Alderman Dowell Chairs First Finance Committee Hearing

As the first African American female Chairman of the City Council Committee on Finance, Chairman Dowell held her inaugural committee meeting On June 14, 2023. This historic accomplishment was made possible due to the steady and confident leadership Alderman Dowell has exhibited over her years in City government, which led to her selection as Finance Chair by her City Council colleagues and Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The City Council Committee on Finance is the largest and one of the most complex committees in City Council. It has jurisdiction over tax levies, bonding, and the financing of municipal services and capital developments; and matters generally affecting the Department of Finance, the City Comptroller, City Treasurer and the solicitation of funds for charitable or other purposes in public places. Congratulations Chairman Dowell!

Refuse and Recycling Schedule for Independence Day

Please note these important changes to the refuse and recycling schedule due to the Independence Day holiday.  

There will be NO refuse collection on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. All city-collected refuse will be serviced Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Residents should ensure all black refuse carts are accessible throughout the week of collection, not solely on their regular day of collection.

Additionally, residents should be advised of potential changes to Blue Cart Recycling collection based on their service provider.

LRS (Service Areas 1,3,5 and 6) will be collected Monday and Wednesday through Saturday. Friday collections are being moved to Saturday. There will be No Recycling Cart Service collection on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Residents with private service should continue to put out Blue Recycling Carts throughout the week, per their typical schedule.  

Alderman Dowell Participates in City Council Hearing on New Arrivals

With the City experiencing an influx of new arrivals from South America, Central America, the Caribbean and parts of Africa - predominately due to buses/planes being sent from Texas and Florida - as a member of the City Council Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Alderman Dowell participated in a hearing on the issue.

During the hearing, Alderman Dowell and her fellow City Council colleagues questioned the administration on their response to the busing of new arrivals to ensure that Chicago has sufficient capacity to absorb the increase in migrants, that we are providing adequate services to the new arrivals, and that the City has enough funding to house, feed, transport, and service the migrant community. This is a major undertaking and additional hearings will be held to make sure the City is upholding its status as a welcoming city. To view the hearing in its entirety, please click here and go to the 2023 June 28 video.

If you would like to help ease the transition for new arrivals, the City of Chicago is accepting donations through an Amazon Wishlist set up in partnership with Instituto del Progreso Latino. To donate, please click here. If an organization or individual is looking to provide support to new arrivals inside or outside of the City of Chicago shelters, please complete this form.

Alderman Dowell Visits Next Phase of Park Boulevard Project

Alderman Dowell was able to tour the new mixed-income apartments (public housing, affordable units, and market-rate units) gearing up for lease at 3700 S. Dearborn and 42 W. 37th Street. This is the newest phase of the Park Boulevard development, which replaced the old Stateway Gardens public housing complex. Congratulations to developer James Miller of Stateway Associates, Construction Manager Leonard Green and joint venture partners GMA Construction Group and Walsh Construction for delivering bright, spacious units with lots of closet space, new appliances and LED lighting. For rental information, please visit www.parkboulevardiib.com.

Deeply Rooted Dance Center Comes to Washington Park

The northeast corner of 54th St. and State St. in Washington Park is slated to be the new home of Deeply Rooted Dance Center. Designed by architect Phil Johnson of Johnson and Lee and developed by Ron Gatton, Kevin lega Jeff and Makeda Crayton this new cultural institution and performance venue will continue to showcase the talents of African American dancers. Alderman Dowell is delighted to support this project to breathe new life into the State Street corridor.

Alderman Dowell Helps Send Wells Prep Students to Senegal

Thirteen 7th graders from Wells Prep Academy and their chaperones traveled to Senegal to learn about their roots and visit the continent of Africa for the first time. Kudos to Dori Collins and Bamani Obadele for their consistent leadership in organizing and raising funds and other resources for these young people. Special thanks to Dawn Milhouse, Henry McGhee, Senator Mattie Hunter and Alderman Lamont J. Robinson, Rev. John, CIBC, and the 3rd Ward Office for all of their contributions help to make this once-in-a-lifetime journey happened!

HotHouse Awarded $200,000 Grant for New Bronzeville Home

After closing its former South Loop home 16 years ago, HotHouse founder Marguerite Horberg has raised enough funding to by the Elliott Donnelley Youth Center (3947 S. Michigan Ave.), and reopen the HotHouse! Thanks in part to a $200,000 grant from the State of Illinois, the strong advocacy of Alderman Pat Dowell, and a well-supported crowdsourcing campaign, HotHouse will bring their arts programs, social justice projects, and restaurant to this historic south side building. Prior to its closure in 2007, HotHouse welcomed over 70,000 people annually, with 45 employees brining the best in globally-inclusive programming to Chicago. The new location is scheduled to open by the end of 2025.

Pendleton Park Hosts 10th Annual Party4Peace in Honor of Hadiya Pendleton

With Alderman Dowell in attendance, on June 3rd the tenth annual Hadiya Pendleton Party4Peace was held in Hadiya Pendleton Park in the heart of Bronzeville. The gathering, sponsored by her parents Nate and Cleo Pendleton, was a well-attended celebration of Hadiya’s life and a call for attention to the struggle/promise to end gun violence in our city.

Hadiya Pendleton was a 15-year-old student from King College Prep High School who was shot and killed one week after performing at events for President Barack Obama’s second inauguration. Hadiya Pendleton Park was dedicated in her honor in 2015 due to the advocacy of Nate and Cleo Pendleton, and Alderman Dowell.

UChicago Arts Lawn Summer Update

Arts + Public Life, an initiative of UChicago Arts, is thrilled to announce the latest phase of the Arts Block: The Arts Lawn. Opening in the Fall of 2023, the Arts Lawn will be an active green space for Washington Park designed to contribute to the cultural and economic vibrancy of our neighborhood with arts activities programmed and managed by APL.

Beginning this summer and throughout fall, APL will be extending invitations to neighbors and the wider community to join us for inaugural arts + culture activations. The Arts Lawn will provide equitable access to outdoor community-centered arts programs, including film screenings, live theater and performance, outdoor music, youth education, and arts marketplaces. Learn more here.

Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation Juneteenth Scholarship Soiree with Alderman Dowell

As a member of the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation, Alderman Dowell was proud to host the Juneteenth Scholarship Soiree in the 3rd Ward's Revel Motor Row event space (2400 S. Michigan Ave.).

The Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation was created to support the higher education for Chicago's Black youth through its annual scholarship program. The CABCF awards $2,500 four-year renewable scholarships to ten Black high school seniors annually. The soiree helps to fund the scholarship program.

Abrams International Village Receives Low-Income Housing Tax Credit

The State of Illinois has announced conditional awards totaling nearly $26 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) that will fund 18 affordable housing developments in 12 counties throughout Illinois. Once sold to investors, the tax credits will generate an estimated $235 million in private capital to finance the creation and/or preservation of 1,159 affordable units for low- to moderate-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

In the 3rd Ward, The Renaissance Collaborative, Inc. (TRC) was awarded one of the low-income tax credits. TRC is proposing a new development replacing Senior Village II with 71 new affordable apartments in the Washington Park neighborhood. The intergenerational housing facility will be available for seniors, grand-families and young adults ages 18-24 currently enrolled in secondary educations, all of whom in need of affordable housing and/or homeless or housing insecure. The development is an Equitable Transit Oriented project and will have onsite social staff offices. Building improvements include off street parking, a playground and a tenant garden along with bike racks and outdoor gathering space. Read the entire press release here.

SBEV Opens in Washington Park

SBEV, a youth organization that provides programming for youth in academics, athletics and the arts, had their official ribbon cutting at 5410 S. State St. in Washington Park. Alderman Dowell was proud to participate and meet their dynamic staff, and hear words of inspiration from their President/ CEO Maryam Rasool, and Rasheika Singleton the Chicago Director. Check them out at www.sbev.org and hear more at https://wgntv.com/.../sbev-school-enrichment-program.

Chicago Early Learning System Updates

The State of Illinois has added resources to Chicago Early Learning to help families enroll in early childhood education. The state has renovated their application system and now offers one portal to apply for several locations. Chicago Early Learning will also be doing community outreach at libraries, schools, festivals, canvasing, pop-ups and community events to promote this new application system. Residents can apply in-person, online or over the phone at 312-229-1690. 

Early learning programs are open to children ages infant to 5 years old. When the child is selected for a school, the school will verify the documents required (proof of age, address, income and siblings) for enrollment.

CRR19 Receives Funding from $6.8M Mellon Foundation Grant 

The Mellon Foundation has recently announced $6.8 million in funding to the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) for the Chicago Monuments Project (CMP) to support the creation of new monuments and continued engagement of local artists and communities. This will include the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project (CRR19) which uses public art to bring community together to reflect on the history and impact of the 1919 Race Riot, in which 38 lives were lost, including 23 Black individuals and 15 white individuals, with 537 others injured.

As part of this project, 38 artistic, durable glass markers will be created and installed at each location where a life was lost during the riot. These markers, crafted by Firebird Community Arts, will serve to highlight and honor the victims. 

CRR19, in partnership with Organic Oneness hosts and annual bike ride and trolley tour giving people exposure and education about these events. Register for the ride here.

Daystar Academy Graduates First Class of High School Students

Daystar Academy (1550 S. State St.) proudly graduated eight students from its brand-new high school. Congratulations to Tami Doig, Head of School for Daystar, for making the new high school a reality, and to all the students, parents, and families on their graduation! The eight graduates received a combined total of 34 college acceptance letters and were awarded over $1.5 million in merit-based college scholarships. That is quite the achievement. If you would like more information about Daystar's High School program, please visit www.daystaracademy.org/academics/high-school.

Mollison Elementary Principal Transition

Irvin C. Mollison Elementary School (4415 S. King Dr.) Principal William Daniels has announced he is leaving the school as of Friday, July 7th. Principal Daniels has served the Mollison community for the previous two years. CPS Central Office and Mollison Elementary will provide an update about the school's leadership transition prior to Principal Daniels last day. When that information is available, Alderman Dowell's office will share it with the community. Please join the 3rd Ward team in thanking Principal Daniels for his hard work, and in wishing him the best on the next chapter of his life.

The Full 2023 Soldier Field Event Parking Schedule (w/Bears!) Has Been Released. Click Here for a Copy.

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 Fire FC vs. Nashville SC

Saturday, July 8th at 7:30 pm

Chicago Fire vs. CF Montreal

Wednesday, July 12th at 7:30 pm

Chicago Fire FC vs. Toronto FC

Saturday, July 15th at 7:30 pm

Beyoncé Renaissance World Tour

Saturday, July 22nd at 7:00 pm and Sunday, July 23rd at 7:00 pm

Ed Sheeran: +-=X Tour

Saturday, July 29th at 6:00 pm

47th/Halsted SBIF Opens 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: 47th/Halsted.

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

Applications close: 5 p.m. Friday, August 31st

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.

South Side Pitch 2023

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 citywide audience and a panel of judges for the chance to win cash prizes. Click here to apply.

Tutoring Chicago

Enroll your student today! Free one-on-one tutoring for students grades 1st-10th. A trained volunteer tutor will work with your student on homework help, reading, math, and social skills. Digital and in-person tutoring is available Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Learn more at tutoring.org/enroll.

The Chicago Help Initiative

Our Lady of Africa Parish has partnered with the Chicago Help Initiative to provide community means and resource assistance the first Thursday of each month. Assistance will be provided for Medicaid, SNAP, CHA housing, and government phone signup.

Where: Our Lady of Africa Parish (607 E. Oakwood Blvd.)

When: First Thursday of the month starting Thursday, July 6th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

NHS Home Buyer Education Webinar

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.

When: Thursdays July 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register); Saturdays July 8th and 15th (link to register)

NHS Financial Fresh Start 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, July 11th at 6:00 pm (link to register)

Midsommer Flight Shakespeare Performances at Women's Park "CYMBELINE" 

"Cymbeline" shares many familiar tropes with other Shakespeare works and fairy tales: there’s true love, adventure, disguised identities, adulterous schemes, an evil stepmother queen, and even a potion whose effects mimic death. There are also timely questions of equity, gender roles, power, and deceit. Click here for more information.

Where: Chicago Women's Park and Gardens (1801 S. Indiana Ave.)

When: Friday, July 7th at 6:00 pm, Saturday, July 8th at 6:00 pm, Sunday, July 9th at 2:00 pm

The Brown Derby Jazz Series

The 51st St. Business Association and Bronzeville Winery Present The Brown Derby Jazz Series featuring Brown Derby Jazz Review All-Starts. Music, arts, and culture in Bronzeville! Appetizer menu is available. $10 donation for attendance.

Where: Bronzeville Winery (4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)

When: Monday, July 10th from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Chuck Webb and Guru Tonic

First Monday Jazz Origins: Evolutions is proud to present Church Webb and Guru Tonic for a free concert. Eventbrite registration is required.

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

When: Monday, July 10th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Family Magic Show with Scott Green

You've seen Scott Green on Fool Us with Penn & Teller, and on the scoreboard at the United Center as the Chicago Bulls' team magician. Now you can see him in person at the library, where he will fool the entire family and keep you in stitches. For families with kids of all ages.

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

When: Wednesday, July 12th from 11:00 am to 11:45 am

Good Vibes on Garfield: A Summertime Arts Marketplace

Stop by the L1 Retail Store and #SupportSouthSideArtists at the annual Arts + Public Life summertime arts marketplace.

Some incredible POC owned businesses are popping up to bring you the finest and freshest products, made primarily by South Side artists and creative entrepreneurs. Proceeds go directly into the pockets of the participating vendors. Discover new brands, treat yourself! DJ Akari + Binkey will be setting the vibes for your one-of-a-kind shopping experience. 

Where: L1 Retail Store (319 E. Garfield Blvd.)

When: Saturday, July 15th from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Free Blues Shows Come to Bronzeville This Summer

Bronzeville Blues Collaborative presents free summer blues concerts in the neighborhood home of Chicago blues. The Front Porch Concerts and Women in Blues event are made possible by a Chicago Presents grant from the city of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Events. Bronzeville Blues Collaborative members include Chicago Blues Revival, Muddy Waters MOJO Museum, Urban Juncture, Haven Studios, Kenwood-Oakland Community Organization, VanderCook School of Music One City Program, and Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area.

Where/When: Muddy Waters MOJO Museum (4339 S. Lake Park Ave.) on Saturday, July 15th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm; Metcalfe Park (4134 S. State St.) on Thursday, July 27th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Hyde Park Jazz Festival Announces 2023 Back Alley Jazz

The Hyde Park Jazz Festival is pleased to announce the sixth annual Back Alley Jazz Program! Back Alley Jazz is inspired by the original jazz alley jams that took place in various locations on the South Side in the 1960s and 70s, and which still continues today in different forms, including the annual Universal Alley Jazz Jam. The project creates a contemporary neighborhood “happening” that animates, builds on, and celebrates Chicago’s history and the continuum of culture and art within communities. Back Alley Jazz is free and open to all. Visit the website for the most up to date info.

Where/When: 7300 block of S. Paxton on Saturday, July 15th from noon to 6:00 pm; 7400 block of S. Oglesby on Saturday, July 29th from noon to 6:00 pm

Screening Freedom Film Series: South Side Home Movie Project selections + The Cry of Jazz

Selections from the Roberts Family Collection of the South Side Home Movie Project are featured alongside REMEMBRANCE: A PORTRAIT STUDY, directed by Edward Owens (1967, 6m) + THE CRY OF JAZZ, directed by Edward Bland (1959, 34m).

By drawing thematic, visual and contextual connections between theatrical releases and intimate home movie recordings, the series highlights the ways in which the struggle for Black self-representation occurs at many scales, from blockbuster releases to intimate family records. Screening will be followed by catered discussion with Rob and Erica Walker of the Roberts Family in person. Free and open to all. Register here.

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

When: Sunday, July 16th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

The BIS Meal and Fellowship

The Outreach Ministry of the Blackwell-Israel Samuel A.M.E. Zion Church is planning a weekly fellowship meal for the community. The meals will provide an atmosphere where physical, mental, social, and emotional needs can be met.

Where: Blackwell-Israel Samuel A.M.E. Zion Church (3956 S. Langley Ave.)

When: Wednesdays, starting July 19th at 4:00 pm (doors opened for seating at 3:00 pm

Toddler, Tunes and Turtles 2023

Toddlers Tunes & Turtles is a family favorite every summer at the Chicago Park District. This Nature Oasis program invites young participants and families to join us for hands-on nature exploration, live music, and even interactions with real animals! Facilitators will share information on how to find even more opportunities to connect with nature around the city, get involved, and help create a permanent nature play space in your local park.

Where: Chicago Women's Park and Gardens (1801 S. Indiana Ave.)

When: Thursday, July 20th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Free Concert in the Park

Lakeside Bank and the VanderCook College of Music are hosting a free concert in the park featuring marches, show tunes, and classics performed by VanderCook's Graduate Concert and Jazz Bands.

Where: Chicago Women's Park and Gardens (1801 S. Indiana Ave.)

When: Thursday, July 20th at 7:00 pm

Unity Day

Join the 51st St. Business Association for "Unity Day" in Bronzeville to celebrate the growth and coming together of businesses and the community. Festivities will include line dancing, face painting, drummers, live music, and more.

Where: 51st St. between Prairie Ave. and Indiana Ave.

When: Saturday, July 22nd from noon to 5:00 pm

Know Your Immigration Rights

Join the library to discover your immigration and migration rights. This workshop will help you learn more about protections based on immigration status. This program is in partnership with the Haitian American Museum of Chicago.

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

When: Saturday, July 29th from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm

1st District National Night Out

The annual National Night Out celebration is a great way to connect with your local police officers alongside other community members in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy a night of family fun, food and games sponsored by the 2nd District Police.

Where: Taylor Park (39 W. 47th St.)

When: Tuesday, August 1st from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Free Kidney and Diabetes Screening

The National Kidney Foundation is hosting a free kidney and diabetes screening event. Must be 18 years or older to participate, walk-ins are welcome. Please go to mobilescreening.nkfi.org/preregistration to pre-register and complete your questionnaire prior to screening. Fasting is not required. Urine samples will be required.

Where: IIT Hermann Hall (3241 S. Federal St.)

When: Saturday, August 5th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

19th Annual Family Health and Fitness Fair

Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter is proud to present the 19th Annual Family Health and Fitness Fair honoring former Secretary of State Jesse White. The event will feature a bounce house, school physicals, health screenings, shred truck, back to school giveaways, face painting and more. For more information call 312-949-1908.

Where: IIT Campus at 33rd St. and State St.

When: Saturday, August 5th from 10:00 am to 2:00 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: 131

Date: July 19th at 5:30 pm

Location: For Zoom information, please email Caps.001District@chicagopolice.org or call

312-745-4381

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: July 25th at 6:00 pm

Location: Our Lady of Africa - St. Elizabeth (44 E. 41st St.)

Beat: 221/223

Date: July 18th at 6:00 pm

Location: King Center (4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)

Beat: 224

Date: July 27th at 6:00 pm

Location: Greencastle of Kenwood (4909 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)

Beat: 225

Date: July 6th at 6:00 pm

Location: 2nd District Community Room (5101 S. Wentworth Ave.)

Beat: 231

Date: July 20th at 6:00 pm

Location: Good Shepherd Tower (55 E. Garfield Blvd.)