Ward-Based Early Voting Started 3/2

Ward-based early voting began on Monday, March 2nd and will continue through Tuesday, March 17th. The closest Early Voting sites for 3rd Ward residents are located at:

• Dawson Technical Institute (3901 S. State St.)
• King Center (4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)

Early voting at the downtown Supersite (137 S. State St.) and on the sixth floor at the Chicago Board of Elections offices (69 W. Washington) is also available. All 50 Ward Early Voting sites and the Board Supersite will be open as vote centers on Election Day. For more information about voting, including potential changes to your Election Day polling location or to request a vote by mail packet, please visit www.chicagoelections.gov.

Alderman Dowell Honors Legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson in City Council

To uplift the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., who passed at the age of 84 on February 17th, Alderman Dowell introduced a memorial resolution in his honor during the February 18th City Council meeting. Rev. Jackson's had an immeasurable impact not only on his adopted hometown of Chicago, but on the nation as a whole. That includes providing counsel, wisdom, and guidance to countless elected officials - including to Alderman Dowell - as well as to many residents, businesses, and community organizations. His leadership and social conscience will be greatly missed. To read the memorial resolution, please click here.

Bronzeville Regional Senior Center Receives Federal Grant Award

The proposed Bronzeville Regional Senior Center at 4711 S. Calumet Ave. has received a $2,000,000 award from the federal government, which was secured by Illinois' Congressional leaders. This funding will help close the development gap, and bring the project even closer to completion! In addition, Carter G. Woodson Elementary School at 4414 S. Evans was awarded $250,000 for sustainability upgrades, and the police districts that cover the 3rd Ward received $500,000 for new equipment. Congratulations to all the awardees and a huge thank you to Illinois' Congressional delegation for securing these important funds!

The Bronzeville Regional Senior Center will feature a new 25,000 sq. ft., two-story facility where seniors can enjoy a variety of social, educational and recreational activities. Programming will include a fitness center, wellness programs (dietician, social worker, nurse, and pharmacist), Golden Diner Program, and computer classes. There will be additional classes offered based on the preferences of seniors attending this center.

The 78 Receives IEPA Approval for Environmental Remediation

Related Midwest has received approval from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to begin environmental remediation work at The 78, with Phase 1 expected to continue for approximately four to six weeks near the northeast corner of the Chicago Fire stadium footprint.

Remediation materials and impacted soil will be transported via tarped trucks exiting the site southbound on Wells Street/Wentworth Avenue for disposal at a licensed landfill in Joliet, Illinois. Truck traffic will average approximately 30 trucks per day between 8:00am to 4:00pm. All trucking operations will follow CDOT guidelines, and street sweeping will be conducted as needed to minimize impacts to surrounding streets and residents. This work will not impact any programming at Ping Tom Memorial Park.

Traffic Signal Modernization Projects in the 3rd Ward

The Chicago Department of Transportation and Alderman Dowell are proud to announce a series of traffic signal modernization projects in the 3rd Ward. These upgrades will significantly enhance pedestrian and traffic safety at the following intersections:

• Wabash Ave. and 29th St. (estimated completion 60 days after the project begins on 3/30)
• State St. and 29th St. (60 days after 2/11)
• State St. and 53rd St. (60 days after 1/14)

These projects are a combined $1.925 million investment in the 3rd Ward. Depending on the needs of each intersection, traffic signal modernization may include: the design and installation of new traffic signals; modernization of existing signals, which may include left-turn arrow installations, pedestrian countdown signals, and Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS); and the interconnectivity of the traffic signal

network. 

CTA Begins 43rd Street Greenline Station Upgrade

CTA contractors are seeking an alley closure starting March 5, 2026 until the end of August, 2026 for the alley east of the 43rd St. Greenline Stationhouse. This closure is for the planned renovation of the 43rd St. Station. Ingress and egress from the alley will be maintained at the east alley entrance, limiting impact on access.

43rd St. Greenline Station improvements will include a reduction in the street level footprint of the existing exit-only stairway, as well as other aesthetic and state-of-good repair upgrades to coordinate with an upcoming new adjacent development.

King Branch Library Closes March 18th for Renovations

Exciting news! The King Branch Library (3436 S. King Drive) is being renovated! Construction is scheduled to begin March 18th and finish by June 2026. The library will be closed for the duration of the project. During renovations, book holds can be picked up at the Chicago Bee Branch (3647 S. State St.). Other nearby libraries include the Chinatown Branch (2100 S. Wentworth Ave.), Hall Branch (4801 S. Michigan Ave.), and Blackstone Branch (4904 S. Lake Park Ave.).

Fiber Optic Construction Project - 36th Pl. Alley

Comcast is providing notification for a proposed construction project in the 3rd Ward. Comcast has a planned fiber optic and power conduit installation at the following location:

• Alley from E 36TH PL & S STATE ST to 20 E 36TH PL.

This project comes as an effort by Comcast to build up their infrastructure to bring advanced cellular technology to the area. Questions? Please contact the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

#29 Northbound Bus Stop at State and 23rd Temp. Closure

Due to an ongoing building construction project and the associated sidewalk closure, the #29 northbound bus stop at State St. and 23rd St. is temporarily eliminated as of Monday, March 2nd at 9:00 am. This temporary removal will remain in effect through Friday, December 17, 2027, or until construction is complete.

Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. and Alderman Dowell Celebrate Valentines Day with Seniors

Thank you to the Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Chicago Alumnae Chapter who brought some Valentine’s Day cheer to seniors of the 3rd Ward. Senior participants enjoyed an afternoon of bingo, prizes and lunch. Kudos and thank you to First Vice President Soror Eunice Johnson Clay and Soror Mitzi Jones Patterson for your leadership. You are appreciated!

Alderman Dowell Joins LOV Day Celebration

Alderman Dowell joined Jamila Trimuel, Founder and CEO of Ladies of Virtue (LOV), a Chicago based national mentoring and leadership program for Black girls, for their annual LOV Day event. LOV Day is a celebration of Black History Month and Valentine’s Day and the girls, volunteers, mentors and sponsors packed 700 LOV Day boxes to distribute to Black girls in Chicago, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. For more information about the Ladies of Virtue program or to participate in an upcoming event, please visit www.lovchicago.org.

DuSable Museum Day

On February 7th, Alderman Dowell joined in the celebration for DuSable Museum Day, an event honoring Black history, culture, and legacy. What an uplifting opportunity to look back - and forward - to the contributions made by Black individuals to our city and nation! Thank you to the DuSable Museum Board and staff, Host Committee Chair Mayor Brandon Johnson, Aldermen William Hall (6th) and Jeanette Taylor (20th) who chaired the event, and Aldermen Lamont Robinson (4th), Desmon Yancy (5th), and Angela Clay (46th), for putting together such an inspirational program.

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center (740 E. 56th Pl.) is the country's premier institution dedicated to the study and conservation of African American history. To learn about their programs, collection, and to purchase tickets to visit, visit dusablemuseum.org.

Phillips and DuSable High Schools Commemoration

During Black History Month, the schools and communities of Wendell Phillips and DuSable High Schools came together to celebrate not only their rich histories, but also the generations of alumni, educators, change makers, and community members who have made and continue to make a lasting impact on our city, nation, and the world. These schools are more than just institutions; they are pillars of resilience, leadership, social justice and opportunity that continue to influence Chicago and beyond. Check out WGN's profile of the event here.

Alderman Dowell Co-Sponsors Resolution Calling Cook County to Reimburse CPS and the City for Losses from Delayed Property Tax Proceeds

Joining many of her City Council colleagues, Alderman Dowell has co-sponsored a resolution demanding that Cook County reimburse Chicago Public Schools and the City of Chicago for financial losses due to the delayed distribution of property tax revenue collected by the County. While the City of Chicago and CPS set their own property tax rates, it is the Cook County Treasurer's responsibility to actually collect property taxes on behalf of the many government bodies that make up Cook County. That includes CPS and the City, as well as the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Libraries and more.

With the significant delay in issuing property tax bills last year, and the subsequent delay in disbursing the proceeds from these taxes, the City and CPS have incurred significant financial losses. This delay in funding forced CPS to incur approximately $1.6 billion in short-term debt for operating expenses as well as an additional $246 million in debt to maintain solvency of the teachers' pension fund, resulting in approximately $220,000 per day in unnecessary interest costs. In addition, the City of Chicago was required to make emergency loans to the various pension funds to avoid asset sales and insolvency, and the administration made the choice to divide the required $260 million pension payment into two installments to maintain operating solvency.

These losses are of no fault of either CPS or the City of Chicago, and should be covered by Cook County. The county is already offering a $300 million bridge loan program for smaller taxing districts in the county, but the City and CPS are ineligible to participate. In lieu of the bridge loan program, the County should make the City's taxing bodies whole.

Alderman Dowell Joins Resolution Calling on the Mayor to Implement 2026 Budget Package

Continuing her commitment to financially responsible budgeting, Alderman Dowell signed onto a resolution calling on the Mayor and the administration to fully and immediately implement the 2026 Budget Package. The budget as passed by City Council is the law, and it's the duty of any administration to faithfully execute the law, despite any personal or political objections. Alderman Dowell and her colleagues stand ready to assist the Mayor's Office with this effort, and are more than willing to work alongside the administration to implement the FY26 Budget for the betterment of the residents and businesses of the City of Chicago.

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Runs Through the South Loop on 3/22

Below is information regarding the annual Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle race weekend, taking place Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22. 

Schedule of events: 

• Friday, March 20 - Saturday, March 21: Packet Pick-Up 
• Saturday, March 21: The Mile 
• Sunday, March 22: 8K Run and 2-Mile Walk 
• For details, visit: shamrockshuffle.com/shufflers/general-information 

Towing and street closures: 

• No parking is allowed on the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle course. Towing of vehicles on the course will begin at 1 a.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Please refer to the course map  for details. 
• The Shamrock Shuffle will involve street closures on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Streets along the course will close to traffic between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. as runners pass through. Please refer to the Street Closure Brochure for anticipated street reopening times in your specific area. 

Street closure materials: 

• Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run and 2-Mile Walk course map 
• Course Flyer (English) and Course Flyer (Spanish): This is a notification for those who might regularly park their cars on and near the course. 
• Street Closure Brochure: This lists the anticipated closure and reopening times 
• Grant Park Timeline and Closures: This lists the areas within Grant Park that will be impacted by the event. 

All street closure documents are also available on the street closure page of shamrockshuffle.com. 

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 vs. D.C. United

Saturday, March 14th at 7:30 pm

Mexico vs. Belgium Soccer

Tuesday, March 31st at 8:00 pm

Tax Prep Chicago

Chicago's 2026 free tax preparation assistance program is happening right now at 7 locations citywide. 

Families earning up to $40,000 or individuals earning up to $40,000 are eligible to take advantage of the free and confidential Tax Prep assistance at 7 sites across Chicago. Volunteer tax preparers certified through IRS-approved training will assist them with federal and state income tax returns. Most sites will be open now through April 15th, but please refer to the links below for specific information on the location and hours of the sites.

For more information about how to access free tax assistance, Chicagoans can:

*  Call or text the City's 2-1-1 helpline

*  Visit the City's tax assistance website at www.TaxPrepChicago.org   

 *  Visit Ladder Up at www.goladderup.org or call {312) 409-1555

*   Visit the IRS at www.irs.gov and click on the "E-file your taxes for free" link or call (800) 829-

1040 I (800) 829-4059 (TDD)

47th/King TIF District Opens March 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 March.

• 47th/King

Applications open: 9 a.m. Sunday, March 1st

Applications close: 5 p.m. Monday, March 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. Those interested in applying can verify that their property is located in an eligible district by using the SBIF Locator Map tool.

Homelessness Prevention Program

Are you experiencing or at risk of homelessness? In Chicago, the Coordinated Entry System (CES) connects people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness to housing and supportive services. CES is a system to connect people with long-term housing and supportive services. For access to an emergency shelter, call 311. To begin the CES process, visit allchicago.org/coordinated-entry-system and fill out the CES Assessment.

Childhood Education and Family Support Services Provided by Ada S. McKinley

Ada S. McKinley Child Development Programs provide high-quality early childhood education and family support services to help children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. They are committed to empowering families in the community and warmly welcome new enrollments. The nearest program location is 8741 S. Greenwood Ave. For more information or to enroll in their programs, please visit www.adasmckinley.org or call (312) 371‑1253.

CEJA Capacity Grant

The Workforce Policy Lab, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), is excited to introduce the CEJA Capacity Grant Program—a bold new initiative to strengthen a more inclusive and resilient clean energy future for Illinois. 

Launching in 2026, this program will provide current and prospective DCEO CEJA grantees and sub-grantees with robust capacity-building support, along with grant awards starting at $100,000. This direct investment will empower 501(c)(3) organizations across the state to scale clean energy workforce development, expand contractor opportunities, and drive equitable economic growth in communities statewide.

Visit the program website to explore program details and stay informed about opportunities and updates. Share the interest form found on the program website with your network so they can be the first to hear about the CEJA Capacity Grant when the opportunity goes live in February.  

CCPSA 1st District Council Monthly Public Meeting

On Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, 6:00 PM, the 1st District Council of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) will hold its monthly public meeting. You may deliver comments in person at the meeting or by emailing DC1@cityofchicago.org.

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

When: Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:00 pm

Sueños and Lollapalooza Community Engagement Meeting

The producers of Sueños Music Festival and Lollapalooza, La Cultura Presenta and C3 Presents, will be hosting a virtual community engagement meeting on Tuesday, March 3 from 6-7 p.m. to share more about their upcoming festivals.

Representatives from C3 Presents, La Cultura Presenta and the city will be present at the meeting to share pertinent information and answer questions from the community. Register at tinyurl.com/bdet7han. Email info@lollapalooza.com for more information.

When: Tuesday, March 3rd from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Preschool Story Time

Join the King Branch Library for stories and songs followed by 30 minutes of coloring, crafts, or open play. For children 2 to 5 with an adult.

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

When: Wednesdays, March 4th and 11th from 10:30 am to 11:30 am

CTA Bus Mechanic Career Fair

Attendees will learn more about the role, be able to start an application, and talk to staff about all the benefits of working at CTA. Applicants to the Bus Mechanic role must have a minimum of 2 years of work experience OR a certificate/diploma in medium/heavy diesel engine vehicle repair, OR equivalent. The CTA supplies tools! The starting rate for the role is $36.72. Register at: www.eventbrite.com/e/cta-bus-mechanic-career-fair-tickets-1981025621963.

Where: Chicago Ave. Garage (642 N. Pulaski Rd.)

When: Friday, March 6th from 9:00 am to noon

A New Home For Intonation Music

Intonation Music has a new home in Bronzeville! To celebrate, they are hosting a ribbon cutting with student performances, a live DJ, refreshments, merch and more! For more information or to donate, visit www.intonationmusic.org.

Where: Intonation Music (3633 S. State St.)

When: Saturday, March 7th from noon to 3:00 pm

Spinning Home Movies #20: Quiet Still with Jason Campbell

The South Side Home Movie Project presents Spinning Home Movies Episode 20: “Quiet Still” with Jason Campbell, a week-long exhibition that showcases the materiality, architecture and temporality of home through archival films and architectural design. In the first ever Spinning Home Movies exhibition, artist Jason Campbell presents an original work that combines elements of his own artistic practice with the SSHMP’s Ramon Williams Collection. Register here.

Where: Arts Incubator Gallery (301 E. Garfield Blvd.)

When: Friday, March 7th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 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, March 10th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

Business Leadership Excellence

The Timothy Community Corp. invites you to Business Leadership Excellence, a master class in critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and high-performance education. This is designed for professionals seeking to elevate leadership capability, decision-making, and execution excellence. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at bit.ly/BusLdrExc. Questions? Call 773-624-4642.

Where: Timothy Center (4351 S. Drexel Blvd.)

When: Saturday, March 14th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Adult Bingo Afternoon

Join King Branch library for an exciting hour of bingo. Winners will receive a prize!

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

When: Saturday, March 14th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Forever Fly Vintage Market

Vintage clothing is living history. Each piece carries a past — stories stitched into every seam — and when it finds a new home, it begins again.

Join the Forever Fly Vintage Market and celebrate vintage as living history: fashion that keeps moving, shifting and showing up fresh. Discover incredible South Side vintage sellers with curated selections that will remind us all that great style is sustainable, and built to last. The best fashion never really leaves — it comes back around. Register here.

Where: Arts Incubator (301 E. Garfield Blvd.)

When: Saturday, March 14th from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Ice Cream and Frozen Treat Vendor Fair

Illinois Tech, along with Chartwells, is hosting an ice cream and frozen treat vendor fair in order to bring an ice cream and smoothie vendor to the university's Bronzeville Campus. Vendors must bring product samples to the event, as well as provide an informational packet beforehand. Vendors must have at least three years of experience with food service programs, as well as meet other qualifications. Interested? Send an email to community@illinoistech.edu.

Where: The McCormick Tribune Campus Center Ballroom (3201 S. State St.)

When: Friday, March 20th at 10:00 am

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 four 2-hour sessions. Register here.

Where: Chatham Office (639 E. 87th St.)

When: Saturday, March 21st and 28th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

The Rise Foundation College and Trade Expo

Looking for your next step after high school? The Rise Foundation is hosting a College and Trade Expo. Learn about local and national options in-person! Call 773-386-2594 or visit www.therisefoundationchicago.org for more information.

Where: Sherman Park Fieldhouse (1301 W. 52nd St.)

When: Saturday, March 21st from noon to 2:00 pm

South Loop Easter Egg Hunt

Bring your little ones for a fun day in the Prairie District. Festivities include hunting for 20,000+ eggs in Women's Park (eggs will all have a small prize or candy inside), an animal petting zoo, face painters, and fun sports games. Win 1,000 amazing prizes and visit with the Easter Bunny! Tickets are $18 for children 1-12 years old, $10 for 13 years and over, and children under 12 months are free. Purchase tickets at SouthLoopEasterEggHunt.com. For more information call 312-401-2688 or email pdna.chicago@gmail.com.

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

When: Saturday, April 4th from noon to 2:00 pm (gates open at 11:45 am)

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: March 18th at 6:00 pm

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

Beat: 132

Date: March 19th at 11:00 am (Zoom)

Location: For Zoom information please email CAPS.001District@chicagopolice.org or call 312-745-4381

Beat: 133

Date: March 18th at 5:00 pm

Location: The Hub (2901 S. King Drive)

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 211

Date: March 9th at 6:00 pm

Location: Illinois College of Optometry (3241 S. Michigan Ave.)

Beat: 213

Date: March 24th at 6:00 pm

Location: St. Elizabeth Church (4058 S. Michigan Ave.)

Beat: 221

Date: March 17th at 6:00 pm

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

Beat: 224

Date: March 26th at 6:00 pm

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

Beat: 225

Date: March 11th at 6:00 pm

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

Beat: 231

Date: March 19th at 6:00 pm

Location: Washington Park Field House (5531 S. King Drive)

9th District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 915

Date: March 10th at 6:00 pm

Location: 9th District (3120 S. Halsted Ave.)

Beat: 925

Date: March 18th at 6:00 pm

Location: St. Gabriel Church (4522 S. Wallace)