Hi neighbors,

Yesterday, City Council approved my ordinance that ensures everyone has a right to use home pick-up composting services, whether you rent an apartment or own a condo. Chicago has one of the worst recycling rates in the U.S., but when we make composting easier, we get fewer greenhouse gas emissions, less waste in city landfills, and more green jobs. 

I’m also happy to report that we’re one step closer to reforming our broken move-in fee and security deposit system. It’s hard enough to find an affordable place to live. We need to rein in runaway move-in fees, fix the security deposit system, and make it easier for working families to find and keep a home in Chicago. Following months of procedural delays, City Council unanimously advanced my common-sense proposal to the Housing Committee. Now, we can finally workshop the legislation in committee. 

Thank you to all of the neighbors who joined me for our monthly Ward Night this past Wednesday! Conversations ranged from affordable housing for seniors and opportunities to create new public art, to ongoing efforts to find housing for individuals in our community who are struggling with homelessness. Relatedly, my office is hosting a town hall on Wednesday, October 8th to discuss homelessness, mental health, and how we can address these challenges together.

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of visiting some of our terrific local businesses along Damen Ave. I spoke with the owners at Budacki’s Drive In (a neighborhood classic with a great hot dog meal combo), Turin Bicycle (fast and friendly service, from tune ups to new bikes), and Rock N Roll Vintage & Synth City (a 20-year institution that’s a go-to-spot to try out a guitar). Make sure to stop by and check them out!

A true highlight of my week was visiting with nearly a dozen German exchange students at Lake View High School to hear about their two-week stay in Chicago. Next, Lake View students will get a chance to visit Hamburg in the spring. I also met with new leaders at St. Ben’s, St. Andrews, and the German International School of Chicago to discuss opportunities for collaboration in the coming months.

I hope you all have a restful weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, consider swinging by the DANK Haus’s Oktoberfest celebration tomorrow (Saturday) between 6:30 and 11:30pm. And on Sunday between 10am and 4pm, visit the North Center Town Square for the annual Sustainability Market, which will include drop offs for various used items, a Halloween costume swap, decisions food, and live music.

Yours in service,

Alderman Matt Martin

Survey: Future of Lincoln & Berenice Parking Lot

Our office is exploring how to activate this space in new and exciting ways.

The City-owned parking lot at Lincoln and Berenice has long been underused. In recent years, however, the lot has informally hosted many creative activities including free play for nearby daycares, teaching kids to bike, and outdoor workouts.

Representative Ann Williams already secured some funding to transform the space, and we're working to secure even more. Now, we need your ideas! Tell us what you want to see in this North Center space.

Take the Survey

Town Hall: Homelessness & Mental Health

Wednesday, October 8th

Join us for a town hall to learn about City resources for homeless residents and the City's mental health crisis response team.

The City recently created a highly successful rapid rehousing program to reduce homelessness, but it lacks funding to build-to-scale. And funding is about to expire for the City's mental health crisis response team operating in the 47th Ward.

Hear directly from City leaders about these programs, find out how you can request City resources for assistance, and tell us how the 2026 City budget can include necessary investments.

RSVP

Midnight Circus

September 26th-28th

Midnight Circus is back in Welles Park. Midnight Circus brings an intimate, exciting, world-class circus to the heart of our community. A portion of proceeds go back to the community. Since 2007, they've donated $2M to Chicago Park Advisory Councils to use the funds for playground renovations, park beautification, and more.

• Tickets
• Volunteer

Lincoln Square State of the Neighborhood

Tuesday, September 30th

Join the Heart of Lincoln Square Neighborhood Association for their annual State of the Neighborhood Meeting. You'll hear from local leaders, elected officials, and your neighbors on updates from the neighborhood and City Hall.

Learn more

Apple Fest

October 4th-5th

Usher in the Fall with the 38th Annual Apple Fest! Apple Fest is a long standing tradition in Lincoln Square, bringing community together to celebrate the beginning of autumn. Shop the farm vendors, try apple inspired treats from your favorite local businesses, or stop by the kid zone!

Learn more

Volunteer at Nourishing Hope

Join Alderman Martin for a special 47th Ward volunteer day at Nourishing Hope.

Sort through donations of food and non-food items arriving at the warehouse. Help keep the warehouse clean and organized.

Volunteers need to be able to stand for the majority of the shift and occasionally lift 15 lbs. Closed-toed shoes are required. Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing - something that can get a little messy.

When you sign up, please use the Group Code 3187.

• First Time Volunteers
• Returning Volunteers

Tree Trims: Where is Forestry Working Now?

It's tree trimming season! Forestry is trimming trees block-by-block in the 47th Ward. Right now, they're working on:

• 1600 and 1700 Blocks of W Waveland Ave
• 1900 Block of W Bradley Pl

Our office cannot accept specific tree trim requests, nor can we give an estimated timeline for a specific trim.

As the result of an independent audit, Forestry now systematically trims trees block-by-block, which improved efficiency by 118%. As weather allows, Forestry will continue to make progress on tree trims until November.

History of Land Surveying & Map Making in Chicago

Wednesday, October 8th

Join the Ravenswood Lakeview Historical Society for a presentation on land surveying and map making in Chicago. Learn a brief history of how and why land in the US was originally divided and sold, and the need to raise money after the Revolutionary War and Thomas Jefferson's idea to divide land into squares. Hear about rebuilding after the Chicago Fire.

Learn more

Save the Date: Health and Wellness Fair

Saturday, October 25th

Our office will host its annual Health and Wellness Fair on the afternoon of Saturday, October 25th from 10 AM to 2 PM. We'll circulate a sign up link for flu and covid-19 vaccines in the coming weeks. Please bring your insurance card to this event.

Previously, the Chicago Department of Public Health provided free vaccines regardless of insurance status. Due to federal funding cuts, they're partnering with Jewel-Osco to host this event, and will require insurance. If you're uninsured or underinsured, please reach out to us directly, so we can help you find an alternative option.

Right to Compost Passed

This week, the City Council's Environment Committee advanced Alderman Martin's "Right to Compost" ordinance.

Until the city provides robust public composting options, everyone deserves a right to access home pick-up services, whether you rent an apartment or own a condo.

This ordinance makes sure everyone can choose composting in their own building.

More from WTTW

Reduce Waste Sustainability Fair

Sunday, September 28th

This fall, Reduce Waste Chicago is hosting our marquee community event - The Sustainability Market, a gathering designed to inspire, educate, and activate Chicagoans around sustainability and waste reduction. Attendees will enjoy local vendors, sustainable businesses, advocacy organizations and interactive activities for all ages.

Learn more

Survey: Chicago's Electric Vehicle Framework

The Chicago Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on their plan for electric vehicle charging stations and e-mobility devices like scooters and e-bikes. Take their brief survey to shape the City's plans.

Take the Survey

Approved: 2114 W Montrose

Ald. Martin has decided to support the zoning change request from RS-3 to B2-1.5 for 2114 W Montrose, which will allow a commercial tenant to apply for a business license in an existing ground-floor commercial unit. This historic commercial space has been vacant for over 18 months, which means it can no longer be used by commercial tenants under the current residential zoning. 

This proposal is supported by the Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association, the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce.

Approved: 1801 W Byron

Ald. Martin has decided to support the zoning change request for Black Bear Academy to add a 1st and 2nd grade school program for 10 neurodivergent children to their existing programming. Black Bear does not plan to expand beyond this 1st and 2nd grade school program at this location. This zoning change will also allow new commercial tenants to rent space in the building with an Administrative Adjustment. 

This proposal is supported by the North Center Neighbors Association and Northcenter Chamber of Commerce.

The Spirits of Ravenswood Tasting

Friday, October 17th

The Spirits of Ravenswood features tasting portions of local, craft beverages, and food from the talented catering staff at the Ravenswood Event Center. Proceeds from the event benefit the Food Pantryand Community Kitchen at Ravenswood Community Services. The event is 21+.

Learn more

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Light Up the Lakefront

Wednesday, October 1st

To mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Between Friends will gather at Ohio Street Beach to light candles in a striking visual tribute to all those affected by domestic violence.

This is a free event, and no tickets are necessary. Spanish and ASL translation will be provided for all speakers.

Learn more

Upcoming Public Safety Meetings

• Beat 2031, September 30th
• Find your beat

Public Safety Data



• Inspector General Public Safety Data
• Chicago Violence Reduction Dashboard
• Civilian Office of Police Accountability Data

Construction Updates

Find more information about ongoing projects on our website, including the Damen street resurfacing, the Clark Street pedestrian and bike safety project, water main projects, and work near the Western Brown Line.

Ashland Resurfacing

Work is underway on the first segment of the resurfacing of Ashland Ave, between School St and Montrose Ave, and on the second segment between Foster and Ridge.

Between School and Montrose, crews are wrapping up curb and sidewalk replacements on the east side of Ashland, and have started the same work on the west side of the street. Between Foster and Ridge, CDOT began milling the street on Monday. This overlapping work helps ensure that they will complete all paving work this year.

Learn more

Western Brown Line Area Construction

Crews finished pouring the concrete base on the parking lot. The concrete needs to cure for another week, before they can start installing brick pavers on it during the week of 10/6. Before then, crews will start installing pavers on Lincoln and on Leland, with the goal of filling as many gaps as possible before Apple Fest (which takes place next weekend 10/3-5).

Throughout the week and into today, crews laid fresh asphalt on Lincoln and Leland, as well as under the tracks. On Western, crews have poured curbs, the street base, and a bus bulb. They have one more week of installing electric wiring and light pole foundations before they can finally rebuild the sidewalks. When this work is complete, they will start building a refuge island and traffic diverter in the middle of Western Ave.

Learn more

This Week/end

• Midnight Circus, September 26-28, Learn more
• CircEsteem Annual Gala, September 26th, Learn more
• Greater Rockwell Neighbors Plant Swap, September 27th, Learn more
• Family Day at the Market, September 27th, Learn more
• Promise Walk for Preeclampsia, September 27th, Learn more
• Super (Pet) Adoption Event, September 27th, Learn more
• Amundsen Athletics Golf Outing, September 28th, Learn more
• Pottery Painting with a Live Sloth, September 28th, Learn more
• Heart of Lincoln Square State of the Neighborhood, September 30th, Learn more

Later in October

• Oktoberfestiversary, October 11-12th, Learn more
• Lincoln Brunch Fest, October 11th, Learn more
• Cornelia Arts Building Open Studios, October 17th, Learn more
• Lincoln/Roscoe Beer Stroll, October 18th, Learn more
• Rogers Park Montessori Fall Fest, October 19th, Learn more

Community Job Boards

Looking to work locally? Many of our local chambers of commerce offer job boards to help highlight openings at local businesses. Find more information at the following links:

• Andersonville
• Lakeview/Roscoe Village
• Lincoln Square/Ravenswood
• Northcenter
• Greater Ravenswood