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January 7th, 2026

From Albany Park and our surrounding neighborhood communities, brought to you by North River Commission!

RSVP for a Lawrence Area Study!

This year, our office is partnering with Canopy, an architecture firm focused on positive social impact, to conduct an Area Study of Lawrence Avenue—from the river to Pulaski. This study will look at how the street works today and how it can better support local businesses, safety, and public spaces in the future.

We’ll examine sidewalks, storefronts, crossings, shade, and more to create a community-driven plan that can help attract funding and guide thoughtful growth.

Most importantly, this process centers your voice to ensure future improvements reflect the unique, multicultural character of Albany Park and North Park.

Join us at our first Community Engagement Meeting:
📍 Where: Albany Park Branch Library, 3401 W. Foster
⏰ When: Thursday, January 15 from 6–7:30 pm

Final Voting Is Open for the 2026 Community Choice Awards ~ and It Closes January 29!

Final voting is officially open for the 2026 Community Choice Awards! Now’s your chance to help us recognize and celebrate the outstanding small businesses that make Albany Park, Irving Park, and North Park thrive. Cast your vote and make your voice count!

How to Participate:

🗳️ Vote for your favorite local businesses using the link below
⏳ Don’t wait — final voting closes on January 29!

Save the Date:
📅 Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM

📍Movement on Montrose, 2951 W Montrose Ave

An evening of recognition, community pride, and fun!

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¡La Votación Final para los Premios de la Comunidad 2026 Está Abierta — y Cierra el 29 de Enero!

¡La votación final para los Premios de la Comunidad 2026 ya está abierta! Esta es su oportunidad de reconocer y celebrar a los pequeños negocios que hacen prosperar Albany Park, Irving Park y North Park. ¡Vote hoy y haga escuchar su voz!

Cómo Participar:

🗳️ Vote por sus negocios locales favoritos usando el enlace a continuación
⏳ ¡No espere — la votación final cierra el miércoles 29 de enero!

Reserve la Fecha:
📅 Jueves, 26 de febrero de 2026 | 18:00–21:00

¡Una noche de reconocimiento, orgullo comunitario y diversión!

Support the Community Choice Awards by being a sponsor!

Become a Community Choice Awards Sponsor!

Support local excellence and connect with the heart of our community by sponsoring the 2026 Community Choice Awards. As a sponsor, you’ll reach 6,000+ social followers, engage with local leaders, and uplift the small businesses that make our neighborhoods thrive.

We offer four levels of sponsorship, with benefits that include chamber membership, a speaking role, social media highlights, and inclusion in our event booklet.

Interested in bringing the Community Choice Awards to life?
Contact Farah El-Nahal at farah@northrivercommission.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

NRC STAFF

North River Commission Staff

For contact info, visit the North River Commission staff page:

• Kay Villamin / Executive Director (nagsasalita ako ng tagalog)

• Alexia Limas / FORGE Project Director (hablo español)

• Eve Miller / Community Development Specialist

• Farah El-Nahal / Economic Development Specialist (أنا أتكلم العربية)

• Karen Milroy / Economic Development Specialist (mówię po polsku)

• Caelin Muniz / Economic Development Specialist (hablo español)

• Elisha Jurewicz / Accounts Manager

• Sonya Koffman / Parent Mentor Organizer (Я говорю по-русски)

FORGE School Site Coordinators

• Haugan Forge Coordinator / Samantha Uribe (hablo español)

• Henry Forge Coordinator / Priscilla Train (hablo español)

• Peterson Forge Coordinator / Emily Berman

• Roosevelt Forge Coordinator / Miranda Whitaker

  
  

Parent Mentor Program School Site Coordinators

• Haugan PMP Coordinator / Lucila Esquivel (hablo español)

• Hibbard PMP Coordinator / Fatima Suarez (hablo español)

• Palmer PMP Coordinator / Maria Martinez (hablo español)

• Cleveland PMP Coordinator / Adriana Cervera (hablo español)

North River Commission
The nonprofit community and economic development corporation for the Northwest Side of Chicago, from the Chicago River to Cicero and Addison to Devon, which unites 100s of civic associations, businesses, schools, institutions and places of worship to improve the quality of life for all constituents in our community by creating affordable housing, quality education, community safety and resilience, equitable access to health, arts & cultural endeavors, environmental responsibility, and thriving neighborhood businesses.

northrivercommission.org / facebook.com/northrivercommission / @northrivercommission