoon of creative crafting or playing games! All materials are provided. Recommended for ages 5 to 13

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Tuesday, August 26th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Fireside Chat: Empowering Startups

Join the CTA and Allies for Community Business (A4CB) for an intimate fireside chat. This event will explore how community-driven partnerships empower local startups through access to small business loans, grants, coaching, and resources. Register at bit.ly/44knztG.

Where: CTA Headquarters (567 W. Lake St.)

when: Tuesday, August 26th from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm

Black and Bronze - A Bronzeville Music Festival

Black & Bronze is more than a festival—it's an intentional celebration of Bronzeville’s legacy as a national epicenter of Black history, creativity, and cultural power. Held in the heart of the neighborhood, this day-long gathering pays homage to the South Side’s unmatched contributions to American music, art, and activism—while shining a light on the next generation carrying that torch forward. Join us for a vibrant day of music, movement, and community rooted in soul, spirit, and storytelling. Get tickets here.

Where: Armstrong Park (4433 S. St. Lawrence Ave.

When: September 6th from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Attending and participating in the Chicago Police's Community Policing Program (CAPS) is one of the best ways to address crime and quality of life issues in your neighborhood. By attending CAPS meetings, you can share important information with the police that will assist them in making arrests and preventing crime as well as receive valuable information about resources that promote homeowner and community safety. Visit www.chicagopolice.org to find out what district you live in and click on each district title to learn more about what is happening in your neighborhood.

1st District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 132

Date: August 27th at 5:30 pm

Location: Awaken Church (1829 S. State St.)

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: August 28th at 6:00 pm 

Location: Rosenwald Senior Apartments (4642 S. Michigan Ave.)

Beat: 221/223

Date: August 19th at 6:00 pm

Location: Liberty Baptist Church (4849 S. King Dr.)