Hi neighbors,


Water management is one of the most important functions of government. On Monday, I participated on a panel at the UN Association Chicago to spotlight ongoing work to improve Chicago’s water infrastructure—including lead service line replacement, sustainability goals for new buildings like green roofs, trees and native plants in City parkways, and rainwater storage space beneath athletic fields and other large areas.


Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of meeting with a dozen local fourth graders from a Cub Scout Pack based in the St. Ben’s community. One of my favorite things about serving our community is talking with our youngest neighbors about what makes our Ward special. And this gathering was certainly no exception—the Scout’s questions and observations were terrific, ranging from street and sidewalk repairs, to Park District improvements, to how City Council shapes priorities around City service improvements and the funding for these services.


Staying on the topic of City budgets, I organized a trip to Springfield on Wednesday with several of my City Council colleagues and lobbied State legislators about Chicago’s finances. Chicago faces a $1 billion budget deficit next year, and continued State support will help close this deficit without relying excessively on service cuts and regressive taxes, fines, and fees. I’m grateful for the warm welcome we received from leaders in the Illinois House, Senate, and Governor’s Office, and will stay in contact with them through the remainder of their legislative session.


Our senior neighbors deserve high-quality affordable housing, and I’m committed not only to building more of it but also to preserving what already exists in our Ward. For decades, Chicago Methodist Senior Services has offered invaluable housing and supportive services to hundreds of elderly neighbors in our Ward’s Andersonville community. My team and I are working with CMSS leadership to get support from federal housing regulators to rehab senior housing in Andersonville, As several of their buildings are increasingly showing signs of wear and tear.


I hope you all have an enjoyable weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, consider participating in one of the dozens of activities that Friends of the River is hosting tomorrow (Saturday) to celebrate Chicago River Day. Between 12 and 3pm, Burning Bush Brewery is hosting a North Side After Party where volunteers who picked up trash earlier today can come together for a free beverage (exclusions may apply) and snacks.


Finally, Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms and mother figures across the 47th Ward!


Yours in service,

Ald Matt Martin

 

47th Ward News

Happening Soon: Street Resurfacing


Big news! The following local streets were selected to be resurfaced this year:


  • Berteau - Oakley To Bell
  • Campbell - Eastwood To Leland
  • Hermitage - Lawrence to Ainslie
  • Sunnyside - Western To Claremont
  • Sunnyside - Oakley To Claremont
  • Larchmont - Wolcott To Lincoln
  • Waveland - Ashland To Bosworth
  • Wolcott - Newport To Roscoe
  • Wolcott - Belle Plaine To Warner
  • Wolcott - Warner To Berteau


Every year, our staff survey the entire ward to identify the streets in the worst condition to receive funding. If a selected project is not completed this year, it will be first priority next year.


Learn more about street funding

EcoFest Craft Guide

Saturday, May 30th


Come craft with us at EcoFest! We’re teaming up with local artists who love turning scraps into something new.


  • DIY Magnets, RSVP
  • DIY Fairy House, RSVP
  • Make a Necklace
  • Origami Wallets
  • Build a Gavel
  • and more!


There are a few special workshops that require an RSVP, but most crafts are happening throughout the day.


Learn more
 

Upcoming Events

Andersonville Farmers Market

Wednesday, May 13th


The Andersonville Farmers Market re-opens next week, beginning on May 13th. It's open from 3 PM to 7 PM on Wednesdays and will continue at its temporary location at Winona and Clark this year. Don't miss your chance to support local food growers, pick up fresh produce, and buy unique goods.


Learn more

Ravenswood Elementary Bike Bus

Thursday, May 14th


Join the Ravenswood Elementary Bike Bus for their first ever ride! It’s a safe, supervised, and social way for kids to ride to school in a large group, making the commute an exciting part of the school day.


Learn more

Follow the Money Webinar

Tuesday, May 26th


Join Reform for Illinois, the League of Women Voters of Chicago, Citizen Action Illinois, & Alderman Matt Martin (47th Ward) for a virtual ‘Follow the Money’ training focused on tracking the campaign cash—and political influence—in Illinois state and local elections.


Learn more
 

Neighborhood Services

Survey: Ravenswood Development


The Ravenswood Neighbors Association is seeking your input to shape its Planning and Development Framework, which guides decisions on zoning changes, business licenses, and other important changes.


If you live in the bounds of Winnemac Ave & Montrose Ave and Ashland Ave & Damen Ave, please consider filling out this 5 minute survey.


Take the survey

Donate: Lake View High Students


Friends of Lake View High School are seeking donations for athletic gear, literature, arts supplies, and more. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, all donations are doubled this month.


Learn more

Volunteer: Become a Tutor


Tutoring Chicago provides free 1-to-1 academic and mentorship programs to local students, including at Clarendon Park in Uptown. They are seeking volunteers to become a tutor, mentor and role model. No experience or special skills are required. Simply the desire to support and positively impact a student! Anyone 16 and older can become a role model with Tutoring Chicago.


Learn more

Small Business

Mother's Day Gift Guide


Still looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift? Look no further. The Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce prepared a gift guide with tons of unique local options.


Learn more

Ravenswood Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, June 6th


The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the third annual Ravenswood Sidewalk Sale! Enjoy open air shopping, one-of-a-kind merchandise, and amazing specials along Montrose, Damen, Lawrence, and Ravenswood avenues. While you’re out exploring, enjoy an incredible brunch or delicious bite at one of the many fantastic restaurants in the neighborhood.


Learn more

Resources

Business



  • Chicago Airport Small Business Summit, May 12, Learn more
  • State of Uptown, May 14, Learn more
  • Chicago Sky Women's Small Business Cohort, Due May 15, Learn more


Workforce
 

Sustainability

Compost Awareness Week

Sunday, May 17th


This week is International Compost Awareness Week!


Did you know that through the City of Chicago’s Food Scrap Drop-Off program, you can get your household food scraps composted for free?


Thanks to a partnership with Chicago Public

Libraries, the program has recently expanded to a total of 33 drop-off locations.


Learn more

Repair Cafe

Saturday, May 9th


Repair Cafe will be at Sulzer Library this Saturday from 10 AM to 12 PM. In this program, volunteers can repair jewelry, sew clothes, and repair general stuff depending on the item. Volunteers are unable to repair watches nor properly hem garments.


Learn more

Volunteers Needed: EcoFest

Saturday, May 30th


We’re looking for volunteers to make EcoFest 2026 a success! Volunteers will assist with setup, takedown, vendor support, and more on Saturday, May 30 at Welles Park. Morning and afternoon shifts are available, and all volunteers will receive a hand-sewn EcoFest bag as a thank-you.


We also have free printed EcoFest flyers available at our ward office if you’d like to help spread the word. Stop by and pick some up anytime!


Volunteer

Safety

Meeting: Mental Health First Responders

Wednesday, May 13th


This month, the 19th District Council is moving conversation to action. They will train you to talk clearly and confidently about mental health crisis responders, explain why they matter, and advocate for their expansion in your own words.


Then, they'll hit the streets to engage with community, build support, and collect signatures for a community letter backing the expansion of CARE citywide and 24/7.


RSVP

Construction

Western Brown Line Construction


CDOT's work in the plaza is continuing as scheduled. This week CDOT installed irrigation systems, pavement markings, and additional site furnishings. Next week will see the final installments of shrubs, mulch, and decorative railings. CDOT is scheduled to take down the temporary fencing around the plaza at the end of next week! Final touch-ups will be made in the weeks after the temporary fencing is removed.


Sign up for Updates

Ashland Resurfacing


This week, CDOT finished work on the sewer structures between Lawrence and Foster. Over the next two weeks, weather permitting, CDOT will complete concrete work including curb and gutter, ADA ramp, and sidewalk replacements on the west side of Ashland between Montrose and Foster. Pedestrian access may be limited where sidewalks are replaced, so neighbors are encouraged to use the sidewalk on the east side of Ashland whenever possible until these improvements have been completed. Sewer work at the intersections of Wilson and Sunnyside is expected to begin in two weeks. The sewer work will involve minor parking restrictions and the temporary closure of Sunnyside just east of Ashland.


Sign up for Updates

This Year: Upcoming Projects


  • Water Main Replacement near Leavitt and Lawrence
  • People's Gas Projects on Greenview from Roscoe to Grace
 
Community Board

This Week

Next Week


  • Andersonville Farmers Market, May 13th, Learn more
  • Ravenswood Elementary Bike Bus, May 14th, Learn more
  • Cornelia Arts Open Studios, May 15th-16th, Learn more
  • Lawrence Ave Solidarity Dine-In, May 15th-16th, Learn more
  • St Andrew's Garage Sale, May 16th, Learn more
  • Ravenswood Manor Plant Sale, May 16th, Learn more
  • Lincoln + Roscoe Art and Craft Fair, May 16th-17th, Learn more
  • Andersonville Spring Wine Walk, May 17th, Learn more
  • Burning Bush Brewery Spring Fest, May 17th, Learn more

Future Weeks

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:


 
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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47th Ward | 4243 N Lincoln Ave | Chicago, IL 60618 US

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