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48th WARD NEWS: SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
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LOWERING RESIDENTIAL SPEED LIMITS
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Dear Neighbors,
According to crash data, nearly 75% of traffic deaths in Chicago involve drivers traveling at high speeds. Here in the 48th Ward, 40% of households do not own a car; however, we are a cut-through community, where impatient drivers often commuting at high speeds come through our neighborhoods. But our streets aren’t just places to move through. They belong to all of us.
My team and I have made improvements to over 65 intersections in the 48th ward. These include safer crosswalks, neighborhood greenways, pedestrian improvements, bike infrastructure, and safer street designs; all proven measures that help save lives.
As part of our continued efforts to prevent traffic fatalities, I am introducing an ordinance to lower residential speed limits across the 48th ward from 25 to 20 miles per hour (mph). The difference between 25 mph and 20 mph is significant. Evidence proves that drivers are more likely and quickly able to come to a complete stop when going 20 mph, greatly reducing the chance for collisions. In terms of crashes, pedestrian survival rates are up to 90% when drivers go 20 mph.
This change is part of the 48th Ward’s commitment to Vision Zero, the goal of no traffic-related deaths or severe injuries. According to the city’s latest traffic crash study, the 48th ward had the fewest traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Chicago in 2025. This marks our third consecutive year with zero traffic fatalities in the ward. This didn’t happen by chance. We made a choice to believe that every crash is preventable and that every person deserves to get home safely. Investing in safe streets works.
Yours in Community,
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Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
48th Ward Alderwoman
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It used to be that if you wanted your sidewalk repaired or tree trimmed in Chicago, you had to “know a guy” at City Hall. Now, services are just a click, phone call, or email away. Over the last three years, with your help, we have increased City Services 20% in the 48th Ward. Now, we want to hear from you! Fill out this survey to share your feedback and priorities.
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Submit Requests and Stay Informed with 311 and ChiStreetWork
For non-emergency city service requests, file a 311 report online, through the app, or by dialing 3-1-1. You can also search for and follow along with local city projects at chistreetwork.chicago.gov.
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Annual Lakewood Balmoral Yard Sale
- When: Saturday, September 19 from 9am-4pm
- Where: Magnolia, Lakewood, and Wayne from Foster-Bryn Mawr
- No RSVP required
Join neighbors for 12 blocks of yard sales in the historic Lakewood Balmoral neighborhood!
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The Home Stretch: Homebuyer Event Series
- When: Saturday, September 12 from 8:30am-3:30pm
- Where: Truman College (1145 W Wilson)
- Register online.
Join us for Home Stretch: a free, two-part homebuyer education series that helps you prepare for homeownership and qualify for down payment assistance and mortgage program. You must attend both parts of the series to earn a certificate.
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Senior Fest 2026
- When: Thursday, September 17 from 9am-2pm
- Where: Millennium Park (201 E Randolph)
- No RSVP required
Mark your calendars! Senior Fest returns this year for Chicagoans ages 60 and up! Bring your friends and enjoy food, dancing, live music, prizes, resources, and more!
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Edgewater Monday Market
- When: Monday, September 14 from 3-7pm
- Where: Broadway & Thorndale
- Learn more online.
It's been a great season so far for the Edgewater Monday Market, and there are still a few weeks left! Come by the Broadway Armory parking lot for Chicago’s ONLY Monday farmers market, featuring a diverse lineup of more than 40 vendors, every Monday until September 28!
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District 7 Mobile Town Hall
- When: Thursday, September 17 from 5-6:30pm
- Where: Enjoy Andersonville (5307 N Clark)
- Register online.
Join State Senator Mike Simmons for a District 7 Mobile Town Hall to review recent policy issues and participate in a small business discussion.
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Town Hall: Let's Talk Data Centers!
- When: Tuesday, September 22 from 6-8pm
- Where: Center on Halsted (3656 N Halsted)
- Register online.
Members of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition will join Representative Kelly Cassidy and Representative Ann Williams for a town hall to discuss the growing impact of data centers on the region's water resources, energy systems, and communities. The town hall will highlight how the POWER Act—state legislation proposed this year—will ensure responsible data center development with nation-leading guardrails that protect Illinois' water, energy, ratepayers, and frontline communities.
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Mobile DMV Recap
On September 4, the 48th Ward office partnered with the Illinois Secretary of State to bring the Mobile DMV to Edgewater Library. 50+ neighbors were able to access driver’s license and State ID services, including REAL ID, as well as vehicle registration and license plate sticker services. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make these important services more convenient for the community!
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Vaccine Clinic
- When: Friday, September 18 from 9am-1pm
- Where: Southeast Asia Center (5120 N Broadway)
- No RSVP required
Is it that time of year already? Come to an upcoming clinic to get your flu shot as well as free vaccinations against COVID, Pneumonia, RSV, Shingles, and Tetanus. Please bring your insurance card with you if you have one. See the schedule above for all upcoming vaccine clinics including one on September 28 at the Broadway Armory (5917 N Broadway).
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City of Chicago Disaster Relief Assistance Program (DRAP)
In 2023 and 2024, severe storms caused widespread damage across Chicago, leaving many households with significant out-of-pocket costs. The Disaster Relief Assistance Program is designed to help low- and moderate-income Chicago residents recover by reimbursing eligible housing-related expenses, including rent, mortgage, and utility payments. Eligible households may receive a one-time payment of up to $15,000. For more information and to apply, visit the DRAP webpage here.
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20th District Council Monthly Meeting
- When: Monday, September 14 at 6pm
- Where: Margate Park (4921 N Marine)
- No RSVP required.
Are you interested in public safety? Looking for a way to get involved in community safety initiatives? Attend your next local district council meeting and join the conversation! Each district council is made up of three people elected by their community to build stronger relationships with police. The more people who participate in this vital community policing process, the more effective it can be. Thank you for working with us to build a safe and healthy neighborhood where we can all thrive.
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24th District Council Monthly Meeting
- When: Wednesday, September 16 at 6pm
- Where: Warren Park (6601 N Western)
- No RSVP required.
Are you interested in public safety? Looking for a way to get involved in community safety initiatives? Attend your next local district council meeting and join the conversation! Each district council is made up of three people elected by their community to build stronger relationships with police. The more people who participate in this vital community policing process, the more effective it can be. Thank you for working with us to build a safe and healthy neighborhood where we can all thrive.
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COPA People's Academy
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), which serves as the civilian oversight agency of the Chicago Police Department (CPD), offers a series of learning opportunities throughout the year to members of the public. This six-week condensed version of COPA’s Training Academy is for the public and organizations around the country interested in learning about Civilian Police Oversight, Investigative and Legal Concepts as well as the role of COPA’s Policy, Research and Analyses Division (PRAD).
Each course will be taught by COPA Subject Matter Experts. Session 6 of COPA People’s Academy will be from September 15, 2026 to October 20, 2026. Learn more and enroll online.
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CPD Superintendent Search Community Listening Session
- When: Thursday, September 10 at 6:30pm
- Where: VIRTUAL
- Register online.
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) is leading a nationwide search for Chicago's next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department and they want to hear from you!
Participate in this virtual community listening session to share your priorities, experiences, and vision for the qualities and leadership Chicago needs in its next superintendent. Your feedback will help inform the Commission's search and selection process. See all listening session dates on the CCPSA public meeting calendar. Can't attend in person? Share your feedback via this online survey.
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20th Police District - 3rd Quarter Business Safety Meeting
- When: Thursday, September 17 from 12-2pm
- Where: 20th District Caps Office (5400 N Lincoln)
- No RSVP required
Join the 20th District CAPS Business Liaison team for their 3rd Quarter Business Safety Meeting. This meeting is an opportunity for local business owners to connect with each other and share safety concerns.
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Be the Bridge: Apply To Become a CAPS Community Leader
The Chicago Police Department is seeking community members who are passionate about serving their neighborhoods and working collaboratively to build trust, strengthen community partnerships, and support safer, stronger communities across Chicago. You do not need to be an expert to make a difference. We are looking for residents who care about their community, are willing to listen and share ideas, and want to be part of positive change. Learn more and apply online.
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Protecting Renters Ordinance
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth is proud to support the Protecting Renter’s Ordinance. If passed, the ordinance will modernize the 40-year-old Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Over the last several months, the Alderwoman heard directly from impacted tenants, community organizations, and small landlords to understand how we can improve the existing RLTO while reducing burdens on small landlords. The ordinance establishes a unified policy framework that strengthens tenant protections, builds enforcement infrastructure, and closes critical gaps in data, enforcement, and legal access. The ordinance is supported by ECRA, Access Living, DSA, JCUA, DFA, NA4J, and ONE Northside. Read more about the ordinance here.
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CLICK HERE to opt in to receive occasional crime alerts from our office. If you're having trouble with this link, you can also opt in by re-subscribing HERE and checking the box at the bottom of the form. Doing so will not alter or double your existing newsletter subscription.
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DWM Bryn Mawr / Sheridan Water Main Replacement Project Update
The Department of Water Management (DWM) will begin replacing the water main on the north side of Bryn Mawr from Kenmore to Sheridan as soon as Monday, September 14, weather permitting.
- “No Parking” signs will be posted on both sides of the street during construction hours (7am - 4pm).
- Parking will be allowed outside of work hours and on weekends.
- Local traffic may be limited during work hours due to staging of trucking and the movements of other machinery needed to perform the work.
- No permanent lane closures are anticipated.
- No water shutdowns are planned at this time.
The Sheridan phase of this project is paused. We will share information about Sheridan as it becomes available.
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DWM Sewer Repair - Bryn Mawr / Catalpa / Broadway / Red Line
The Department of Water Management (DWM) is actively working on three sewer breaks in the alley bounded by Bryn Mawr / Catalpa / Broadway / Redline Tracks.
East-bound traffic on Bryn Mawr from Broadway to Winthrop is expected to be closed to thru traffic on Friday, September 11 and opened for the weekend. It will close again on Monday and remain closed until the work is completed; approximately one week.
Access to the alley is restricted while workers are present (approximately 8am - 3pm). Residents will be able to access their garages from either Catalpa or Bryn Mawr, depending on the team's location. After work hours, DWM will put a plate over the work, so that vehicles can access the entire alley.
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Broadway Refuge Island at Norwood starts construction next week
The Department of Transportation anticipates starting construction next week on Thursday, September 17, weather permitting, on the third pedestrian refuge island on Broadway at Norwood. This island will be installed just north of Norwood, and is one of three refuge islands installed this year on Broadway to increase pedestrian access and safety crossing Broadway. The Broadway refuge islands at Hood and Rosedale are now complete with pedestrian-activated flashing lights. Learn more here.
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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One-Stop Shop Business Licensing and Permitting Portal
Leni is proud to cosponsor the "One-Stop Shop Business Licensing and Permitting Portal" ordinance. The ordinance calls on the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) to create a single, centralized portal through which businesses can:
- apply for/renew licenses and permits
- request inspections
- coordinate directly with city department liaisons
- access personalized information about the status of these requests
Small businesses are the backbone of any community, and they are already facing high opening and operating costs due to factors like commercial rents, labor and overhead costs, uncertainty around tariffs, and changing consumer habits. City licensing and inspections are important for protecting workers and consumers, but they shouldn't be one more obstacle stopping businesses from opening in the first place. That's why we're working to streamline our systems and eliminate red tape: because we want to make sure our local businesses can open their storefronts and stay open for years to come.
Read the draft ordinance and track its progress online here.
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Grand opening of La Cubanita Mexican Restaurant
Congratulations to David on the grand opening of La Cubanita Mexican Restaurant at 1511 W Devon! David was the longtime cook at La Unica and this is his first restaurant. Let’s give La Cubanita Mexican Restaurant a big 48th Ward welcome!
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The 2026 general election is just around the corner! Visit our blog for a one-stop-shop voting resource guide including how to register, what's on the ballot, deadlines, and more.
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2026 General Election: Important Dates
Did you know - election day is not your only opportunity to vote! Please review the following deadlines related to voting early and by mail.
- September 24: Mail-in ballots begin going out to those who have already applied
- October 1: Early voting opens downtown
- October 19: Early voting opens in all 50 wards
- October 29: Vote by mail application deadline
- November 3: Election Day!
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High School Election Judges Needed in Chicago
High school juniors and seniors are invited to apply to serve as election judges in the November 3 general election! Election judges earn up to $230 to manage the precinct polling place and assist voters. To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and have written approval from your principal and a parent/guardian. Click here to learn more and apply.
Adults interested in paid or volunteer poll worker positions for the general election can click here to learn more.
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District Council Election Info Session
- When: Wednesday, September 16 at 6pm (and other scheduled dates)
- Where: Virtual
- Register online.
In February 2027, elections will be held to select 3 District Councilors (DCs) in each of Chicago's 22 police districts. District Councils bring community voices into policing and public safety at both the local and city level. Councilors serve as local elected leaders providing grassroots input to CPD oversight efforts. During this brief information session, you will learn about the upcoming elections, the responsibilities of the DCs, and about the requirements to run for this elected office. Learn more here.
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Register to Vote
Visit the Chicago Board of Elections website to check your voter registration status or file a change of address. If you'd prefer to fill out a paper voter registration application, we have them available at our office (1129 W Bryn Mawr).
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Apply Now to Vote by Mail
Vote By Mail is now open for the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Visit the Chicago Board of Elections website to register to vote by mail in this election or to join the permanent vote by mail roster. Vote by mail ballots will begin going out on September 24.
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See What's on the Ballot! Sample Ballots Available Now
In the November 3 election, voters will elect candidates for many offices including:
- US Senator
- Illinois Governor and Lieutenant Governor
- State Senator
- Representatives in the General Assembly
- President of the Chicago Board of Education
- Members of the Chicago Board of Education
- and many more!
Access an individual sample ballot based on your address here.
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CHECK OUT THE 48th WARD CALENDAR
Never miss an event! See the calendar on our website for more exciting things happening in the ward. Fill out this form to have your own event listed.
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WHERE IN THE WARD IS LENI?
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Thanks to the North Uptown Neighbors Association (NUNA) for having us at their block party this weekend! Want to invite Leni to your next event or meeting? Use this link.
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Thank you to all of the neighbors at International Homes for the warm hospitality! Topics discussed included affordable housing, transit, construction, schools, trees, and more! International Homes was developed in the early 1990’s as part of the New Homes for Chicago program, an affordable homeownership project that teamed with neighborhood organizations to support construction through lot grants and subsidies. To invite the Alderwoman to your next HOA meeting click here.
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