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48th WARD NEWS: JANUARY 8, 2026
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CITY OF CHICAGO 2026 BUDGET
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Dear Neighbors,
This 2026 budget season was especially challenging and contentious. Our City Council rejected the Mayor’s budget presented in October and at the last-minute, rushed to pass an alternative budget proposed by a subgroup of alders. There was not enough time to adequately evaluate the alternative budget, and transparency was thrown out the window. We ended up with two flawed budget proposals containing a number of false choices such as: Do you want to cut library funding or raise property taxes? Do you want to fund community safety initiatives or support economic development in Chicago? Do you want to introduce video gaming terminals in our restaurants or have a budget gap?
While the Mayor’s budget proposal established a funding source for alternative safety programs including violence prevention, survivor support, and officer wellness programs, the budget increased business licensing fees that would disproportionately impact our small business community. On the other hand, the alternative budget exchanges taxing wealthy corporations for selling off our city’s debt at 9 cents on the dollar to predatory collectors, legalizes video gambling, sells parts of our city to advertisers, and was balanced through questionable assumptions and speculative projections that we’ll be reckoning with in just a few months. I believe it is possible to create a transparent budget backed by real numbers that is aligned with our values and does not put the tax burden on the backs of working Chicagoans, but that's not what this budget was. That's why I voted No.
There is, however, some good news to share as we enter 2026:
- The budget that passed protects year-round youth employment and the Crisis Assistance Response & Engagement (CARE) Program. These initiatives were dreams just a few years ago, and we’ve worked together to make them a reality.
- We passed a historic Social Media Tax to fund mental health services, the first in the nation, and an example of what the future of innovative and progressive revenue can look like.
- The budget that passed does NOT include cuts to Chicago Public Library acquisitions or staff vacancies, thanks to the many neighbors and advocates who reached out to demand better for our library system. The budget was corrected to protect our libraries because we pushed back.
Despite the deep flaws of this alternative budget, I’m proud of these wins. I also know that we can do better. I supported the executive orders to cap police overtime and prohibit the sale of medical debt to private collectors. I’ve also joined my colleagues in calling for a full audit of the Chicago Police Department which currently receives more than 50% of the city’s corporate fund. Finally, I worked with my colleagues to pass a resolution to work with Springfield on more progressive and equitable revenue sources at the State level. For long-term structural change, we need more State and City collaboration.
As this work continues, I will continue to be your independent voice in City Council fighting hard for all our neighbors in the 48th Ward.
Yours in Community,
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Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
48th Ward Alderwoman
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND NEIGHBOR SOLIDARITY
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ICE Accountability
Yesterday, an ICE agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis, MN. This is a horrific tragedy and we're heartbroken for Renee Nicole Macklin Good's family and community. Sadly, we have seen this before. In September, Silverio Villegas González, a father of two with no criminal record, was shot and killed by ICE in Franklin Park, IL after dropping his kids off at school. Countless others have been kidnapped, detained, deported, brutalized, and killed by ICE. We demand full accountability and prosecution of those responsible.
Documenting the illegal actions of ICE is essential to accountability. We encourage neighbors to join us at the CCPSA meeting tonight as well as the Illinois Accountability Commission meetings:
- Today at 6:30pm, the Community Commission for Public Safety & Accountability is holding a Special Meeting regarding CPD interactions with ICE at Thalia Hall (1807 S Allport St). You can submit public comments in person at the meeting or by email at communitycommissionpubliccomment@cityofchicago.org.
- In October, Governor Pritzker formed the Illinois Accountability Commission to create a public record of the conduct of federal agents during “Operation Midway Blitz.” The first meeting was held on December 18, 2025 and 48th ward neighbors participated in public comment documenting incidents in our ward.
ICE is not welcome in our community; we are committed to continuing to build ICE-Free Zones at the City, County, and State levels. Today and everyday, we stand in solidarity with our neighbors regardless of origin or documentation status. We know that it's us—not outside forces who rely on profiling and bullying—who keep us safe.
Visit our blog for more information on how to get involved and access printable resources. You can also visit our office at 1129 W Bryn Mawr any time we're open to pick up window signs (pictured above), flyers, whistles, and more. In moments like this, fear is real, but so is our power when we stand together. Please continue to share information with our office, and do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.
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CCPSA Special Meeting - TONIGHT
- When: Thursday, January 8 at 6:30pm
- Where: Thalia Hall (1807 Allport)
- Register online.
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) is required by ordinance to hold a special meeting when it receives a petition signed by at least 2,000 Chicago residents. District Councils and community members submitted a petition requesting a public hearing on Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) interactions. This meeting will serve as a listening session and public comment forum, providing community members an opportunity to share their experiences and concerns related to CPD interactions with ICE.
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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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Pick up a 48th Ward 2026 Calendar
Come by the office at 1129 W Bryn Mawr whenever we're open to pick up a magnetic 2026 calendar with all of this year's city holidays. These calendars are free and will be distributed on first-come-first-served basis while supplies last.
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Visit 48th Ward Dry Bars This Month!
Are your participating in "Dry January" this month? January is a time when many people cut back on alcohol after the holiday season, and Choose Chicago has compiled a list of dry bars and establishments with a wide variety of non-alcoholic options for anyone doing just that! The list includes Solar Intentions (1056 W Bryn Mawr), Loaves & Witches (6034 N Broadway), and Eli Tea Bar (5507 N Clark) right here in the 48th ward! See the full list here.
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Edgewater Indoor Market Opens This Saturday
- When: Saturday, January 10 from 10am-2pm
- Where: Broadway Armory Gymnasium (5917 N Broadway)
- Learn more online.
Edgewater Indoor Market returns this Saturday! On 5 select Saturdays this winter, enjoy the BIGGEST indoor market of its kind on the North Side featuring 70+ food vendors, artists, and artisans selling prepared foods, baked goods, winter produce, warm drinks, local treats, art, gifts, and more! Other dates include January 31, February 14, February 28, and March 14.
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You Name a Snowplow 2026
It's time for Chicago's fourth annual 'You Name a Snowplow' contest! Chicago residents are once again encouraged to create innovative snowplow names and submit them on the Department of Streets and Sanitation's webpage by January 10, 2025. Voting will take place from February 1-14, 2026. At the end of the contest, DSS will pick the top six names—one for each of the city's six snow districts—to join the existing community-named snowplow fleet. Last year, our very own Neighborhood Services Manager, Conor Hart, was one of the winners with his submission, "Been There, Plowed That." See all previous winning names here!
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Apply for the Chicago Scholars Mentorship Program by January 15
High School juniors are encouraged to apply for Chicago Scholars, a mentorship program that assists with college applications and financial aid access and then provides guidance throughout the college and career search processes. Chicago Scholars are academically ambitious, first-generation college-going students who live and attend high school in Chicago. Scholars don’t just get through college — they build futures where they can truly thrive. The priority application deadline is Thursday, January 15, and the final deadline is Wednesday, February 4. Learn more and apply online here.
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Drop Off Food Scraps at the Edgewater Library Starting January 21
The Edgewater Food Scrap Drop-Off site at 5853 N Broadway is moving! Starting January 21, please bring your food scraps 1.5 blocks north to the Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway). Please refer to the map above for the exact location of the carts at the library. Your registration for the original Edgewater location will automatically be switched to the new site. If you have not registered before, you can do so here.
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2025 Year In Review - Virtual Town Hall
- When: Wednesday, January 28 from 5:30-6:30pm
- Where: VIRTUAL
- Register online.
It's that time of year again! Join us for our 2025 year-in-review town hall to reflect on everything we accomplished as a community this year. While we plan ot hold this presentation virtually and record it, we also want to take it on the road! If you'd like us to present in person at your org's next meeting, reach out to audrey@the48thward.org.
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March 2026 Primary Election Information
Primary elections are right around the corner. Visit our blog for everything you need to know about voting this March, including:
- Registering to Vote
- Voting by Mail
- Early Voting
- Working as an Early Voting Official or Election Judge
- and more!
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Apply to Serve on Your Local School Council
Apply to become a candidate in the 2026 Local School Council (LSC) election by January 20, 2026 and make a difference in our community! Parents, community members, staff, and students who want to strengthen our community by strengthening our schools are encouraged to run. Our 48th Ward CPS schools include Hayt, Swift, Senn, Peirce, Goudy, and McCutcheon. Learn more about the LSC Elections online. For more information about Peirce specifically, see their flyer: SY29 Peirce LSC Elections Your Voice Matters!
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New Social Group for Neurodivergent Teens
Find your people in this new, safe, low-pressure space for neurodivergent teens ages 16-19. Connect over shared interests, build confidence, and navigate the social world together, on your own terms. Activities will be shaped by input from the participants and lightly supervised by an adult. Email kathyherwig@gmail.com to get involved.
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North Area Community Service Center January Programs
The North Area Community Service Center at 845 W Wilson has a variety of upcoming workshops and opportunities. These FREE programs are also listed on our community calendar.
- Nutrition Assistance: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday from 8am-4pm | Tuesday & Thursday from 9am-5pm
- Public Benefits Support: Tuesday & Thursday from 9am-5pm
- Mental Health Services: Wednesday, January 20 from 11am-12pm
- And much more: Call 312-744-2580 for more information about emergency rental assistance, Credit 101, and other programs
See the above schedule in PDF form here.
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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Sidewalk in Front of Timeline Theatre Reopens
Thank you to our neighbors for your patience as we worked with Timeline Theatre to reopen the sidewalk in front of their new space on Broadway. Construction on the space is now 75% complete and the sidewalk has reopened to pedestrians. Read more about Timeline Theatre and see recent designs here.
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Emanuel Congregation Design Meeting Hosted by Fern Hill
- When: Thursday, January 22 at 6pm
- Where: Emanuel Congregation (5959 N Sheridan) & Zoom
- Register online.
Emanuel Congregation will be hosting a design meeting for their members regarding updated development plans for 5959 N Sheridan. Representatives from the development consultant Fern Hill, project architect Eckenhoff Saunders, and traffic engineer KLOA will be available for a Q&A session prior to the conclusion of the meeting. The in-person meeting is open to congregation members. For transparency, members of the public are welcome to observe the meeting virtually via Zoom. A recording of the meeting will be made available upon request.
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Development Update: 1244 W Thorndale
The church building at 1244 W Thorndale, formerly housing the Chicago Friends School and currently CirquesExperience, will be converted by-right into 32 apartment units. Interior demolition is expected to begin this quarter. The developer will be completely preserving the entire exterior of the property. No buildings will be demolished.
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Adopt-A-Landmark Grant Awarded to Chicago-landmarked Epworth Church
Barakah Muslim Association of Chicago, owner of Epworth Church at 5253 N Kenmore, has been awarded a $235,000 Adopt-A-Landmark grant to assist them with roof repairs to the building. We are proud to support our historic buildings, including the beautiful Epworth Church that was landmarked in 2023.
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Leni’s statement on the federal government’s actions in Venezuela
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth recently shared a video with the following statement on 48th Ward social media accounts:
What happens in Washington doesn’t stay in Washington—it shows up in our neighborhoods. When power goes unchecked, democracy suffers. The Constitution is clear: military action requires congressional authorization. That safeguard exists to prevent reckless decisions that put lives at risk. When it’s ignored, the world becomes less safe.
And we feel the consequences locally. Venezuelan families in our city who fled violence and came here seeking asylum are increasingly being arrested or deported without due process. We can’t talk about security while punishing people for escaping danger. We need Congress to act—use its constitutional powers to hold the federal administration accountable and uphold the rule of law. Accountability, restraint, and humanity must guide our decisions—here at home and abroad.
Watch the full video online here.
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CPD Will Now Provide In-person ASL and Tactile Interpretation
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) will now provide in-person American Sign Language (ASL) and tactile interpreters upon request for members of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing communities. This essential service is provided through a partnership with the Chicago Hearing Society (CHS). Read the full press release on our blog.
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MPox Prevention
In 2026, CDPH will continue to track mpox, support community partners and providers, and offer vaccination opportunities citywide. Vaccination remains the most effective tool to reduce mpox risk and protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Chicagoans who may be at risk are encouraged to complete the two-dose mpox vaccine series. Visit chicago.gov/mpox for up-to-date information on symptoms, testing, vaccination locations, and local data.
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Chicago Department of Public Health Statement on CDC Website Changes
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is aware of recent changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website that include misleading and scientifically unsupported suggestions of a link between vaccines and autism. CDPH strongly reaffirms that:
- There is no credible scientific evidence linking vaccines to autism. This has been confirmed by numerous rigorous studies conducted over decades.
- Spreading misinformation about vaccine safety undermines public trust and can lead to lower vaccination rates, putting individuals and communities at risk. It is also critical to support individuals living with autism and their families, instead of perpetuating harmful stigmas.
- Vaccines are safe, effective, and essential tools in preventing serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.
Chicagoans should continue to rely on trusted health professionals—including pediatricians, primary care providers, and nurse practitioners—for accurate, evidence-based information about vaccines and other health matters. For more information on vaccines and how immunizations save lives, visit the CDPH website.
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2025-2026 Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP)
The Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP) provides direct assistance to owner-occupied properties in the City of Chicago, helping homeowners repair or replace their furnace or boiler heating systems. Qualified contractors perform the work at no cost to the homeowner with funding provided through the Department of Housing (DOH). The assistance is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more online.
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Leni Signs Letter Calling Congress to Halt/Reverse Nuclear Arms Race
Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth recently signed onto an open letter to members of Congress in support of H. Res. 317 and S. Res. 323 urging the United States to lead the world back from the brink of nuclear war and halt and reverse the nuclear arms race. Read more on our blog.
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Avoid the Fee - GetYour REAL ID
Beginning February 1, TSA will charge a $45 for travelers without a REAL ID. To learn how to get your REAL ID, visit realid.ilsos.gov. Note that a passport and various other forms of official ID will still be accepted in place of a REAL ID. See the full list of accepted documents here.
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Avoid Holiday Phishing Text Scams
The Secretary of State's office wants to remind everyone to stay vigilant and avoid text scams. As we enter the new year, reports of phishing claiming that recipients owe money for traffic tickets, tolls, and other fines remain persistent. The Secretary of State's office does not send texts related to driver's license status, vehicle registration issues, or enforcement actions. You can report fraud attempts online 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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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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Leni and Conor joined neighbors at Hollywood House for a fun holiday party and meal. Thank you to all the Hollywood House neighbors and staff for the hospitality! We had great conversations about pedestrian safety, public parks, transit, and more! Shout out to Hortense Banks Wright for the invitation! Hortense is a Hollywood House resident, member of Edgewater Village, editor of the Hollywood House digest, and one of the event organizers. Gabby from Senator Mike Simmons’ office joined in on the fun! To invite the Alderwoman to your next event, use this form.
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Between city budget meetings, Leni took some time to connect with loved ones over the holidays including a few days in South Carolina to visit her brother with her husband Mike and her son Joe. Leni met her youngest grand-nephew in South Carolina for the first time! Her grand-nephews Silas and Odin are 2 and 11 years old.
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The 48th Ward Shovel Squad was out over the holidays to keep sidewalks safe and clear for our community! Click here to join the Shovel Squad or request support.
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