Dear neighbor,

I hope this note finds you well.  I find great comfort in our collective ability to assemble, protest, speak, and practice faith openly and freely. To the peaceful protesters and the community at large: please know that I hear your message. I am calling for justice, police reform, and accountability—not only for Chicago but for our country as a whole.

This is a time for me to listen and learn from those who have different experiences than my own. This is a time for each of us to examine our own shortcomings and failures. It remains an inexcusable failure that many Chicagoans cannot walk the streets of our city in safety. I am committed to listening to our community, to elevating the voices of those who are often silenced by society, and work tirelessly to end systemic racism. 

I am working with community leaders, stakeholders, neighbors, and my fellow council members from across the city to determine the most effective way to hold our police department accountable and enhance public safety—for everyone.

The 39th Ward is well served by the 16th and 17th Police Districts. Our gratitude goes out to the officers who have helped to protect our community in this important moment.

There are several proposals surrounding community policing and engagement, police reform, and police accountability. I am reviewing all the proposed legislation as well as talking to constituents, stakeholders, and community leaders. I am also taking the time to study what has worked and not worked in other municipalities. 

We know that lasting justice and equity come from hard conversations, a contemplative community, and courageous change.  We care for one another most when our community is one, in both passion and protection. Bold action, peace rooted in justice, and empathy drive courageous change.

I wish you continued health and safety.

Very truly yours,

Alderman Samantha Nugent

Palmer Elementary School Construction Update

Blinderman Construction is making final preparations to begin the demolition of the modular building, starting on Monday, June 22nd. The demolition is anticipated to last five days; however, it is weather dependent.

• Wearing face coverings when inside the place of worship;
• Maintaining a six-foot of distance when seated;
• Posting visual signage of social distancing measures;
• Establishing disinfecting stations throughout the facility.

The City Hall location of the Office of the City Clerk is now open with limited operations. However, the City Clerk's customer service phone line, Archer Avenue location, and Gale Street location will remain temporarily closed. 

Residents can visit the Office of the City Clerk's online store, EZBuy.com, to purchase their city sticker, residential parking permit, and dog licenses.    

To provide some relief for those who are unable to purchase or renew their stickers during this time, the Office of the City Clerk will be waiving late fees on certain City Stickers from March 19, 2020, until July 15, 2020.  

Chi Biz Alerts

The City of Chicago has rolled out a new emergency alert program specifically for the business community.  To receive business-specific alerts, business owners and managers can text "CHIBIZ" to 67283 or visit www.chicago.gov/chibizalerts.

Friday, 6/12 at 9:30 a.m. Webinar
Introduction to Intellectual Property, Part I
Presented by Lema Khorshid, Fuksa Khorshid LLC

An introductory seminar for the savvy entrepreneur who wants to learn to identify the basic forms of intellectual property and formulate an effective intellectual property strategy for their business.

Wednesday, 6/17 at 3:00 p.m. Webinar
Accounting in Quickbooks
Presented by Trak Patel, ARCC Consulting

Learn how to keep your financial recordkeeping books using QuickBooks. We will identify the differences between QuickBooks Online vs. QuickBooks Desktop and list the important features and benefits.