Hi neighbors,

I hope the new year is off to a solid start for you and your loved ones. I spent a good portion of this week strategizing with local businesses. The Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce, 44th Ward Ald. Bennett Lawson and I discussed the long-planned extension of the Lakeview Low Line, which runs under portions of the El tracks between the Brown Line’s Paulina and Southport Stations. My office will have more to share in the coming months once revised plans are ready for community input. 

I also met with the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce and a landscape architecture firm regarding opportunities to add green space to the Lincoln/Berenice parking lot that hosted our office’s Berenice Bash series last year. And I had the pleasure of sitting down with Troy Anderson, the new executive director of our beloved Old Town School of Folk Music, to brainstorm opportunities to spotlight performances of Old Town faculty and students.

My Chief of Staff Josh Mark and I met with Sergeant Mike Salyers, who will be leading the 20th Police District’s community policing efforts. For the last several years, Josh and I have enjoyed working with Sergeant Salyer’s predecessor, Peter Pol, who will be staying at the 20th District in a different role. 

Earlier this week, my office hosted office hours for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, during which local artists stopped by our office for hands-on support applying to the Individual Artist Grant Program. This workshop is one of many exciting collaborations to come out of OpenWall – our community council that’s focused on strengthening connections and creating opportunities for local artists and creatives. Visit our website to learn more about Openwall and ways you can get involved.

Finally, I know that many of us have been thinking about Renee Good, the Minneapolis woman who was killed by an ICE agent earlier this week. My heart goes out to Renee’s loved ones, particularly as the Trump administration spreads lies about the circumstances of her horrific and unnecessary death. In streets across the US, the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement is causing trauma, eroding trust in law enforcement, and costing lives. It needs to stop. 

Yours in service,

Ald Matt Martin

Applications Open: Paid Summer Internships

Calling all college students! Our 47th Ward summer internship application is now open.

Summer interns assist with essential city services, community outreach, and other special projects. Please note that since this internship is through the City of Chicago, applicants must reside in Chicago during the internship.

Apply

Town Hall: What's Driving Electricity Prices?

Thursday, January 29th

Did you know electricity bills are expected to rise by $70 in the next two years?

Join us for a town hall discussion about how AI, big utility companies, and back sliding on clean energy policy are shaping rising costs and what we can do.

In addition to the presentation, organizations will be on-hand to discuss utility assistance and ways you might lower your bill.

RSVP

Ward Night: Meet with Alderman

Thursday, January 15th

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

Ravenswood Run

Registration Open: Sunday, April 26th



Registration is open for the annual Ravenswood Run. Celebrate 30 years of the Ravenswood Run 5K. Sign up today to support Ravenswood Community Services, with every registration supporting its Food Pantry and Community Kitchen to provide meals and groceries for neighbors in need.

Learn more

Apply: Shared Cost Sidewalk Program

The popular Shared Cost Sidewalk program will open applications on January 12th from 6 AM to 10 PM.

Through the program, property owners can share the cost of sidewalk reconstruction with the City. The approximate cost to a property owner ranges from $1,000 to $2,400 on average. Seniors and people with disabilities may be eligible for a discount.

This program is first come, first serve and traditionally fills up very quickly.

Learn more

Recycle Your Holiday Tree

Keep your tree out of the landfill! You can recycle your tree for free at sites cross the city, including Clark Park (3400 N Rockwell). Only live trees are accepted. Because the trees are turned into mulch, all tinsel, ornaments, lights, and stands must be removed.

At a few drop off locations, you can even receive mulch back for your garden.

Learn more

Get Covered: Open Enrollment Deadline

You now have more time to explore your options and enroll in healthcare. Don’t forget open

enrollment ends, January 15, 2026. Need help reviewing your options? Get Covered Illinois offers free local help through certified Navigators and Brokers who are ready to help guide you to the right insurance plan.

Learn more

Support Lane Tech Student to Tutoring Conference

Tatiana is a sophomore who helps students with their reading and writing skills at the Lane Tech Writing Center. She's seeking to attend a national conference to meet with tutors across the United States to share knowledge and experience.

Earlier this year, her mom was laid off from her long-time job, and their family needs extra support to cover travel expenses this year. Tatiana is looking for community members to donate and support her trip to the conference.

Donate

Everything You Want to Know About Heat Pumps

Thursday, January 15th

Are you considering replacing your existing furnace with a heat pump or mini-split, but unsure if it's right for you? Are you interested in reducing your home's carbon footprint and energy use?

If so, you can attend this info session and community social at The Eco Flamingo Market Cafe, which will feature a presentation from Rory Toelle of Northwind Heating and Air Conditioning.

You'll also hear from multiple homeowners who have had heat pumps installed, and will be able to ask them your most burning questions.

Learn more

Ridman's Puzzle Swap

Sunday, January 11th

Did you finish your puzzle over break? Were you gifted a book that needs a good home (not yours)? Need something new (to you) for long winter nights? Come to Ridman Coffee's (4758 N Clark) free puzzle & book exchange.

Any leftovers will be donated to Open Books!

Learn more

Winter Wellness Event

Monday, January 26th

Get ready to move, connect, and have fun at the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce’s annual Winter Wellness event! Explore local Chamber businesses while jumping into basketball, dodgeball, slides, swings, trampolines, and more.

Complimentary wraps and smoothies from Tropical Smoothie Cafe will be served at 7 PM. Open jumping available throughout the evening. Tickets are $15 for under 18, and $30 for adults.

Learn more

Safety

Serve on Chicago's Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability

Apply by February 6th

Applications to fill three upcoming vacancies on the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) are now open.

The CCPSA is a seven-member body that oversees the Chicago Police Department (CPD), the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), and the Police Board, and works to increase public safety, transparency, and community input.

The three vacancies to be filled include those reserved for residents of Chicago’s Northside and youth between the ages of 18 and 24. 

Learn more

Announcing 2026 Beat Meeting Schedule

The Chicago Police Department recently released the 2026 Beat Meeting Schedule. Beat meetings are an opportunity to speak with local police officers about public safety issues concerning you. You can find the full schedule on our website.

Learn more

New Dashboard: Crime Trends, Clearance Rates

The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) has published a new dashboard that allows users to search and explore City of Chicago data on reported crimes, including what kinds of crimes are being reported and where, and the rates at which the Chicago Police Department (CPD) is solving—or “clearing” criminal investigations. 

Data can be sorted and viewed by types of data, such as crime counts and clearance rates, and by percentage change to view trends over time. Geographic categories include Citywide or breakdown by District, Beat, and Community Area.

Learn more

Upcoming Weeks

• Platform 47th Pop Up Market, January 10th, Learn more
• Ward Night, January 15th, Learn more
• Spielabend Stammtisch, January 16th, Learn more
• Neon to Neighborhoods Exhibit, January 16th, Learn more
• Community Blood Drive, January 17th, Learn more
• Utility Town Hall, January 29th, Learn more
• Bands for Bell, January 30th, Learn more
• Taste of Ravenswood, February 6th, Learn more
• Coffee and Cocoa Crawl, February 7th, 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