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48th WARD NEWS: AUGUST 20, 2026
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SUPPORT FOR UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS
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Dear Neighbors,
In recent years, we have seen more of our neighbors living in tents along the lakefront than at any other time in recent memory. This cannot become our new normal. Our office is committed to an approach that supports our unhoused neighbors while ensuring our parks, beaches, and other public spaces remain safe, welcoming, and accessible for everyone.
Over the last three years, our team alongside DFSS and providers, has helped nearly 200 neighbors transition from lakefront encampments into stable housing by coordinating with the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), outreach providers, and All Chicago. All Chicago manages the Coordinated Entry System (CES), the region's centralized process for connecting people experiencing homelessness to housing resources. Through regular outreach, individuals are assessed and entered into CES, where they are prioritized for available housing based on their level of need and vulnerability. Our office ensures resources are allocated to our lakefront to decrease the number of tents in public parks, house those in need, and ensure the correct sanitary operations are targeting the areas that need it most.
We continue to coordinate outreach, advocate for housing placements, monitor encampment conditions, and work with City partners on scheduled cleanups and park maintenance. This work is ongoing, and we remain committed to helping people move indoors while ensuring our parks and lakefront remain accessible to all who enjoy them.
Visit our blog to learn more about how we're supporting neighbors experiencing homelessness and how you can help.
In Community,
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Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
48th Ward Alderwoman
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Call to Landlords: Partner with All Chicago to Fill Empty Units
All Chicago is a nonprofit organization that partners with local, state, and federal agencies to accomplish our shared goal of ending homelessness. They offer targeted emergency funds to fill gaps and work with community partners across the city that help diverse populations. Landlords in the area are encouraged to register with All Chicago to help us increase the rapid rehousing supply on the city's north side, which is currently lacking in available units for vulnerable populations.
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What Happens When I Tell Your Office About a Tent/Encampment?
Thank you to all of the neighbors who reach out to our office to report neighbors in need of services and unsafe activity in the parks. When you report a tent or neighbor in need of assistance to our office, we share the information with the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) and the Chicago Park District. From there, DFSS works to get our neighbors to help and resources they need including shelter while the Park District works on enforcement. The Park District evaluates reports of tents and related unsafe behavior on a case by case basis according to their policy which you can review here. Read more on our blog.
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SNAP & Food Security Resource Guide
Since late 2025, the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has undergone multiple changes affecting eligibility and enrollment requirements. Visit our SNAP & Food Security Resource Guide here to learn more about how to get covered and stay covered, how to access food if you need it, and how to support our most at-risk neighbors via donations and volunteer outreach.
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Data Center Moratorium
Chicago is currently home to approximately 39 data centers, most of which were built under regulatory frameworks that did not adequately address the scale, energy intensity, and resource demands of today’s facilities. To protect our air, water, and health of Chicago residents, Ald. Manaa-Hoppenworth has joined her colleagues in calling for a moratorium on new data centers until a comprehensive effort to expand data center regulations can be completed.
Leni is proud to co-sponsor O2026-0027165 to ensure that data centers are required to report their water and energy usage to the Department of Environment, the first critical step toward better regulating their impacts on our environment and energy use. The Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy recently hosted a subject matter hearing on the Department of Environment's Sustainable Data Centers report. City Council and the relevant city agencies are reviewing the recommendations in the report in order to proactively plan for this rapidly growing industry.
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CPD Superintendent Search Community Listening Sessions
- When: Wednesday, September 2 at 6:30pm (and other select dates)
- Where: DePaul College Prep (3300 N Campbell)
- 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 a 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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Uptown Action Trash Pickup
- When: Saturday, August 29 at 10am
- Where: Multiple Uptown Locations
- Register online.
Register to attend one of Uptown Action's eight trash pickup groups! Groups meet at 10am. Grabbers, gloves, and bags are provided. After cleanup all the groups will come together at Clarendon Park Plaza for a coffee social! Visit Uptown Action's website to learn more about monthly cleanups.
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MWRD 2026–2030 Strategic Plan
Thank you to everyone who shared feedback on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) draft strategic plan. Updates to the plan have been made based on the public comments received. You can view the latest version here. The MWRD Board of Commissioners will host a Study Session to discuss the final draft at 2pm on Wednesday, August 26.
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Project Sidewalk Workshop - Recap
Thanks to everyone who joined us for our Project Sidewalk Workshop on August 16! In our 2026 Participatory Budgeting cycle, neighbors voted to allocate 100k to sidewalk repairs identified at this workshop hosted in partnership with Access Living.
Project Sidewalk is a digital mapping tool where anyone and everyone can explore their neighborhood virtually while labeling broken/missing pedestrian infrastructure. Wanna check it out? Get started here. Stay tuned for future workshops!
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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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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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48th Ward Back to School Bash
- When: Friday, August 21 from 5-7pm
- Where: Margate Park (4921 N Marine)
- No RSVP required
Pick up a free backpack at our back to school celebration at Margate Park featuring music and fun for the whole family! Supplies are limited, so backpacks will be provided on a first-come-first-served basis to children accompanied by an adult.
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Back to School Field Day
- When: Saturday, August 22 from 1-4pm
- Where: Hayt Elementary Blacktop (1518 W Granville)
- No RSVP required
Join us before school starts back up for field day games, a craft table, and last-minute school supplies! This event also marks School Patrol coming back for the fall—come celebrate with us and meet the folks helping keep our kids safe on their way to school! All families are welcome. No RSVP needed, just come out and join us! Hosted by Protect Rogers Park, Rogers Park School Patrols, West Ridge Community Alliance + School Patrols, and Mobile Front Porch.
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SAVE THE DATE: Mobile DMV
- When: Friday, September 4 from 10am-2pm
- Where: Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway)
- Sign Up for a timeslot here.
Save the date for our upcoming Mobile DMV! Mobile DMV is an event series that allows you to access DMV services right here in the ward! Representatives will be available on site to assist with drivers licenses, state ID cards, vehicle registration, license plate stickers, and more. Register at the link above and visit ILSOS.gov to review required documents.
Please note that a previous announcement listed the event date as September 9. The new date for this event is Friday, September 4.
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Movies at Buttercup Park: Shrek
- When: Saturday, August 22 at 7:30pm
- Where: Buttercup Park (4913 N Sheridan)
- No RSVP required.
Grab a blanket, pack some snacks, and join your neighbors for a favorite film under the stars! It's the easiest, feel-good, summer night out. No tickets, no fuss, just great movies and great company on the lawn! For a list of other summer park events and movie nights, see our blog.
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See You at the Argyle Night Market!
There are still TWO Argyle Night Markets left in the 2026 season: August 20 (Tonight) and August 27. Come together with neighbors on Argyle between Kenmore and Sheridan from 5-9pm for good food, live music, and a diverse array of street vendors! The 48th Ward Team will be there tabling on the 27th at the final market so be sure to stop by to say hello and access services.
Started in 2013 by Uptown United, the Argyle Night Market is an annual event that draws an average of 5,000 visitors each week and continues to grow in popularity. Part market, part street festival, this vibrant and award-winning event is located on Argyle, the city's first shared street. Read more here.
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Edgewater Monday Market
- When: Monday, August 24 from 3-7pm
- Where: Broadway & Thorndale
- Learn more online.
It's been a great season so far for the Edgewater Monday Market, and there's still plenty of time to visit this summer! 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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Carmen Winona Block Club Survey
Did you know the area bounded by Foter, Sheridan, Argyle, and Marine has a block club? Though it's been dormant for a few years since COVID, your neighbors are reviving it and they need YOUR help! If you live in or near the block club area, share your ideas and priorities for the neighborhood via this survey. Visit the block club map on our website to find and join other block clubs in the 48th Ward.
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CAC Teen Ambassadors Applications Are Open!
The Chicago Architecture Center's 2026 Teen Ambassadors Program is now accepting applications from students in grades 10-12. This multi-week, paid program invites teens to explore Chicago architecture through place-based research and hands-on community engagement. Participants will visit historic buildings and culturally significant sites throughout Bronzeville or Uptown, then apply what they've learned by serving as on-site ambassadors during Open House Chicago, one of the city's largest architecture and cultural festivals. Priority applications are due August 21, 2026. Applications received after that date will be placed on the waitlist. Learn more and apply here.
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Friends of Bezazian Book Drive
Now through September 19 we're collecting books, CDs, and DVDs for the Bezazian book sale! Drop off items at 1129 W Bryn Mawr any time we're open or by the Bezazian Library front desk (1226 W Ainslie) Please note that vinyls, VHS tapes, cassettes, textbooks, and magazines will not be accepted. Learn more online here.
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Senn Pedestrian Safety Construction Update
The pedestrian safety improvements near Senn High School are moving forward on-schedule with all intersections expected to re-open before the first day of school on Monday, August 24! Crews are paving the street around the intersections with asphalt paving to follow. Pavement markings and sign installation will come after the re-opening of the intersections. Read more about this project on our blog.
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Broadway Refuge Islands Update
Construction of the Broadway/Rosedale refuge island is nearly complete with striping expected to happen early next week, weather permitting. The contractor is still waiting for the paving schedule for the refuge island at Broadway/Hood.
The refuge island at Broadway/Norwood is being postponed to fall. We have received verbal authorization from IDOT for the permit to begin construction; the contractor is in the process of scheduling the work for Fall 2026. After construction is complete, Broadway will remain two lanes in each direction.Read more about the Broadway Refuge Islands here.
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New Benches and Paint on Clark
Over the last three years, we have increased City Services 20% in the 48th Ward. That includes taking care of the small things that increase the quality of life here in our community. Check out this brand new bench (Clark and Catalpa) and newly repainted curb (Clark and Gregory) and visit our blog to see before and after pictures of repaired bollards, filled potholes, reconstructed curbs and crosswalks, and more!
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CTA Construction Activity Notices
Please review the following construction notices from the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). To sign up for alerts near you, click here. Much of the work listed below is part of the CTA Under L activation project to open up community spaces under our new Red Line tracks! Read more about this project here.
ALLEY CLOSURES
Alley east of 5239-5255 N Broadway
- Friday, August 7 - Monday, August 31
- Work Activity: Underground Utility Work + Alley Reconstruction
West side of the tracks from Argyle - Winona
- Friday, August 21 - Monday, September 14
- Work Activity: Underground Utility Work + Curb Installation
ALLEY IMPACTS
East side of the tracks from Berwyn - Balmoral
- Monday, July 13 - Friday, August 21
- Work Activity: Curb Installation
West side of the tracks from Foster - Berwyn
- Monday, July 20 - Friday, August 21
- Work Activity: Curb Installation
West side of the tracks from Balmoral - Catalpa
- Monday, August 10 - Friday, August 21
- Work Activity: Overhead Utility Work
West side of the tracks from Hollywood - Ardmore
- Monday, August 10 - Friday, August 21
- Work Activity: Overhead Utility Work
West side of the tracks from Ainslie - Argyle
- Tuesday, June 7 - Monday, August 24
- Work Activity: Curb Installation
West side of the tracks from Winona - Foster
- Tuesday, July 7 - Monday, August 24
- Work Activity: Curb Installation
West side of the tracks from Bryn Mawr - Hollywood
- Monday, August 10 - Monday, August 31
- Work Activity: Overhead Utility Work + Fence Installation
East side of the tracks from Catalpa - Bryn Mawr
- Monday, August 17 - Friday, September 4
- Work Acitivity: Curb Installation and Utility Work
East side of the tracks from Foster - Berwyn
- Thursday, August 6 - Monday, September 7
- Work Activity: Curb Installation
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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Zoning Change Decision: 4940-42 N Sheridan
Based on community feedback, Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth has approved a requested zoning change from B3-2 to B2-3 at 4940-42 N Sheridan to allow for the conversion of long-vacant, ground-floor commercial space into 6 rental apartment units and 8 bike parking spaces.
Our 48th Ward Zoning Advisory Council reviewed this proposal, and the proposal received letters of support from the Ainslie Winmore Block Club, the Buttercup Park Advisory Council, and Uptown United. Thank you to neighbors for engaging in our zoning change request community process! Read more about this zoning change on our blog.
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Chicago Park District Participatory Budgeting - Last Chance!
Voting closes soon for the Chicago Park District's 2026 participatory budgeting process! Earlier this year, the Park District called on neighbors from across the city to submit ideas for improvements. Community members submitted over 1,000 ideas. Now it's time to vote on what category should be funded! Learn more and vote online here by August 27.
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Photo by Steve Hall, courtesy of Studio Gang
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Bird-Friendly Design Ordinance
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth is a proud co-sponsor of the Bird-Friendly Design Ordinance. If passed, the ordinance would mandate bird-friendly treatments on all reflective surfaces within the first 100 feet of all new construction in Chicago. The ordinance mirrors legislation in other major cities that has already been codified, including New York, Toronto, and San Francisco. The Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy worked with a broad coalition of architects, urban planners, birders, and others to develop the ordinance. The coalition was formed after Chairwoman Hadden held a subject matter hearing on bird-friendly design in the Committee on Environment last July. The ordinance is currently with the Committee on Zoning. Read the full ordinance here.
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Workforce Solutions Program
The Workforce Solutions Program helps eligible Chicago businesses train and upskill their workforce through trainings for current employees and new hires. Click here to learn more about the program and start your application.
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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 everyone who joined us for the First Ever Nepali Street Festival, brought to you by Nepalese Aid! We were so proud to help bring this one-of-a-kind celebration of Nepali culture, community, music, food to Bryn Mawr in the heart of the 48th Ward. We look forward to the many years ahead!
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Do you love your neighborhood, but wonder if Chicago has room for your family to grow? Thousands of families in Chicago feel the same pull: stay in the walkable neighborhoods they love, or move to the suburbs for the space their family needs. Over the weekend, Chicago Growth Project hosted a panel discussion featuring Ald. Manaa-Hoppenworth on removing the barriers that make family-friendly housing hard to build in Chicago, allowing families to stay in the city for the long haul.
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With summer winding down we're squeezing in as many block parties as possible! This weekend we were on Victoria playing yard games (including a balloon toss!) and chatting with neighbors at Ainslie/Winmore. Click here to invite Leni to your block party or another event. Want to get involved with your local block club? See our map here.
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Thanks to our neighbors at Hollywood House for having us at their summer luau! Leni had a blast chatting with neighbors, looking at photos, and enjoying yummy food!
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Comms on Vacation
Our Communications Manager Audrey is on vacation next week. The next 48th Ward Newsletter will be published the week of Monday, August 31.
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