Kelly's Update

The last couple of weeks have been pretty busy as summer events heat up, while our federal government unleashes near daily attacks on the poor, people with disabilities, transgender people, and basically anyone they label as other. We continue to do our best to help our constituents navigate the challenges they’re facing, whether it’s assisting with the everyday complexity of navigating Medicaid, SNAP, or housing supports, or digging deeper into more complex cases. A recent one literally brought tears to my eyes.

Several weeks ago, we got a call from a constituent who was frustrated by a months-long effort to address an error by the Department of Human Services that had deprived the constituent of benefits they were entitled to for years, impacting his health and well being. Working with his attorney at Legal Aid Chicago, we were finally able to get the Department to take responsibility for their error and make him whole by giving him the previously denied benefits he was owed. When I heard from our constituent this weekend, I cried in relief for him.

His attorney shared details of the various ways the department attempted to prevent him from getting the benefits he was due. Our team’s ability to insist on a more clear review of his case, following up on submitted documentation, and ensuring clear communication between the department and the constituent’s attorney helped ensure his case didn’t fall through the cracks. We will be meeting with his attorney soon to explore whether there are policy or legislative solutions to protect other constituents facing similar issues.

Cases like this really drive home the important ways that focusing on constituent services can also drive a policy agenda. While many of our constituent cases are fairly straightforward issues that just need a little help from our team, sometimes we see something that clearly has more far-reaching implications and the work of solving that constituent’s problem can reveal long term policy solutions or legislative ideas. From my first job in state government running then Senator John Cullerton’s district office to today, I remain amazed at the powerful ways we can impact our constituent’s lives through our ability to advocate with state agencies on their behalf. 

Last week brought some devastating news out of the federal government in the form of another harmful and mean-spirited Executive Order. Titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets,” the order takes aim at programs designed to provide support and treatment for people experiencing homelessness, especially in conjunction with substance use disorder or serious mental illness. The order seeks to reverse policies and federal consent decrees intended to limit the unlawful use of involuntary commitment, end funding for needle exchange and safe injection sites, and to somehow track the locations of people on registries who are homeless. That last one is a bit of a head scratcher as under current law, these are the folks who already struggle the most to comply with weekly registration requirements and limitations on where people can live. The language of the order specifically says “adequately mapping and checking the location of homeless sex offenders.” I’m not entirely certain how they anticipate doing this, especially given that laws limiting where these folks can live results in an extremely high rate of homelessness among people on registries. The order goes on to order an end to support for the housing first model which has proven to improve outcomes not only in maintaining housing but also better mental and physical health outcomes, including recovery from substance use disorder. I’ve reached out to connect with agencies serving these populations to strategize on how we best protect those targeted by this order and will be working closely with my colleagues on any policies we need to strengthen in light of the order.

As we turn to the second half of summer, there’s still so much fun to look forward to. We won’t be doing the Illinois State Fair this year as schedules have just gotten too hectic, but there are some amazing acts playing at the fair this year as well as the usual delights of everything edible on a stick, the butter cow, and apparently the “Dill-Illinois State Fair Pickleball Showdown.” For the first time ever, the fair will be hosting a full day of competition on August 16th in the form of a round-robin doubles tournament featuring youth and adult divisions. Space is limited so register ASAP! 

Our team always loves being part of the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest August 15-17. This truly neighborhood festival brings together local artists, musicians, and vendors for 3 days of community along Morse and Glenwood. Whether you live in the Rogers Park Community or not, this is a don’t miss Chicago street fest.

Need to Know Info

TONIGHT! On July 30, 2025, Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele is partnering with local elected officials of Rogers Park Township for an informational seminar on how to appeal your property taxes. The seminar will be at the Chicago Public Library - Rogers Park Branch (6907 N. Clark) about how and when to file an appeal to the Board of Review. Attendees may arrive at 5:30 PM to meet with an analyst to ask questions and file an appeal. A brief presentation will begin at 6:00 PM, and analysts will be available after to assist with appeals and questions. Event ends at 7:30 PM.

Click below to pre-register for this event:

https://forms.office.com/g/vM2EFeeB58 

Please bring your PIN Number, located on your property tax bill and any questions you might have.

Remember that for property owners in Berwyn, Evanston, Norwood Park, River Forest, Riverside, and Rogers Park Townships, the deadline for filing a Property Tax Appeal is August 5, 2025, and the deadline to submit Additional Evidence is August 15, 2025.

At 1:00 PM on Friday, August 1, 2025, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will provide a virtual briefing on Trump’s budget law that makes sweeping changes to programs such as the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, and its impact on the people of Illinois. The webinar is open to all stakeholders, including those who will be impacted.

To view the briefing, please use https://multimedia.illinois.gov/hhslive.html. 

This platform is accessible to participants with disabilities. The live stream will include real time captioning, and an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will participate. For other accommodation requests, please notify DHS.AuxiliaryAids@Illinois.gov.

Chicago Public Library is excited to announce a partnership with the AI Safety Awareness Project to offer a series of workshops on artificial intelligence this August. The AI Safety Awareness Project is a volunteer organization dedicated to raising awareness about modern AI, highlighting its benefits and risks, and informing the public on how they can contribute to AI safety. 

CPL is offering two types of workshops at various library locations throughout August: one for a general audience and another specifically designed for seniors and older adults. No prior experience or knowledge of AI is required - everyone is welcome to come and learn together!

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Workshops:

Tuesday, August 5 at 6pm at Garfield Ridge branch, 6348 S. Archer Avenue

Monday, August 18 at 5:30pm at Mayfair branch, 4400 W. Lawrence Ave

Wednesday, August 20 at 6pm at Portage Craigin branch, 5801 W. Belmont Ave

Friday, August 22 at 10:30am at Jeffrey Manor branch, 2401 E. 100th St

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Workshops for Seniors:

Saturday, August 2 at 2pm at Douglass branch, 3353 W. 13th Street 

Thursday, August 7 at 2pm at South Chicago branch, 9055 S. Houston Avenue 

Monday, August 11 at 1pm at North Austin branch, 5724 W. North Ave 

Friday, August 15 at 2pm at Whitney Young branch, 415 E. 79th Street  

Monday, August 25 at 1pm at Woodson Regional, 9525 S. Halsted St  

Tuesday, August 26 at 2pm at Budlong Woods branch, 5630 N. Lincoln Avenue  

Saturday, August 30 at 10am at West Pullman branch, 830 W. 119th 

Join these informative sessions and gain a better understanding of artificial intelligence and its impact on our world. 

On July 20th, the CTA opened four brand new Red Line Stations at Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr.

Here are the locations of the new stations:

Lawrence: 1120 W. Lawrence Ave. Chicago, IL 60640

Argyle: 1118 W. Argyle St. Chicago, IL 60640

Berwyn: 1119 W. Berwyn St. Chicago, IL 60640

Bryn Mawr: 1116 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Chicago, IL 60640

Bryn Mawr – Hollywood entrance: 1119 W. Hollywood Ave. Chicago, IL 60640

The Transfemicide Working Group is holding Community Meetings to hear from YOU on how to make Chicago safer for the trans and nonbinary community.

The next meeting will be held TONIGHT, July 30, from 6:30p-8p at Broadway Armory Park (Northside). 

It is an opportunity to share your experiences and tell the City ways in which they can work to ensure the safety of trans and nonbinary people.

This working group stems from an executive order by Mayor Brandon Johnson, which you can read more about here.

The State of Illinois Communication on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) invites Illinois veteran owned business owners to join them for the Veteran Business Advantage: Unlocking Surplus Resources & State Certification workshop on August 12, 2025, from 10 AM – 11:30 AM. This unique virtual training workshop will provide an overview of CEI’s Veteran Business Program, ensuring that participants understand the benefits of State certification, the application process and how to do business with the State of Illinois. This opportunity will also provide veteran business owners with information regarding the GSA Federal Surplus Program, and information regarding the availability of VOSBs and SDVOSBs to obtain FREE surplus property via the GSA Federal Surplus Program, and low-cost surplus property through the State of Illinois Surplus Program.

Register today at this link: Overview | Veterans Business Advantage: Unlocking Surplus Resources & State Certification

Neighborhood Shoutout

This past Monday and Tuesday, Delaney and Taylor had the privilege to attend the 16th District Office Staff Training for the Illinois General Assembly. Hosted by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, the two headed to Springfield to learn more about constituent services, and attended numerous agency exhibits and policy discussions. While this is not necessarily in the neighborhood, the team is excited to bring what they learned back to the 14th District!

District Events

Join RPBA for the First Friday Music Series, an evening of live music that will take place on Sheridan Rd. between Devon and Pratt. Enjoy performances on local business patios including Loyola Redline Station Plaza, Raising Canes, Great Wall and Giordano’s.

Mark your calendars for August 1 and September 5, and prepare for a musical journey from Bossa Nova to Jazz and everything in between.

Swing by for giveaways and refreshments available while supplies last. Don’t miss out on these unforgettable nights of music, community, and fun at the First Friday Music Series!

What did Mary Todd Lincoln and Mickey Rooney have in common? They both were in situations as adults in which their daily affairs and finances were managed by others.

A free program to help understand the process and duties of adult guardianship as well as the services of the Public Guardian’s Office will be presented by Edgewater Village Chicago and the Edgewater Branch library at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 1.

The presenter, Tom Brennan, is an attorney with more than 40 years’ experience with the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian. The program will be held at the Edgewater Branch library, 6000 N. Broadway. Walk-ins are welcome or you may register by emailing edgewater@chipublib.org.

Adult Guardianship: What You Need to Know

Friday, August 1

2-3 p.m.

Edgewater Branch of the Chicago Public Library

6000 N. Broadway

Second Floor

The Jarvis Square Pierogi Fiesta is happening on Saturday, August 2, at 12 p.m at Jarvis Square (1502 W Jarvis)! Indulge in a mouthwatering array of pierogi flavors, from classic potato and cheese to adventurous combinations like sauerkraut and mushroom. Explore unique goods and crafts from local vendors, creating a festive atmosphere for the whole family.

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce welcomes all to the annual Taste of Andersonville! Attendees will get to sample small plates that feature a dinner item, dessert item, or beverage at each participating business. Select locations may offer a combination.

The event is August 6th from 5-8 PM and there are 2 routes to pick from. LINK to routes here!

The Edgebrook Lutheran Church will be hosting a student-led-benefit concert on Thursday, August 7th at 6PM. All proceeds support North Side housing's mission to house our homeless neighbors and all are welcome to enjoy an evening of music and poetry. Purchase tickets HERE!

The 49th Ward will be hosting a Back to School Bash on August 9th from 11 AM - 2 PM at Willye B. White Park (1610 W. Howard St). Free school supplies and food will be given out during the event!

There are three Artisan Market's left in the season!

Discover local talent and handmade treasures at the Jarvis Square Artisan Market. Where creativity and community come together.

From handcrafted goods and art to unique gifts and gourmet treats, there’s something special for everyone.

Join friends and neighbors August 9th, September 23th, and October 11th to support small businesses and connect with passionate makers.

Where: Jarvis Square, Between Greenview and the Jarvis Red Line station

On August 17th, Brave Space Alliance is hosting The Dignity Dash: “Running for Our Lives” 5K at AIDS Garden Chicago—a day of remembrance, resilience, and radical care.

A message from Brave Space Alliance:

This isn’t just a run. It’s a movement.

Due to government budget cuts, all of our CDC HIV funding will be eliminated in July. We're literally “Running for Our Lives”—for those we’ve lost to HIV and transphobia, and for those who still need us here. Your partnership in this campaign can directly replace the funding we’re losing, ensuring Brave Space Alliance’s HIV prevention and support services continue uninterrupted.

By supporting the Dignity Dash, you’re helping our community not just survive, but thrive.

For more information, visit their website.

Join Loyola's Office of Neighborhood Initiatives for their campus plan town hall. This meeting is directed to stakeholders in the Roger's Park and Edgewater neighborhoods.

Register here.

Thursday, September 4

6:00-7:00 pm

Flanner Hall

1068 W Sheridan Rd

You can join your neighbors for free, family and pet-friendly performances every Wednesday evening through August 20, 2025 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the beautiful garden behind the Edgewater Historical Society Museum at 5358 N. Ashland Ave. Evenings of free musical entertainment by local musicians, and chances to visit with neighbors and make new friends.

Edgewater Historical Society Museum Garden

5358 N Ashland Ave

Wednesdays, 6:00pm-8:00pm

You can find the schedule of performances here. Performance schedule is subject to change.

Get ready for the first street festival in Edgewater since 2019! Between Thorndale and Ardmore, enjoy over 30 musical performances and vendors lined up all weekend.

The Indo-American Center is hosting a free Immigration Law Open House for 2 days, from 4 PM - 7PM for the next two months. The Immigration open house, located at 6328 N California Ave, will provide consultations only and are limited to 30 minutes. Walk-ins are also welcome.

You can register online here.

Theatre

In the pursuit of joy, does method matter? Two siblings - opposites and estranged - take one last shot at putting grief behind them to create the joy they both seek. But their daring project can only succeed if they can accept each other's special magic. A world premiere original play by Chicago playwright Kimberly Dixon-Mays, Rabbits In Their Pockets began in Lifeline’s 2024 BIPOC Developmental Workshop.

Running September - October

Weekly Markets

The Edgewater Monday market is Chicago's only Monday farmers market featuring a diverse lineup of more than 40 vendors, including food, activities and more!

The market is every Monday from 3pm - 7pm through the month of September in the Broadway Armory parking lot (5917 N. Broadway).

Check out a list of vendors here.

The Andersonville Farmers Market is back at a brand new location at 1500 W Winona! The market will be there every Wednesday through October 22nd from 3pm to 7pm featuring over 40 local vendors!

Click here for a list of vendors and pop up vendors!

Glenwood Sunday Market (GSM) is a farmers market in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, devoted to providing local, sustainably grown, and produced foods that are also organic whenever possible. Composed entirely of farmers and food artisans who work in a local food shed, their mission is to make sustainable, regionally produced foods accessible to the whole community. 

You can learn more about vendors and food access programs here!

Situated just outside the district, the Argyle Night Market is an annual event that features food from local Argyle restaurants plus live cultural and musical performances on Thursday evenings each summer. This free outdoor event draws an average of 5,000 visitors each week and continues to grow in popularity. Part market, part street festival, this vibrant and award-winning event is located on Argyle, the city’s first shared street.

Thursdays

5:00pm-9:00pm

Argyle between Kenmore and Sheridan

To see vendors and entertainment schedule, visit their website here.

Youth & Teen

The Chicago Public Library is hosting a Queer Radical Fair and everyone is invited for a summer celebration of fashion, self-expression and community.

The event will be held Thursday, July 31st from 4:30 -8:30 PM at the Ping Tom Memorial Park (1700 S Wentworth Ave).

Calling all school-aged youth! Join the Chicago Public Library's 81 Club! With the 81 card, you gain access to electronic databases, homework help, ebooks and audio books, and are eligible to take home 5 library items. Already a CPS student? Just ask a librarian about the card at your local branch!

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626