Hi neighbors,

I’d like to welcome Ryan McCray to our 47th Ward office team. Ryan recently completed his graduate studies in public policy at the University of Chicago, and has a long history of organizing around transit access with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and sustainability with the Sierra Club, as well as software engineering. He will be taking over Josh Mark’s responsibilities regarding transportation, infrastructure, and public safety. If you’re near our ward office in the coming weeks, please swing in and say hello.

Earlier this week, I met with senior leaders at Catholic Charities and the City’s Department of Family and Support Services regarding the North Center Senior Center. I’m pleased to report that Catholic Charities has agreed to continue operating the Center for many years to come, and that it will remain open to all seniors. In addition, Catholic Charities will meet with my office quarterly to discuss how we can collectively ensure the Center’s ongoing vitality, and Catholic Charities will conduct listening sessions throughout the month of February to hear directly from seniors about future programming at the Center. In the meantime, if you’d like to share your thoughts about your favorite program at the Center, please feel free to contact my office directly.

I know that our hearts have been heavy this week following the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis last weekend. And it’s been enraging to see the Trump administration repeatedly lie about what happened—something that was a routine occurrence when ICE and Border Patrol agents were roving Chicago streets last year. If you’re looking for steps you can take in response to this extreme immigration enforcement, please keep in mind the power of your dollar. Without the support of private industry, which provides hotels, rental vehicles, technology, and more, these extreme actions would not be possible. Take some time to research businesses that support your values.

On Wednesday, I met with senior leaders from several North Side police districts to review public safety trends from 2025 and emerging priorities in 2026. CPD continues to focus on residential and commercial burglaries in our immediate vicinity, and emphasized the need to take care in keeping garages locked. 

I also met with 19th District Councilor Jenny Schaffer regarding our proposal to establish a pilot program whereby parking aides from the Department of Finance would respond to 911 calls involving illegally parked and abandoned vehicles. Doing so would free up police officers’ time to respond to and investigate more serious 911 calls; we’re working to stand up the pilot in a year.

My thanks to the dozens of neighbors who joined State Representative Ann Williams, several environmental advocates, and myself yesterday for a wide-ranging town hall on utility billing concerns. We discussed how data centers are driving up electricity bills for everyday Chicagoans, billing-relief programs and solar panel installation that can help defray these costs, and legislative advocacy in Springfield.

I hope you all have a relaxing weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, consider swinging by Sulzer Library for a screening of the documentary Join or Die, hosted by the Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association and the Greater Rockwell Organization. And please join me in congratulating Del Sur’s Justin Lerias, who recently received the Banchet Award as Chicago’s Pastry Chef of the Year. 

Yours in service,

Alderman Matt Martin

Workshop: City Resources Panel for Local Artists

Saturday, February 21st

Local artists and creatives are invited to a free city resources panel from 1–2 PM at Sulzer Library.

In partnership with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), this discussion will cover Chicago grant opportunities as well as other supports like workshops and residencies for Chicago-based artists.

Panelists will share what makes a strong application, how to grow your work through existing programs, and take audience questions.

RSVP

Meet the Alderman

Thursday, February 19th

Want to chat with the Alderman about a neighborhood issue? Happenings at City Hall? Or just want to get more involved in your community?

You're invited to schedule a 10 minute appointment with the Alderman during our upcoming Ward Night.

Please note that the Alderman will not meet about zoning changes during ward night.

Schedule an appointment

Taste of Ravenswood

Friday, February 6th



Enjoy a night sampling Ravenswood's top restaurants, brewers, and spirit makers for a fantastic, one-night-a-year experience. The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is bringing you the neighborhood's top restaurants, brewers, and spirit makers for a fantastic, one-night-a-year experience.

Each chef will offer dishes that highlight the range of flavors you can find in Ravenswood, and each brewery/distillery will be pouring drinks that are made right here in our beautiful neighborhood. You can use the promo code TASTE26 to get $5 off your tickets.

Learn more

Super Bowl Sunday at the Getaway

Sunday, February 8th

The Getaway in Lincoln Square will be showing the big game on all TVs with sound on, creating a lively yet laid-back watch-party atmosphere perfect for groups and regulars alike. Guests can score game-day drink specials throughout the day, including $9 beer and shot combos and $5 bottles and cans featuring beer, seltzer, and cider options. To keep the cheering fueled, complimentary pizza will also be available while supplies last.

Learn more

Flower Arranging for Beginners at KOVAL

Wednesday, February 11th

Embark on a journey into the basics of floral arranging guided by our expert florists. Whether you're a budding floral enthusiast or just looking for a delightful afternoon, Bloom Mastery is the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity and bring the beauty of blooms into your life. Cocktails are available in the Tasting Room before and during event.

Learn more

Spay and Neuter Rebate Program

Cook County residents are eligible for a $40 rebate for each pet spayed or neutered in the month of February.

All pets participating must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccine and have a current Cook County rabies tag. Vaccination on the day of surgery is permitted.

Learn more

Girls in Sports Summit

February 7th-8th

The Girls’ in Sports Summit is a two-day experience designed to inspire, empower, and support the next generation of leaders, especially girls, through the transformative power of sport, mentorship, and community. The Summit brings together girls from across the Midwest for a weekend of learning, connection, and competition.

Learn more

Free Community Meal at Queen of Apostles

You and your friends are invited to a free Community Meal served from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the 2nd Sunday of each month in Queen of Angels Church, 2330 W. Sunnyside. Share a hot meal with community! And pick up a bag of sandwiches and other food to eat the next day.

Call 773-539-7510 with questions.

Donate: Help Lincoln Square Resident Turn Back on Heat

If you’re able, please consider donating to Brittany is a longtime neighbor and Chicago artist who has fallen behind on her heating bill after losing her tech job, having to take a new position at significantly lower pay, and navigating a period of illness.

Brittany has made good-faith efforts to seek assistance but narrowly exceeds income thresholds, leaving her without relief options while late fees continue to accumulate. A community fundraiser has been organized to help restore her heat, keep her lights on, and provide a small cushion as she regains stability.

Donate

Ravenswood Valentine's Day Shopping Guide

Sunday, February 1st

Lovebirds! Dim the lights, uncork the bubbly, slip into something a little more comfortable, and get ready to ~support your local small business community~ this Valentine’s Day. 

From handcrafted gifts to one-of-a-kind experiences, this curated collection of small-batch goodies, celebrations, and gifts will make your heart sing.

Learn more

Resources for Businesses

• Workforce Solutions Grant Webinar, February 3rd, Learn more
• Small Business Taxes 101, February 9th, Learn more
• Northcenter SSA #38 Rebate Programs, Learn more

Submit Feedback

This month, our Zoning Advisory Council will consider the following development proposals. You can submit feedback for their consideration.

3639 N Ashland

A change from C1-2 to B2-5 to allow for the conversion of an existing 2-unit building into an 8-unit rental building with family-sized units.

4614 N Seeley and 2103 W Eastwood

A change from RS-3 to RM-4.5 on a lot containing a 3-flat and detached coach house to allow for the addition of a new bedroom on the detached coach-house. The owners plan to live in the coach house and continue renting the 3-flat that fronts Eastwood.

Next Week

• North Center Happy Hour, February 4th, Learn more
• Fundraiser Benefiting Artists with Disabilities at Martyr's, February 5th, Learn more
• Taste of Ravenswood, February 6th, Learn more
• National Girls in Sports Day, February 7th, Learn more
• Coffee and Cocoa Crawl, February 7th, Learn more

Upcoming Weeks

• Lane Tech Drama, February 11th-14th, Learn more
• Valentine's Day Concert at Concordia Church, February 13th, Learn more
• World Refugee Day Documentary Screening, February 15th, Learn more
• St Andrew Fish Fry, February 20th, Learn more
• Karaoke at DANK Haus, February 20th, Learn more
• Lunar New Year, February 21st, Learn more
• Black History Month at Music Box Theatre, February 23rd, Learn more
• Meet the Beatles in Hamburg, February 26th, 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