Dear 4th Ward Neighbor,
Keeping you informed and hearing your concerns is one of my top priorities. As we continue to host town halls throughout the ward, I'm happy to announce our next one will be held at Kenwood High School on Monday, July 24 from 6:00 - 7:30pm. Residents are encouraged to RSVP before the event and you can do so by clicking here. This town hall will include updates from various city departments, as well as time for me to answer both pre-submitted questions and questions from the audience.
We've recently joined forces with Pro-Social, a non-profit organization committed to enhancing the aesthetics and cleanliness of our city. Whether you have a landscaping request or require assistance with tidying up, their dedicated team along with our Ward Superintendent are more than willing to lend a hand. You can sign up here.
We have successfully resolved nearly 400 constituent requests thus far. Whether it involves assisting individuals in securing housing, facilitating the planting of trees, or arranging for new garbage cans, our primary goal is to ensure that residents are well aware of our commitment to serving them. We take great pride in being reliable and responsive to our constituents.
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PLEASE KEEP OUR WARD CLEAN!
Maintaining a clean and tidy ward is a priority in our ward. We kindly request your assistance in reminding your neighbors and park attendees to responsibly clean up after themselves. To further support this effort, we are pleased to offer complimentary "Please Pick Up After Your Dog" signs. If you would like one of these signs, please contact us via email at ward04@cityofchicago.org. Our dedicated staff will promptly get in touch with you to coordinate a convenient delivery time for your sign.
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4th Ward Streets and Sanitation Superintendent
Please meet our Ward Superintendent, Nicholas Napier, who will be diligently overseeing sanitation matters within our ward. His proactive and responsive approach ensures that issues are promptly identified and resolved. Please reach out to our office by emailing us at ward04@cityofchicago.org if you see any infrastructure or cleanliness issues we should be aware of.
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Construction On Your Block?
Construction on your block and you're not sure why? ChiStreetWork.Chicago.Gov, is your go-to resource for tracking construction, permits, road closures, and more in your neighborhood. This user-friendly website maps out all active permits and offers an exclusive feature to receive automatic updates on upcoming projects. Simply draw a boundary and choose your preferred update frequency (daily, weekly, or monthly). Stay informed effortlessly.
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Sidewalk Repair Updates
Due to recent 5G installation and other utility work throughout the ward, certain sidewalks may not currently be in prime condition. It is important to note that whenever sidewalks are disrupted for utility purposes, it can take several weeks before the utility companies return for a complete and final restoration, especially if multiple projects are overlapping. We kindly request your patience and understanding during this period of sidewalk restoration following construction projects. Please visit ChiStreetWork.Chicago.Gov to see exactly what's happening on your block.
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South Side Job Fair
150+ job seekers attended our job fair at Kenwood Academy that I co-hosted with other Southside elected officials. It was great seeing so many young folks excited about beginning their careers.
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Mobile City Hall
On July 26 at Ellis Park, 3520 S Cottage Grove, the City Clerk's Office and other city agencies will bring the mobile city hall to the 4th Ward. At this pop-up event you will be able to access city services that are typically only found at City Hall, including buying vehicle stickers, parking permits, dog licenses, apply for a CityKey ID card, and more. The event is open to all and my office will be on site to answer questions and address issues as well.
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City Development Grants
To help residents apply for the latest round of real estate development grants the CityCity's Department of Planning and Development (DPD) has announced multiple virtual and in-person information sessions. DPD will be awarding three types of grants:
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Community Development grants support small businesses, nonprofits, and property owners for local commercial, mixed-use and light manufacturing development.
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Equitable Transit-Oriented Development grants and technical assistance support community-led equitable development near transit.
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Climate Infrastructure Fund grants support neighborhood projects that mitigate the effects of climate change and accelerate the city’s equitable transition to the green economy.
If you are interesting in any of these grants you can find a full schedule of information sessions by clicking here. The application deadline in August 18th.
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Share Resident Feedback With Our New State Rep
New State Representative for the 5th District, Kim DuBuclet, is asking for constituent feedback on which issues matter most to you. Her office is asking residents to fill out this short survey, which should take less than 5 minutes. Survey responses will help to determine the Representative's agenda in Springfield. If you have any questions here office can be reached at (773) 924-4614.
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Minimum Wage Increases
On July 1st the annual scheduled increase to the minimum wage took effect. For companies with more than 21 employees the new minimum wage is $15.80 per hour. For companies employing 4-20 employees the new minimum wage is $15.00 per hour. To learn more and to file a labor complaint for sub-minimum wages please call 311.
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Bronzeville Fresh Foods Market
You are invited to “Bronzeville Fresh Foods Market” on Friday, July 14th at 1pm at 4401 S Cottage Grove (The Corner of 44th St & Cottage Grove Ave – Across From Bronzeville Winery). The Market will share approximately 35 pounds of groceries with hundreds of families: fruits, vegetables, dairy, grain, pasta & more.
Bronzeville Fresh Foods Market was “imagined” after the recent, sudden closure of Walmart Market in April, leaving a huge void in the community. Bronzeville Fresh Foods Market reduces and eliminates one of the social determinants of health, food insecurity and nutrition imbalance, by providing free, healthy food choices that are not accessible or affordable in the local community. Fresh Foods Market provides a “shopper’s choice experience” to select from a wide variety of healthy food options while also serving as an opportunity to engage the local community on other services to reduce and eliminate other social detriments of health: employment services, career training and access to healthcare.
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PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION | |
The Chicago Police Department holds regular beat meetings for residents to learn about their local crime statistics and to share ideas with local officers. To find which beat you live in click here. If you live in the First District you can find the beat meeting calendar by clicking here. Find the Second District's beat meeting calendar by clicking here. | |
Public Safety Tips on Water Safety
City of Chicago beaches are open for the summer season, the Chicago Park District urges patrons to enjoy them safely and responsibly and look for “No Swimming Allowed” signage that indicates that swimming is not sanctioned in that area.
While boating keep these tips in mind:
- Wear a life jacket!
- Boaters should be mindful of break wall locations at all times
- Boating under the influence is just as deadly as drinking and driving
- Learn to swim if you plan to spend time out on the water
- Never swim along or at night
- Swim near lifeguards
- Take a CPR class
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BUSINESS AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES | |
Calling all South Side entrepreneurs! The Institute for Justice Clinic has announced its 10th annual South Side Pitch. This is a chance for small businesses to compete and potentially win cash prizes amounting to over $31,000. We encourage you to apply now and share your business story. The deadline for applications is August 1st. | |
The Chicago Bears Small Business All-Pros are back! For the third year, the Bears have teamed up with Visa to show support for Chicago's vibrant local food and restaurant community. Four Small Business All-Pro recipients will receive a four-week marketing partnership with the Chicago Bears during the 2023 season. Apply now or share this application with your favorite small business. Only takes 10-15 minutes. Apply today by clicking here.
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Join CPS for their Back-to-School event near the 4th Ward at Dyett High School! With classes resuming Monday, August 21st, CPS is hosting Back-to-School events so that families can get connected to important services, meet school staff, and stock up on school supplies. The bash at Dyett High School will be on Monday, July 24th, from 10am-2pm. | |
Back 2 School Kits for Students
This annual contest awards two to three Chicago schools with Back 2 School kits for each and every student. Anyone can nominate a school. Kits are awarded the first week of school in the fall. Nominations are due by July 24th. To learn more and to nominate a school click here.
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