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Hi neighbors,
Earlier this week, the City Council approved my proposal to prevent violent extremists who try to overthrow the government from collecting a paycheck from the Police Department. Going forward, the City will formally screen extremist behavior during the hiring process, and will investigate extremism allegations in a more transparent and accountable manner. This legislation is particularly timely given the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to roll back progress on combatting anti-government extremism – pardoning January 6th rioters, ending directives to root out extremism in the military, and setting up a $1.8 billion fund to pay people investigated by the US Department of Justice for extremist ties.
In recent years, it’s become increasingly and prohibitively expensive to run a small business in Chicago – particularly due to rising commercial rents, uncertainty around tariffs, and changing consumer habits. That’s why I’m glad the City Council passed my proposal to cut red tape for locally owned breweries and distilleries, which can now host small, indoor ticketed events without jumping through excessive bureaucratic hoops.
It’s also why I introduced legislation at Wednesday’s City Council meeting that directs the City’s Business Affairs Department to create a one-stop shop portal where small businesses can apply for licenses and permits, request inspections, and coordinate directly with City departments. The State of Pennsylvania recently created a similar portal, which helped the State cut the timeline to receive an initial corporate license from 8 weeks to 2 days. Chicago should follow their lead.
The Lincoln Park Zoo partners with high schools across Chicago on a year-long research program, Partners in Fieldwork, to collect and analyze data about local wildlife. I had the pleasure of attending their year-end celebration, where I was blown away by presentations from Lake View and Lane Tech students. One of the many standout projects concerned the relationship between noise levels and bat populations.
Thank you to the dozens of neighbors who joined us for our Ukulele Night yesterday evening! My gratitude to the Old Town School of Folk Music for hosting us, and to Jacob for teaching yours truly how to strum several show-stopping chords. We’re so fortunate to have local gems like Old Town where neighbors can come together to learn and hear music.
I hope you all have a relaxing Memorial Day weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, consider swinging by the annual Mayfestiversary party at Dovetail and Begyle Breweries tomorrow (Saturday) through Sunday. As always, proceeds from the event will go to support the Friendship Center – a Lincoln Square-based food pantry that supports neighbors across Chicago’s north side.
Yours in service,
Ald Matt Martin
| | Office Closed. Our ward service office will be closed Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day. You can call 3-1-1 or email info@aldermanmartin.com to submit a service request. | | | | |
Passed: Tackling Violent Extremism
Chicago will improve screening for violent extremists in the police department and strengthen independent investigations after the City Council passed Alderman Martin's ordinance this week.
Alderman Martin's proposal addressed concerns raised by the Inspector General's office about the city's quality of investigations after some police officers appeared on lists associated with the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers.
The ordinance was carefully workshopped for over a year, and earned support from a broad array of organizations, including the Chicago Police Department and police reform advocates in the GAPA coalition.
Learn more
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Shop the Sustainable Market at EcoFest
Saturday, May 30th
At EcoFest, you can shop the sustainable market to discover local businesses and makers who make eco-conscious goods.
Among others, you can learn more about The Eco Flamingo, Chicago's zero waste store, and Lena Rose Beauty, which sells eco-friendly beauty supplies. Plus tons of artists, makers, and creatives.
You need to stop by to check them all out!
Learn more
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Mayfestiversary
May 23rd - May 24th
Mayfestiversary returns this weekend! Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery are hosting their annual spring party to welcome back Chicago's best season and the 10th anniversary of Dovetail Brewery.
The festival benefits the Friendship Center which provides meals and groceries for neighbors in-need. Since 2018, the gate donations have provided 3.3 million meals.
Learn more
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North Center Yard Sale
May 30th - May 31st
Searching for hidden treasures? Mark your calendar for the North Center Yard Sale. The official map of sales will be released on May 28th. And if you live in North Center, there's still time to register before the end of day Friday, May 22nd.
Learn more
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Porchfest Lakeview
Sunday, May 31st
Porchfest is a music festival that takes place on front porches. With neighbors hosting the concerts and local musicians performing, it captures the essence of the Lakeview community. Make sure to register to get the map of performances.
Learn more
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Honoring Memorial Day
The Memorial Day Parade at Rosehill Cemetery will begin promptly at 10:00 AM. Following the ceremony, Rosehill Cemetery will provide hot dogs, chips, and soda. Donations recommended but not required!
After the parade, the Tattler Post will host a Memorial Day BBQ. Doors will open at 12:30 PM with food being served at 2:30 PM.
Learn more
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Apply: Mayor's Youth Commission
Apply by June 19th
The Mayor's Youth Commission is a group of Chicagoans between the ages of 14 and 19 that serve as a liaison between the Chicago Mayor's Office and Chicago's youth. The Commission meets monthly to foster youth-driven civic engagement and amplify youth voices to impact the City's critical policy conversations. This is a paid opportunity.
Learn more
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Pet Food Pantry Expands at Friendship Center
The Friendship Center has announced a new initiative to expand its popular Pet Food Pantry, growing it from a once-per-month service into a daily offering for area pet owners. Beginning June 1st, The Friendship Center will incorporate pet food and supplies into a regular pantry visit, eliminating the standalone once-a-month pet food distribution and increasing access for all.
Learn more
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The Great Bake Walk
Sunday, June 7th
This summer, treat your taste buds to something special and stroll through Lincoln Square for a one-of-a-kind morning adventure: The Great Bake Walk! This event invites you to explore our vibrant neighborhood while sampling delicious baked goods from a variety of local bakeries—served up inside our small business storefronts.
Learn more
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Open Soon: Ravenswood Farmers Market
Wednesday, June 3rd
Don't forget the Ravenswood Farmers Market opening day is approaching. There will be a big focus on ready to eat food this year! Come out, eat on site, relax and enjoy some live music. Got kids? Let them play in the Bouncy House.
Learn more
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Free Seeds & Gardening Tips
Saturday, May 30th
If you're ready to get gardening this summer, you won't want to miss EcoFest. Tons of amazing organizations are giving away free seeds, plants, and gardening tips.
Here's some of what you can expect:
- Free Sunflower Plants
- Seed Ball Making Station
- Build a Mini Parkway Garden
- Live Bees & Honey Tasting
- Lettuce in a Bag
- and much more!
Learn more
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50+ Recyclable Items Added at EcoFest!
Saturday, May 30th
Habitat for Humanity released a list of 50+ new items that you can recycle at EcoFest. Some of the items include: seasonal decorations, lamps, landscaping material, rugs, small kitchen appliances, and more. Make sure to get all of your donations ready! And check our full list of recyclable items.
Learn more
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Green Council Meeting: Urban Flooding & Drinking Water
Thursday, June 18th
Curious about where your clean drinking water comes from, or maybe why your street floods during heavy rain? Join us at Sulzer Library on June 18th at 6pm to learn more about Chicago's water infrastructure and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. In partnership with MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis' office, come learn the basic ins-and-outs of storm and waste water management here in Chicago.
Learn more
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Western Brown Line Construction
The Western Plaza is open! This week CDOT performed a walkthrough to identify all of the final touch ups required for project completion including the removal of construction equipment like cones, barrels, and tape. The Divvy rack will be relocated closer to the plaza and bike lanes after Maifest.
The CTA Western Brown Line modernization work continues as scheduled. To install new flooring, the station will be closed from June 12th at 10pm to June 15th at 4am. We will share more information regarding the station closure as we receive it from the CTA.
Sign up for Updates
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Ashland Resurfacing
This week, CDOT completed sewer work along Ashland and concrete work including curbs and gutters, sidewalks, and ADA ramps on the west side of the street. Work on the sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and ADA ramps on the east side of Ashland from Montrose to Lawrence will begin next week, and take roughly two weeks to complete weather-permitting. Since sidewalk access will be limited during this period, pedestrians are encouraged to use the west side of Ashland.
CDOT has advised that milling to prepare the street for repaving may start ahead of schedule towards the end of next week. Milling will be staggered, beginning at Foster and progressing south. In advance of milling, neighbors should expect No Parking signs on Ashland between Foster and Lawrence. Parking will be restricted on weekdays during work hours (6am to 4:30pm).
Sign up for Updates
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This Year: Upcoming Projects
- Water Main Replacement near Leavitt and Lawrence
- People's Gas Projects on Greenview from Roscoe to Grace
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Future Weeks
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Lakeview Low Line Farmers Market, June 3rd, Learn more
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Ravenswood Farmers Market, June 3rd, Learn more
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Ravenswood Front Yard Free Cycle, June 6th, Learn more
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The Great Bake Walk, June 7th, Learn more
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Roscoe Village Kidical Mass, June 7th, Learn more
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Lincoln Square Yard Sale, June 7th, Learn more
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Midsommarfest, June 12th-13th, Learn more
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312RiverRun, June 13th, Learn more
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Southport Neighbors Plant Sale, June 13th, Learn more
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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:
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47th Ward Ald. Matt Martin
4243 N Lincoln Ave | 773-868-4747
Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
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