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Hello Neighbors,
Welcome back to our community newsletter! With Halloween just around the corner, there's a lot to look forward to in these on-coming weeks.
In this week’s newsletter, you'll discover the latest updates on our activities, ongoing improvements and cleanup initiatives in our ward. Exciting events, and loads of engaging fall programs for all ages.
Should you have any questions or require assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office. Our team is here to support you, addressing the needs and concerns of the residents in the 30th ward. It's always a privilege and honor to serve our vibrant community.
Spooktacular wishes,
Alderwoman Cruz |
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Updates on the 2024 Budget |
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Since I took office a few months back, I have worked non-stop, proactively ensuring our 30th Ward communities are heard about the changes we want to see in our city government. I am pleased to see some good proposals coming out of the Mayor’s office.
Last week, Mayor Johnson delivered his 2024 Budget Address, which you can watch here. I will continue to do thorough reviews of the full report ahead of hearings that began this week. But below are a few major stand-outs from the proposed $16.6 billion budget, which includes NO property tax increases:
$307 million advance payment on our owed pension deficit Creation of a Department of the Environment Creation of a Department of Technology and Innovation Introduction of a scaled path to re-open Chicago’s mental health clinics Increase in Streets & Sanitation budget for forestry and rodent issues $10 million for the Home Repair Program Continue the funding for the Lead Service Line Replacement program More operational support for Homeless Shelters Mental Health Services Expansion through the "Treatment Not Trauma" program Additional 4,000 youth summer and year-round jobs.
Throughout the hearings these next few weeks, my Council colleagues and I will have many opportunities to question department heads regarding their proposals, check the viability of revenue sources, and negotiate the final proposal.
PLEASE let me know any questions or thoughts you have about the budget for 2024; I am ALWAYS LISTENING!
Thank you, Alderwoman Ruth Cruz |
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30th Ward Community Zoning Committee |
 | Join the 30th Ward Community Zoning Committee and Shape Your Neighborhood’s Future!
Are you passionate about your community's growth and development? Do you want to actively participate in decisions that will shape the future of the 30th Ward? We invite you to become a part of our vibrant and dedicated 30th Ward Community Zoning Committee!
Click the link below. | |
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Participatory Budgeting Continues |
Participatory Budget is a democratic process by which community members decide how to spend part of a public budget. Residents work together to generate ideas about improvements they’d like to see in the 30th Ward, then vote on which project they wish to see funded. |
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Idea Collection Questionnaire
Click this link below to be taken to our questionnaire to vote on Alley and Street fund allocations, provide your specific ideas to projects, and become a PB Community Representative!
PLEASE NOTE: If you participated in any of the previous 3 town halls, or have voted in the questionnaire already, you are ineligible to vote again in the questionnaire. However, you are still encouraged to send your specific ideas on ward improvements to our 30th ward email below.
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Our Fall Bingo Event |
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We had a great time hosting our bingo event. Thank you to Reilly School Principal Costilla and Assistant Principal Stevenson for hosting us, and thank you to all who participated- the sense of community made it such a special morning. We are looking forward to hosting more Bingo’s in our community! |
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Fall Clean Up! |
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The 30th Ward has been hard at work keeping our community clean! Thank you to Chicago Streets and Sanitation and all the residents who let us know about areas that need extra attention! |
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Community Meeting - Former Catholic School at St. Wenceslaus |
 | We had a full house at Reilly Elementary last week for our community meeting about the proposed development of the St. Wenceslaus former Catholic school building.
Thank you to everyone who came out to ask questions and voice concerns on behalf of the neighborhood. Thank you also to Reilly Elementary School Principal Costilla for permitting us to use the space, as well as to Mr. Mario and Ms. Elizabeth for welcoming the community into your school. |
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Upcoming Events! |
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First Annual Trunk or Treat! |
 | 6pm - 8pm - Friday, October 20th St. Bartholomew Parking Lot (4910 W. Addison Avenue)
Save the date - Join the new 30th Ward for our first annual Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 20th! Candy, pumpkins, games and more! |
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5th Annual Schurz Schuffle |
 | 9am - 11am - Saturday, October 21st Frank Preo Field (3701 N Kostner Ave)
Join us for Friends of Schurz’s annual neighborhood 5k through historic Old Irving Park. Proceeds from this year's Schurz Schuffle will support the Schurz Fifthstar Makerspace, where students explore technology and hone their leadership and job skills.
Friends of Schurz will provide materials, resources, and financial support to ensure that students can continue to learn and mentor others in valuable problem-solving and creative activities.
Participants can run/walk/crawl - whatever you choose! A sidewalk route through the Old Irving Park neighborhood will be marked on race day. | |
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| Halloween Week Pizza Fundraiser |  | Order from Jet’s Pizza (5255 N. Milwaukee Ave) October 30th to November 5th. Use promo code “PORTAGE” - 20% of sales will be donated to Portage Park Elementary School! |
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| Arts in the Dark |  | The 9th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade is back! Join in on Saturday, October 21st from 6pm - 8pm on State Street (moving south from Lake to Van Buren.)
See the link below for more information! | |
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2024 CPD Virtual Town Hall |
 | Monday, October 23rd - 6pm
Join us for a virtual town hall on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 6pm to gain insights into the CPD budget, the Commission’s review process, and provide input on what budget priorities matter to you! Register for the virtual town hall below. | |
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Small Business Safety Seminar |
 | Saturday, November 4th - 9:30am - 11:30am 4801 W. Belmont Avenue
Are you a small business owner? Please consider attending this safety seminar, where you can learn about check washing, counterfeit bills, wire fraud, armed robbery safety, and active shooter training.
To RSVP, please email October 25th to nina@portageparkchamber.org |
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City Civics Day |  | Saturday, November 4th, 2023 - 9:30am - 4:30pm Epiphany Center for the Arts (201 S. Ashland Avenue)
Join the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for a free, day-long celebration of civic involvement and community connection.
Click the link below to register. | |
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Helpful Information! |
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FEMA Application Deadline Extended! |
 | The deadline has been extended for victims of the June 29th – July 2nd severe storms and flooding. If you or someone you know was impacted, please consider applying for FEMA Individual Assistance.
The deadline is now extended to Oct. 30, 2023.
The extension applies to all victims living in Cook County. FEMA assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.
Different ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
Use the FEMA mobile app.
Call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
For additional information about Cook County's recovery, please visit the link below:
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Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Survey |
 | The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) today announced the start of public outreach efforts to help shape the City of Chicago’s future investments in Electric Vehicles (EV) and charging infrastructure.
To support the City of Chicago’s Climate Action Plan goals to reduce transportation carbon emissions and advance environmental justice, CDOT is developing a framework plan to equitably expand EV access, services, and charging infrastructure. As part of this planning process, CDOT is launching a survey to better understand the level of knowledge residents have about EVs and e-mobility devices like electric bikes and scooters, their mobility needs, and how those factors will impact EV charging demand over the next decade.
To take the survey, learn more EVs and e-mobility in Chicago, and to sign up for email updates, please visit the project website at the button below: | |
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Suicide & Crisis Hotline - Dial 988 |
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Mental health is crucial for overall well-being, enabling individuals to cope with stress, fulfill their potential, and contribute meaningfully to society.
It is the foundation for emotional, psychological, and social stability, emphasizing the importance of understanding, promoting, and maintaining good mental health for everyone. If needed, please see the link below for resources. | | | Donations Needed! |
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 | 30th Ward Office: 5714 W. Belmont Ave My office will be accepting donations throughout the fall and winter season. Clothing in all sizes needed and welcomed! Your generosity is greatly appreciated. | |
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Tree Planting Sign Up Form |
 | Interested in a tree planting? Sign up for one in the QR Code above! |
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Fees Waived Adoption Event |
 | October 21, 2023 from 12pm - 6pm. Chicago Animal Care and Control (2741 S. Western Ave.)
Looking to adopt a new member of the family? Please consider stopping by Chicago Animal Care and Control for a fee-waived adoption event on October 21st.
Please click the button below for more information on pet adoption. | |
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| Upcoming CAPS Meetings |  | Please see the flyer above for information on the next CAPS meetings in the 16th, 17th, and 25th Police Districts. Don’t forget, a safer ward starts with you! |
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Get Vaccinated! |
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Getting vaccinated is essential for personal protection and community immunity. Helping to prevent the spread of contagious diseases starts with you!
See the link below for immunization clinics near you. | |
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Support Our Local Businesses! |
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Chicago Taco Authority (CTA)Located at 4219 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, Illinois 60641, (773) 282-8226 |
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Chicago Taco Authority (CTA) is bringing that city feel indoors with CTA decor, a news stand, phone booth, and much more. Offering both traditional and gourmet signature tacos!
MONDAY - THURSDAY
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
FRIDAY - SATURDAY 11:00am - 10:00pm
Take your taste buds for a ride on the CTA. |
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To have your business featured, or one you’d like to see in our newsletter, send us your recommendations here: Ward30@Cityofchicago.org |
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General Questions |
For general questions, feel free to send us an email at our ward inbox or visit us at our website: Ward30@cityofchicago.org / https://www.30thward.org/ |
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