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48th WARD NEWS: MARCH 19, 2026
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CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
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This month, join us in celebrating the contributions of women—past, present, and future—to the City of Chicago and the 48th Ward.
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Celebrate Women's History Month with the Libraries
Join the Chicago Public Library in celebrating Women's History Month. Throughout the month of March, CPL is offering events to highlight the contributions of women through literacy, education, and performing arts. This year’s theme, “Women’s Stories: Women as Memory Keepers,” honors women as preservers of history, culture, and community. Visit the CPL site for events, reading lists, and more.
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Choose Chicago: Ways to Celebrate Women's History Month
From educational events to delicious dining experiences, the city offers a variety of opportunities to learn, honor, and uplift women in your community. Whether your interest lies in art, history, or activism, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit the Choose Chicago Women's History Month guide here to get started.
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Chicago Women's Club President Gertrude Boughton Blackwelder was the first woman to cast a ballot in Cook County in a local election in 1913 when women were given limited voting rights. With her is Clerk of Elections Henry Heizer. (Photo from Chicago Tribune July 27, 1913)
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Remembering Chicago City Council's Historic Women Leaders
Did you know: In 1971, Chicago elected its first two alderwomen to City Council: one in the 16th ward and one right here in the 48th! The 16th Ward alderwoman, Anna Langford, was a Black attorney and civil rights activist. The 48th Ward alderwoman, Marilou McCarthy, was a white newspaper reporter. Women’s History Month is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the important role these and other women leaders have played in the history of the Chicago City Council. Read more on our blog.
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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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Shred, Electronics, and Prescription Meds Recycling Event
- When: Saturday, March 21 from 11am-2pm
- Where: 5853 N Broadway
- No RSVP required
Join us at this upcoming event to shred your personal documents, recycle small electronics, and get rid of old prescription medications. Please remove binder clips from shreddable materials. Because shredded paper cannot be recycled, we also encourage you to separate your documents, shred the sheets with personal information, and recycle the rest! Email info@the48thward.org with questions.
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Northside Environmental Mixer
- When: Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30pm
- Where: Hopleaf (5148 N Clark)
- No RSVP required
Join neighbors from the 49th, 48th, 47th, and 40th wards to discuss how we can work together to make Chicago a more sustainable city.
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Free ACT Test Prep
GoSTEM is offering free ACT Test prep for local high school students. To sign up, fill out the interest form here. GoSTEM volunteers work with students throughout Chicago to help them navigate the college application process and build brighter futures. For questions, contact Cathy Ly at (714) 548-4935 or cathy@gostem.org.
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My Chi, My Future Teen Bash
- When: Saturday, March 28 from 12-4pm
- Where: Navy Pier - Aon Grand Ballroom (840 E Grand)
- Register online.
The My Chi, My Future Teen Bash is a celebratory event for teens ages 13-19 at Navy Pier. This FREE event will feature live music, free foods, giveaways, video games, and more!
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2026 Street Sweeping
Chicago uses mechanical street sweepers to remove debris and litter from streets every year beginning April 1! Visit our blog to find your street cleaning section and determine when your area will be swept.
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Free English Classes with CMAA
CMAA offers multiple English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for different proficiency levels, as well as an Adult Basic Education (ABE) class. For learners who prefer more personalized support, free 1-on-1 English and Citizenship tutoring is available year-round. Both classes and tutoring sessions are offered in person and online. For more information about Spring courses, or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Shuang at (773) 413-8261, in-person at 4853 N Broadway, or online here.
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Property Tax Exemptions Assistance
Property tax exemptions are savings that contribute to lowering a homeowner’s property tax bill. The most common is the Homeowner Exemption, which saves a Cook County property owner an average of approximately $950 dollars each year. Read about each exemption online here. The filing period for Tax Year 2025 exemptions opened on Monday, March 9. Access exemptions information and assistance at these events:
Truman College
- Monday, March 23 from 5-8pm
- Truman College (1145 W Wilson)
Virtual
- ENGLISH: Wednesday, March 25 from 6-7pm
- SPANISH: Thursday, March 26 from 6-7pm
- Stream on Facebook or YouTube
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Become a Trees Forever TreeKeeper
The Trees Forever TreeKeepers program is designed for people who want to become more knowledgeable about tree planting and care and who wish to become a stronger voice for trees in their neighborhoods. Trees Forever TreeKeepers graduates will:
- actively participate in tree plantings in their communities
- get hands-on experience caring for street and park trees
- learn to care for their personal trees
- protect community trees and be a tree ambassador
Virtual classes run Tuesday evenings, March 24, March 31, and April 7 from 6-7:30pm. Sign up online.
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Summer Jobs Available Through Chicago Youth Works
Chicago Youth Works is your gateway to youth employment opportunities across the city! Work for the summer or year-round. Gain real-world experience, connect with your peers, and support your community through four unique program options. Apply online by May 24.
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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Take the Illinois Housing Blueprint Survey
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is leading a statewide housing planning effort this year: the Illinois Housing Blueprint. The blueprint will be a tool for municipalities, state agencies, nonprofits, and local leaders to better understand how housing fits into the economic fabric of their region.
IHDA needs your help to make this planning process successful and representative of each and every community. Take the online survey here.
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Schedule of Upcoming Construction
Neighbors, please be aware of upcoming asphalt grinding work in preparation for resurfacing. This work is tentatively scheduled to begin this Spring at the following ward locations:
Alleys
- Alley bounded by McCutcheon Terr / Margate Terr / Marine / Ainslie
- Alley bounded by Sheridan / Foster / Marine / Winona
- Alley bounded by Kenmore / Winona / Sheridan / Argyle
- Alley bounded by Winthrop / Winona / Kenmore / Argyle
- Alley bounded by Clark / Hollywood / Glenwood / Olive
- Alley bounded by Glenwood / Ridge / Hollywood
- Alley bounded by Magnolia / Elmdale / Broadway / Thorndale
- Alley bounded by Clark / Highland / Greenview / Rosemont
Streets
- Balmoral from Wayne - Lakewood
- Glenwood from Balmoral - Berwyn
- Glenwood from Ridge - Bryn Mawr
- Glenwood from Rosedale - Ardmore
- Ardmore from Winthrop - Sheridan
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Participatory Budgeting 2026 - Winners!
For the third year in a row, you voted to let us know how we should spend our public infrastructure budget! This year, we received a total of 1,277 votes (a 300+ increase from 2025!) The winning projects you selected are:
- School Pedestrian Safety
- Project Sidewalk
- Swift Nature Play Area
- Lakefront Trail Placemaking
- Residential Pedestrian Safety
- Public Art
Read more about these projects and the PB process online here.
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Reader Best of Chicago 2025 - 48th Ward Winners!
Congratulations to the 35 businesses and organizations in the 48th ward that won their categories in the Chicago Reader's Best of 2025 poll! The great 48 had winners across multiple categories including Arts & Culture, Buy Local, Food & Drink, and more! Check them out on our blog here.
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Flooding Prevention & Spring Storm Reminders
Spring is right around the corner and we're already seeing the storm! Visit our blog to learn about overflow action days, flooding prevention, and water on street/emergency tree reporting.
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20th District Computer Hardware Recycling Event
- When: Saturday, March 21 from 10am-1pm
- Where: 20th District Police Station (5400 N Lincoln)
- No RSVP required
Recycle computer hardware and other electronics at the 20th District Police station. Accepted items include desktop monitors, mobile devices, printers, tablets, batteries, keyboards, coffee machines, and more.
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24th District Council Monthly Meeting
- When: Sunday, March 22 at 3pm
- Where: Indo American Center (6328 N California)
- 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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CCPSA Monthly Meeting
- When: Thursday, March 26 at 6:30pm
- Where: George Washington High School (3535 E 114th St)
- RSVP coming soon here
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) is an independent, seven-member civilian body that oversees the Chicago Police Department (CPD), the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), and the Police Board. Join the CCPSA on March 26 for their monthly meeting.
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20th District Vehicle Theft Prevention Event
- When: Saturday, March 28 from 10am-1pm
- Where: 20th District Police Station (5400 N Lincoln)
- No RSVP required
Come by the 20th District Station for information regarding recent incidents of motor vehicle and air bag theft and other resources for protecting your property. The first six community members to arrive will receive a free vehicle theft prevention device.
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Senator Simmons Mutual Aid Drive
State Senator Mike Simmons is accepting donations of non-perishable food, reusable grocery bags, and new toiletries/diapers/cleaning supplies at his office (1040 W Bryn Mawr). See the full donation wish list in the images above or at the bottom of our blog here.
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Volunteer as a 20th District Court Advocate
The 20th District Court Advocacy Subcommittee consists of district residents, community groups, members of the business community, and Chicago Police Officers. Court advocates work together to identify court cases that negatively affect the community and attend as a team to let crime victims know that they are not alone. To join, contact the 20th District office at (312) 745-8770 or caps.020thdistrict@chicagopolice.org.
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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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And that's a wrap on the Edgewater Indoor Market 2026 season! Thanks to all of the neighbors who came to shop local with over 70 vendors across five Saturdays this winter - looking forward to next year!
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Last week, Audrey and Nicole met with Girl Scouts from Peirce Elementary to talk about the branches of government, civic engagement, and what an alderperson does! They tackled some tough topics including climate change, immigration, and voting rights. Thanks to the troop leaders for organizing the meeting and to the scouts for their incredible questions and ideas!
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Leni stopped by the new Zenwich location at 1124 W Thorndale this week! The popular sandwich shop features Asian flavors and what chef Chai Ploentham calls “borderless cuisine." Check out their menu online here. Learn more about our ongoing work to revitalize the Thorndale commercial corridor here.
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