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49th Ward Updates The best way to stay informed of what is happening in the 49th Ward is by subscribing to our newsletter. This goes out weekly and includes information about community events, changes in ordinances, important city services information, updates on developments in the 49th Ward, and more. Sign up online . While you’re on this page, also scroll through recent updates below to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the 49th Ward. Looking for the monthly City Council Updates archive? Click here ! NEWSLETTER SIGN UP Newsletter Archive 2025 Archive 2024 Archive 2021 Archive 2023 Archive 2020 Archive 2022 Archive 2019 Archive

Community Assets A JUST HARVEST A Just Harvest’s mission is to fight poverty and hunger in the Rogers Park and greater Chicago community by providing nutritious meals daily while cultivating community and economic development and organizing across racial, cultural and socioeconomic lines in order to create a more just society. ANIXTER CENTER Continually operating since 1919, the Anixter Center serves people with disabilities, behavioral health needs, and those who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing through a variety of programs. These programs include day services, residential services, and employment services for these populations. To find out more, please vist their website at anixter.org . C24/7 C24/7 is a faith-based non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults in the North of Howard neighborhood by providing the necessary tools, security and environment for them to thrive economically, socially and spiritually. They provide after school programming, job development services, and community outreach to support some of Rogers Park's most vulnerable residents. To learn more, please visit their website at c247fam.org. CARE FOR REAL Established in 1970, Care for Real provides food for our neighbors, serving more than 1.25 million meals a year. In addition to their food pantry, they also operate a free clothes closet, a pet food pantry and support services. To learn more, please visit their website at careforreal.org . CENTRO ROMERO For over 35 years, Centro Romero has been a community-based organization that serves the refugee immigrant population on the northeast side of Chicago, including the 49th Ward, aiming to bridge a disenfranchised community of immigrants and refugees into mainstream American society as well as improving their opportunity for upward social mobility. Their programs include the Youth Learning and Leadership Program, Family Services (encapsulating the Domestic Violence Prevention Program, the Public Benefits Program, and the New Americans Initiative), Adult Education, and Legal Services. To learn more, please visit their website at centroromero.org . CIRCLES & CIPHERS Circles & Ciphers is a hip-hop infused restorative justice organization led by and for young people impacted by violence. Through art-based peace circles, education, and direct action they work to collectively heal and to bring about the abolition of the prison-industrial complex. Programming includes six different peace circles centered around different populations, locations, and styles. To learn more, please visit their website at circlesandciphers.org . FAMILY MATTERS Family Matters partners with youth and families in northeast Chicago to address and overcome structural racism and systemic oppression to build an equitable society and to facilitate both personal and collective justice. Programming includes teen and family groups as well as one-on-one mentoring and leadership and personal development services. To learn more, please visit their website at familymatterschicago.org . GIRL FORWARD GirlForward serves girls ages 14-21 in grades 9-12 who identify as refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers. They support this population through three core programs -- their Mentoring Program, Education Program, and Safe Spaces Program. To learn more, please visit their website at girlforward.org . GOOD NEWS PARTNERS Good News Partners has a mission to end homelessness and hopelessness, to foster justice, and build bridges of reconciliation. HEARTLAND ALLIANCE Tracing it's history back to Jane Addams in the late 1800's, the Heartland Alliance is the midwest's leading anti-poverty organization, and works in communities in the U.S. and abroad to serve those who are homeless, living in poverty, or seeking safety. They operate a variety of programs and services to support vulnerable populations. To learm more, please vist their website at heartlandalliance.org . HEARTLAND HEALTH CENTERS Heartland Health Centers is a federally qualified health center with 17 locations serving Chicago’s north side and nearby suburbs. As a medical home, HHC ensures comprehensive, affordable, quality, safe, and coordinated health care that is culturally competent and orientated to addressing health care needs. To learn more, please visit their website at heartlandhealthcenters.org . HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW) works to empower individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. HOW provides access to stable and affordable housing through the creation and maintenance of housing units for households who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Programs include Affordable Supportive Housing and Supportive Services. To learn more, please visit their website at how-inc.org . HOWARD AREA COMMUNITY CENTER Howard Area Community Center is a social service agency that provides affordable and free education, employment, and health assistance programs for the greater Rogers Park area. Many of HACC’s services are life-sustaining. Individuals and families set their own goals, and HACC is here to lend a helping hand along their journey to success. LEEDA Leeda Services Of Illinois, Inc. is a health care organization in Chicago that provides community and behavioral health services. Their phone number is ( 773) 274-9760 and they're located at 1 607 W Howard St Unit 400 Chicago, IL 60626-1675. MADONNA MISSION Madonna Mission is a not-for-profit organization providing education and resettlement support programs for refugee individuals and their families in Chicago. Their primary focus is teaching English language and reading skills through ESL classes, after school tutoring, and summer camps. To learn more information, please visit their website at madonnamission.org . NORTHSIDE COMMUNITY RESOURCES Originally founded as Rogers Park Community Council in 1952, Northside Community Resources has been providing social services in Rogers Park and surrounding Northside neighborhoods for over 60 years. Today, our housing, seniors and immigrant services programming reflects a diverse client base, with needs that are equally diverse. ONE NORTHSIDE ONE Northside organizes people from over 100 institutions, as well as individual community residents, from Rogers Park, Edgewater, Uptown, Ravenswood, North Center, Lake View, and Lincoln Park. ONE Northside organizes community residents into Issue Teams including Affordable Housing, Education, Economic Justice, Mental Health Justice, Healthcare, Violence Prevention, and Youth Issues. ONE Northside also collaborates with community partners through the Grow Your Own Teachers and Ceasefire programs. To learn more, onenorthside.org . PACCT PACTT's mission is to assist individuals with autism in becoming as independent as possible with the ability to integrate effectively into their homes and community. PACTT offers several programs, including Schol & Transition, Residental, and Adult Vocational Programs. To Learn more, please visit their website at pactt.org . REDWOOD LITERACY Redwood Literacy's mission is that all students with literacy struggles can access their dreams. By cultivating hope and restoring confidence, Redwood Literacy helps students dramatically improve their literacy skills regardless of socio-economic background or learning differences. To learn more, please visit their website at redwoodliteracy.com . A SAFE HAVEN A Safe Haven provides pathways to recovery from substance abuse, economic and housing challenges. They provide each individual a case manager to coordinate a multi-faceted team of professionals who work together to help identify individual or complex root causes of their crisis situation. They address a variety of social issues and serve a diverse array of populations. To learn more, please visit their website at asafehaven.org . THE NIGHT MINISTRY The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based organization that works to provide housing, health care and human connection to members of our community struggling with poverty or homelessness. To learn more about their programs, visit their website at thenightministry.org . THRESHOLDS Thresholds provides services and resources for persons with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders in Illinois. They work with many populations, including youth and young adults, veterans, young mothers, deaf, and individuals experiencing homelessness, and others. Thersholds offers a diverse range of programs for these populations, and you can learn more at their website at thresholds.org . TRILOGY Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare is a private not-for-profit behavioral healthcare organization with nearly 50 years of experience serving people with serious mental illness in the City of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Trilogy’s mission is to support people in their recovery from mental illness by helping them discover and reclaim their capabilities, life direction and well-being. They provide a variety of programs to support individuals with serious mental illness, and you can learn more at trilogyinc.org . UNITED CHURCH OF ROGERS PARK The United Church of Rogers Park is a United Methodist Church located at Ashland and Morse. UCRP runs the New to You thrift store as well as a weekly Community Feast, where all those in need get a free nuturious meal. To learn more, please visit their website at ucrogerspark.or g .

Resources Our office is available to help navigate the wide range of resources offered by the city of Chicago. If you have any questions, you can always reach us by emailing office@49thward.org or by calling (773) 338-5796 . CityKey ID Community Assets Domestic Violence Resources Economic Relief Electronics Recycling Emotional/Mental Health Support Frequently Asked Questions Heating Repair Program Housing & Tenant Resources Information on Elected Officals Lead Service Line Testing & Replacement LGBTQIA+ Resources Noise Restrictions Office of the Inspector General Property Tax Exemptions Resources for Immigrants Resources for Seniors

Public Way Use & Sidewalk Cafes PUBLIC WAY USE PERMITS Businesses that have a sign, canopy, awning, bench, or anything else that extends over, under, or is on the public way require a Public Way Use Permit . These permits are issued by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) – Public Way Use (PWU) Unit. The permit process does require City Council approval. Business identifiers including signs, awning, canopies, and banners are also required to obtain a Department of Buildings sign construction permit in addition to the public way use permit. Only a licensed sign contractor can apply for the sign construction permit. The city does provide a list of approved contractors from which business owners can choose for the sign construction permit. Learn More & Apply SIDEWALK CAFES Sidewalk cafes are another use of the public way that requires a public way use application. Dining in a sidewalk cafe is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal in warm weather. The sidewalk cafe season runs from March 1 to December 1. To take advantage of those occasional warm days in March, it would be beneficial to submit your application in January. A Sidewalk Cafe Permit has a 9-month term, and must be applied for, and issued, every year. Businesses with an approved Sidewalk Cafe Permit must conspicuously display the permit and the approved plan on the exterior window or wall of the main entrance of the licensed retail food establishment during all hours of operation., and approved plan, must be conspicuously displayed on the exterior wall or window of the main entrance of the licensed retail food establishment during all hours of operation. Learn More & Apply

PB49: Policy & Programs Committee Apply for the community cash program! The City of Chicago's 2022 approved budget included a unique opportunity for each ward to receive $100,000 in funds for microgrant opportunities. This funding is for registered non-profit organizations with the Secretary of State to provide programming and services to each ward. In 2020, the 49th Ward posed an open-ended question during its participatory budgeting process: "If you could change one thing about our community that would make life better for you, what would it be?" This open-ended question led to a range of responses, from traditional capital infrastructure ideas to broader policy and programs recommendations. Born out of that was the 49th Wards first-ever Policy and Programs Committee. This committee spent months weeding through the responses and identifying priority areas for the community. In the 2020 cycle, voters then took to the participatory ballot to vote on which policy and program areas they felt were the most important and that should shape Alderwoman Hadden's legislative agenda at City Council. With this unique microgrant opportunity, we now are able to put our money where our values are. Learn more about the scope of the grant, eligibility requirements, and how to apply by clicking the button below. Learn More! About the Committee At the beginning of the 2020 PB49 process, the Alderwoman asked residents: “If you could change one thing about the Rogers Park community, what would it be?” The PB49 Policy & Programs Committee was created to review the submitted PB49 survey entries that do not qualify for infrastructure money under PB guidelines. Instead of discarding these policy and program ideas, Alderwoman Hadden, after a decade of hands-on experience administrating community-led participatory budgeting programs nationwide, added a community-led committee to address the vital policy and programming interests of her constituents. The volunteer PB49 Policy & Programs Committee put in 15 hours of group meeting time and over 100 hours of research and collaboration distilling the essence of the community-at-large input into five (5) specific ballot measures for community consideration. The members of the 2020 PB49 Policy and Programs Committee coalesced as a group because of a shared commitment to transparency, community-centered change, and democracy. We spent our time narrowing down a list of 150 ideas, first to a dozen themes, and then to these five ballot measures. To demonstrate our commitment to transparency we decided to make available the entire list of ideas with which we started. We also wanted to expand below on the ideas that led to the ballot measures themselves. We believe this transparency, endorsed by Alderwoman Hadden, will encourage more community members to step up and volunteer to make your ideas a reality! Policy & Programs Presentation Key Issues Affordable Housing & Zoning Ward residents would like to see a dedicated focus on providing more affordable housing. This could be achieved through a combination of: (1) a zoning committee that focuses on maintaining and developing the unique character of the ward, 2) direct rental assistance and eviction prevention, and 3) exploration of broader policies that affect housing costs and stability of W49 residents. Affordable Housing: Families and individuals whose incomes fall below the median income level deserve to raise their children and live their lives in Rogers Park. In Rogers Park, housing insecurity is rising at an alarming rate. Rents are increasingly unaffordable and pathways to home-ownership for families are disappearing. Increasingly undemocratic trends continue to homogenize the community, making Rogers Park unlivable for immigrant and non-immigrant families and individuals struggling in uncertain times. Realistic paths to home ownership and co-operative shared-equity property ownership will keep Rogers Park a diverse community, increase housing security, and improve community value. We recommend zoning changes/binding policies, government-backed programs that make housing co-operatives, rent-to-own programs, and community land trusts possible. Equitable and Fair Zoning: As a Committee, we support a representative, equitable, and fair zoning committee for guiding 49th Ward building, business and housing development. A comprehensive Equitable and Fair Zoning Policy and Process for the 49th Ward is needed for responsible development in Rogers Park. As a Committee, we believe all 49th Ward residents and business owners deserve a voice in shaping development to continue to breathe new life into 49th Ward democracy. Business Development Ward residents are interested in supporting and sustaining new and existing businesses that are community-driven, community-owned, and community- operated, including a proactive review of commercial spaces and vacant properties. Our committee can develop democratic policies and programs with Alderwoman Hadden, local businesses, business chambers, alliances, associations, and ward residents that will support a diverse, eclectic, and thriving business community in the 49th Ward. Ward 49 consumers, local businesses, local business chambers, alliances, and associations are vital to maintaining and supporting a business community that can rival other high-tax revenue business districts. Policing/Restorative Justice Ward residents called for divesting from the current police budget in order to redirect those funds to much-needed social, health, and housing programs. Examples included: (1) a committee to further explore what community support and alternative resources to calling the police can or should exist and (2) investing in increased use of restorative justice and other alternative forms of dispute resolution and justice-seeking. Research best practices & build community support for non-law enforcement services and transformative justice programs, including through direct outreach and media campaigns. Boost awareness of programs and policies that secure restorative justice for all in the community. Uplift resources and policies that support formerly incarcerated individuals in the 49th Ward. Youth Engagement Ward residents support creating and sustaining programs that uplift and empower our young residents. Recognizing that our young residents are community stakeholders, engage them to create more awareness of, and support for, youth focused entities such as the 49th Ward Youth Committee. Identify and support any other ward and city-wide programs that empower youth. Developing a Community Hub Ward residents expressed a desire for a physical space (post-COVID) to serve as a community "hub” including recreation and resources. This could be achieved through either: (1) lifting up and coordinating existing community spaces and resources, (2) enhancing coordination and utilization of previous PB49 projects that are underutilized, and/or (3) exploring the development of a new space. Create more awareness of existing programs, resources, and physical spaces for the 49th Ward residents. Coordinate with the 49th Ward Youth Committee and other stakeholders to identify alternate programs and safe spaces specifically for teens. Aide the growth of Block Clubs by working with existing programs and volunteers in the 49th Ward. Research the call for a physical community center for the 49th Ward.

Ward Nights Do you have something you want to share directly with the Alderwoman? She hosts virtual Ward Night on Wednesdays from 5-7 pm to discuss ideas, suggestions, concerns, and questions one-on-one with 49th Ward residents. To sign up for a time slot, visit calendly.com/mariahadden/ward-night .

Loading/Standing Zones Loading Zones Loading zones are for the loading and unloading of deliveries to buildings. These zones are for commercial vehicles.They are not designated to reserve parking for business patrons or employees. Any commercial vehicle may park in any loading zone for the purpose of loading and unloading for up to thirty minutes. 15-Minute Standing Zones Standing zones are designated areas in the parking lane for temporary parking. Vehicles parking in standing zones must have their hazard lights flashing while the driver is away from the vehicle. Application Process In October 2020, CDOT migrated loading and standing zone permits to the IPS-11 permitting system. This migration allows loading zone permittees a more efficient way to apply for, manage, and pay for their private benefit sign permits. Permittees will have to create a new account or log in to their existing account in the permit portal. This will allow them to easily pay their fees and update their account information. Loading zone permittees must use this permit portal to pay their initial fees and their renewal fees. The links shown below will provide you with information on this process. Application

Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy From Left to Right: Ashley Parks, Leslie Perkins, Chair Hadden, Gina Parra-Hughes Alderwoman Hadden was appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy for the 2023-2027 term. In this leadership role, she looks forward to building off of the foundation from her first term in office, where she successfully passed legislation to have the City Treasurer divest from fossil fuels, called to re-establish the Department of Environment, and amended our heating and cooling ordinances to respond to changing weather patterns caused by climate change. As chairperson, she will continue to explore how we can reduce Chicago's carbon footprint through a clean buildings plan, revisit the ComEd franchise agreement, and work closely with communities and advocates on environmental justice issues. Click here to view a full list of all Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy members, including Vice Chairman Timothy Knudsen (43), on the City Clerk's website. Our committee staff are as follows: Leslie Perkins - Chief of Staff & Policy Director Gina Parra-Hughes - Legislative Aide Ashley Parks - Community & Communications Outreach Coordinator Learn more about attending a Committee meeting, legislation before the committee, environmental programs and resources, and more by clicking the buttons below! Committee Meetings Committee Legislation

Business Workshops The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers a variety of workshops and counseling that are informative and free. The topics discussed during the workshops include start-up operations, financing, marketing, and more. Classes are taught by industry professionals, members of not for profit agencies, and city employees. Visit the Business Education Workshop Calendar to view upcoming workshops and seminars. BACP also offers the small business solution station , a one-on-one counseling forum designed for one to obtain expert advice on common business problems including legal assistance and financial and loan assistance. The station is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., located at BACP, City Hall, Room 800. You can walk-in or make an appointment by calling (312) 744-5506. If you have questions about how to obtain a particular type of license, you can call the City’s Business Consulting line at (312) 744-6249. A consultant from BACP will instruct and provide guidance about the license application requirements and process. If you are looking to open a business that would require a Public Place of Amusement (PPA) and/or liquor license , Alderwoman Hadden requests that you schedule an appointment to discuss your proposed business. Please email the ward office or call 773-338-5796 to schedule an appointment with the Alderwoman.

Property owners in Cook County may have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of property tax exemptions, resulting in savings on their property tax bill. Savings from these exemptions appear as deductions on the second installment property tax bills mailed in the summer. Residents applying for the Homeowner Exemption, the Senior Citizen Exemption, the Senior Freeze Exemption, and the Home Improvement Exemption must apply annually to receive the deduction on their property tax bills. The Cook County Assessor's Office has streamlined the application process, moving applications online into a singular form. Additionally, many exemptions will automatically renew this year due to COVID-19. Homeowners can check the Cook County Portal website and review their Exemption History and Status to determine which expressions they received last year and if they will auto-renew thisyear. Property Tax Exemptions PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION APPLICATIONS HOMEOWNER EXEMPTION Residents are eligible to receive the Homeowner Exemption if they own or have a lease or contract which makes them responsible for the real estate taxes of the residential property. In addition, it must also be used as their principal place of residence for the property tax year in question. If the resident purchased a newly constructed home that was not ready for occupancy until sometime after January 1 of the tax year, the exemption will be prorated. SENIOR CITIZEN EXEMPTION To qualify for the Senior Citizen Exemption , the property owner must: be 65 years or older during the tax year for which they are applying; own the property or have a lease contract which makes them responsible for the real estate taxes; and used the property as their principal place of residence for the tax year. If the applicant has moved or plans to move in the future, they may be entitled to a prorated Senior Citizen Exemption, based on the time of occupancy. To apply for a prorated Senior Citizen Exemption, the applicant must submit a Senior Citizen Exemption application form; closing or settlement statement; copy of a recent property tax bill; and copy of proof of age and residency. SENIOR FREEZE EXEMPTION To qualify for the Senior Freeze Exemption for Tax Year 2021, the taxpayer must: be 65 years or older during the tax year for which they are applying; have a total household income of $65,000 or less for [income] Tax Year 2020; have owned the property or had a legal, equitable, or leasehold interested in the property on January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2021; have used the property as their principal place of residence as of January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2021; and been liable for payment of 2020 and 2021property taxes Those who don’t qualify for the Senior Freeze Exemption because they exceed the income level may still be eligible for the Senior Exemption. The Senior Exemption has no income restrictions. Seniors receiving the Senior Citizen Exemption will automatically receive the Homeowner Exemption. Seniors receiving the Senior Freeze Exemption automatically receive both the Homeowner and Senior Citizen Exemptions. Eligible seniors who never applied for the Senior and/or Senior Freeze Exemption in the past may visit the Assessor’s website and download an application or contact the Assessor’s Office at (312) 443-7550 and request a form be mailed to them. Applications for the Homeowner Exemption and additional exemptions are also available online . DISABLED VETERANS HOMEOWNER EXEMPTION Veterans with a service-connected disability, as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, are eligible to receive an annual exemption. To qualify, the veteran must be: an Illinois resident who served as a member of the United States Armed Forces on active duty to State active duty, a member of the Illinois National Guard or U.S. Reserve Forces and has been honorably discharged; have at least a 30% service connected disability certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; own and occupy the property as the primary residence during the tax year in question; have a total Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of less than $250,000 for the primary residence, excluding the EAV of property used for commercial purposes or rented for more than six (6) months; and apply for the exemption each tax year A non-remarried surviving spouse of a disabled veteran may continue to receive this exemption if the same primary residence remains for the surviving spouse. Additionally, the non-remarried surviving spouse may transfer the exemption amount (or less) to a new primary residence. The Disabled Veterans Homeowner Exemption is administered through the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs. They can be reached at 312-814-2460. HOME IMPROVEMENT EXEMPTION The Home Improvement Exemption allows the property owner to increase the value of their home with up to $75,000 worth of improvements without having their property taxes increase for at least four years. The exemption is available to owners of single-family homes, condominiums, cooperatives, and apartment buildings with up to six units. The exemption will automatically be received based on field checks for building permits conducted by the Cook County Assessor’s office. The Cook County Assessor will send a notice to property owners after they complete the check.

Street Light Pole Banners Streetlight pole banners are a great way to show neighborhood pride. The Department of Transportation does require a completed application in order to display pole banners. You can find the requirements and the application linked below. If you have any questions about the process, feel free to contact my office at Office@49thWard.org . Application