In this Newsletter...
I hope you had a relaxing, fun and safe holiday weekend! I know it didn’t look like a typical 4 th of July, but every time we maintain social distance, wear masks and wash our hands, we protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Another thing that’s different this year: Tax Day. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline for filing and paying income taxes was moved to July 15, which is quickly approaching.
If you need more time to file your taxes, you can file federal and state extensions. However, please note that this does not extend the deadline for you to PAY your taxes. If you expect that you will owe, you have to pay an estimated amount of what you owe.

If you need FREE tax assistance, you can find the help you need at: http://www.taxprepchicago.org .

Remember to file your taxes online by 11:59 p.m. on July 15 or postmarked by July 15 if you’re mailing your returns.
Up Coming Events
Clean Up Chicago
Please join us for our Community Clean Up events this Saturday, July 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. to help our friends and neighbors! We’re meeting on the West Side at the Universal Church Parking Lot, 535 N. Cicero Ave., and we’ll be joined by Aldermen Emma Mitts.
 
Register at: ChiCityTreasurer.eventbrite.com . We hope to see you there!
Financial Resources
Utility Billing Relief Program
The Utility Billing Relief Program provides low-income City of Chicago residents with a reduced rate on water, sewer and water-sewer tax as well as debt relief for those who demonstrate they can manage the reduced-rate bills for one year. Learn more and apply here .
 
Paycheck Protection Program Extension
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll and can be 100% forgivable under certain circumstances.
 
There’s still money available, and every eligible business should take advantage of this funding opportunity. The new deadline to apply is Saturday, August 8.
 
To apply, complete this application and take it to your bank, which will submit the application to the SBA. If your bank is unable to help, search for a program lender here or find one on this list.
 
Civil Unrest Disaster Declaration
The Small Business Administration has recently approved low-interest disaster loans for businesses impacted by civil unrest between May 28 and June 8. Learn more about this disaster declaration here . For information about how to apply for this loan, click here .
Educational & Summer Resources
Cooling Centers
During summer months, the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) activates cooling areas at the City's six community service centers during periods of extreme heat. Cooling areas operate Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours and days of service may be extended as conditions warrant. For the latest information, click here

#Hit the Hood
My Block, My Hood, My City is awarding $1,500 peace grants to individuals, blocks and organizations to help organize creative solutions to curb gun violence. They are raising money for these grants and asking for volunteers to help keep communities safe this weekend. To donate or volunteer, visit: https://www.formyblock.org .

Financial Guides for Kids   
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has created free activities to help children build the important skills they will need to manage money into adulthood. These activities focus on the three building blocks needed to develop financial capabilities: executive function, financial habits and values, and financial decision-making skills.
 
Chicago Public Library Summer Learning Challenge   
The Chicago Public Library is hosting a Summer Learning Challenge  to help children build their own stories and explore science and art through Chicago architecture. Children ages 0 to 13 can join from July 6 to August 15 at their neighborhood library, online and at home.
 
Socially Distant Activities for Kids
Finding fun activities for children is important, especially when they’re missing camps and friends. Chicago Parent has put together some ideas about getting kids out of the house to explore new places and neighborhoods.
 
Zoos and Museums Reopen   
Zoos and museums are beginning to open their doors to the public with new guidelines. Make sure to check out safety protocols before you go. Click on the links below to learn more about the guidelines at each location.  
Intern Spotlight
Margaret M. Doyle 

Hometown:  Lincoln Park, Chicago 
School:  Dartmouth College 
Major:  Economics & Government 
Placement:  Economic Development Team 
Interests:  Cubs, watercolor painting and hiking 

“I’m excited to intern with the Treasurer because of all the amazing people who care so deeply about their work. In the future, I’m interested in working in development economics.” 
Noah Shaar  

Hometown:  Garfield Ridge, Chicago 
School:  University of Chicago 
Major:  Economics Specialized in Data Science
Placement:  Investments Team
Interests:  American history, Chicago White Sox, enjoying Chicago 

“I chose to work with the Treasurer’s Office to better understand the city’s finances. In the future, I hope to start my own real estate investment firm.”
Lesley Mizhquiri

Hometown: Belmont Cragin, Chicago
School: Dartmouth College
Major: Economics & Public Policy
Placement: Economic Development Team
Interests: Cooking, cities, orchestra and food

“I’m excited to intern with an office that works toward creating equitable policies that help all neighborhoods across Chicago. In the future, I hope to work toward seeing a reduction in the achievement and wealth gaps in society, whether by working through non-profits, becoming an elected official, or developing a local advocacy group.”
Alexandra Riedinger

Hometown: Winnetka, Illinois
School: University of Chicago
Major: Economics
Placement: Economic Development Team
Interests: Jazz piano, hiking and yoga

“I decided to intern with the Treasurer because of the unique opportunity to immerse myself in both of my main academic interests: public policy and economics. I'm looking forward to learning how policy is implemented at the city level and continuing to explore different aspects of business and public policy to determine my career aspirations.”
Sloane Fisher

Hometown: Northcenter, Chicago
School: Michigan State University
Major: Economics and International Relations
Placement: Economic Development Team
Interests: Reading, drawing, painting and hiking

"In the future, I want to continue helping my local community by working more in the local government. In the distant future, I hope to visit and learn about other communities across the country and help wherever I can."
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