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 Archive 2024 Archive 2021 Archive 2026 Archive 2023 Archive 2020 Archive 2025 Archive 2022 Archive 2019 Archive

LGBTQIA+ Resources Now more than ever it is important that we support our neighbors in the LGBTQIA+ community. Click the buttons below to visit the websites of various organizations that provide support and resources for the queer community throughout the City of Chicago! Lambda Legal Equality Illinois Howard Brown Health The Lighthouse Foundation

Garage & Yard Sale Permits Garage and yard sales cannot be held for longer than three consecutive days and must be held between 9:00 a.m. and sunset. In case of rain, the permit can be reissued for a later date. If more than one household is joining in a single sale, each household needs its own permit even if the sale is at the address of only one participating household. Signs advertising the sale may only be posted on the property where the sale is taking place. Violators face fines for posting signs on city property. Filing for a Permit: You can stop by our office with proof of residence and identification and fill out the application. You can scan and email a copy of your identification and a completed form to office@49thWard.org . We will email the approved form back to you. APPLICATION - ENGLISH PERMISO - ESPAÑOL

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 .

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

Community Engagement Our office takes pride in connecting with our community, and it is our pleasure to connect community members with community organizations and work alongside these partners. For more information regarding community engagement, please see the links below. If you have any questions, our staff can be reached by emailing office@49thward.org or by calling (773) 338-5796 . 24th District Police Department 49th Ward Schools Community Calendar Leadership Councils Local School Councils Park Advisory Councils Participatory Budgeting Student Internship Opportunities Ward Nights

Block Parties Block Parties allow neighbors to close residential streets that they live on to hold community-building and recreational events with their immediate neighbors. Organizations looking to host events or those looking to close arterial streets should apply for an outdoor special event permit instead. In order to host a block party, you must obtain a permit from the Department of Transportation to close your street. Street closures can occur from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the day of your event. Applications can be obtained from our office. Once the application is completed. please return it to our office for processing. If this is your first time applying for a block party, our office asks that you communicate with your neighbors for support of the event. A house meeting to discuss dates & times is also highly recommended. We encourage you to submit your application at least 30 days in advance. Please be advised that neighbors are responsible for providing their own barricades for their events and must maintain a 10-foot minimum lane at all times to ensure emergency vehicles have clear access. The 49th Ward office is happy to provide non-enforceable "No Parking" signs to block party organizers. These signs must be hung up at least 48-hours in advance of the event. Since the signs are not enforceable, vehicles that remain parked will not be ticketed. CDOT Rules Regarding Block Party Permits Block Party Forms & Applications

Emotional Support & Mental Health Hotlines NATIONAL RESOURCES National Suicide Hotline Phone (English): 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Phone (Spanish): 1-800-628-9454 TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) Online Chat: suicidepreventionlifeline.org National Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741 National Sexual Assault Hotline Phone: 1-800-656-HOPE Online Chat: rainn.org National Domestic Violence Hotline Phone (200+ languages): 1-800-799-7233 TTY: 1-800-787-3224 Video Phone (for Deaf users): 1-855-812-1001 Online Chat: thehotline.org Trevor Project Hotline (LGBTQ youth) Phone: 1-866-488-7386 Online Chat: thetrevorproject.org Text Support: text START to 678678 Trans Lifeline (Phone, 9a-3p CT): 1-877-565-8860 Veterans Crisis Line Phone: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) & press “1” Online Chat: veteranscrisisline.net CHICAGO RESOURCES Trilogy Behavioral Health offers a first-response Alternative Crisis Team (FACT) provides urgent mobile response and interventions, as well as follow-up support, for individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Fact operates in Rogers Park, Edgewater, West Ridge, Uptown, Skokie, and Evanston. Call 800-FACT-400 if you or someone is experiencing a mental health crisis to have someone respond in real-time. Between Friends Helpline (Domestic Violence): 1-800-603-HELP (4357) Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline: 1-888-293-2080 Mental Health Association of Greater Chicago Referral Line: 1-800-209-8114 NAMI Chicago has a helpline to help connect Chicagoans to mental health resources, food, and emergency assistance. NAMI Chicago is also offering virtual support groups during this time, for people to connect with others experiencing mental health symptoms. There are support groups for health care professionals working on the front lines. For information about how to join, click here. The helpline can be reached at 833-NAMI CHI (833-626-4244) and is open to take calls from 9a-8p Monday-Friday, and 9a-5p on weekends. Governor Pritzker announced the launch of Call4Calm, a new hotline from the State of Illinois that connects residents to mental health and other resources. During these extraordinary times, it’s more important than ever to seek the emotional support you need to deal with the stress and anxiety of the pandemic. Those seeking emotional support can text “TALK” or “HABLAR” to 552020, and a mental health professional will call you back to speak with you in either English or Spanish. In addition to providing Illinoisans with emotional support, residents can text other keywords, including ” UNEMPLOYMENT,” “FOOD,” or “SHELTER” to get access to additional resources.

Water & Sewer Main Projects Top Current Projects: PN7439 Completed Projects: PN7155 PN7342 Current Projects Sewer Improvement Project Slated to Begin Early 2023 (PN7439) PN7439 Through the Building a New Chicago infrastructure improvement program, the Department of Water Management (DWM) is installing a new sewer in the 49th Ward. Scheduled to begin in early 2023, DWM's private contractor will begin to install a new mainline sewer, structures, and pavement in the following areas: On Greenview from 330 feet north of Rogers to Rogers On Greenview from Howard to Birchwood On Rogers from Greenview to Ashland On Birchwood from 300 ft east of Greenview to Greenview Crews will work in phases through the footprint of the project, only shifting to a new area after replacing the sewer main along a separate leg of the project. Crews plan on starting the work on Rogers between Rogers and Greenview. Once the temporary concrete sewer trench is poured on Rogers, crews will then transition to the Greenview and Birchwood legs of the project. Construction crews have begun preparing the site for the sewer installation already, including marking the location for utility lines. Residents may start to notice construction equipment and materials placed in the area ahead of the project start date. As construction is underway, crews may close the streets to through traffic for safety reasons. Local traffic for area residents and business owners will be allowed in the area of construction. Throughout the project, crews will post "No Parking" signs as needed during work hours (generally 7 am - 4 pm). Crews will work to preserve as much parking as possible. "No Parking" signs will only be posted where crews are actively working and the parking restrictions will move along as the crew makes progress in the project. Once the pipe has been installed, the street will be temporarily restored with a concrete trench until they are able to completely restore the street with new ashpalt. ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps will be repaired or installed where needed, along with repairs to damaged parkways and sidewalks. The final restoration of the street will include milling the surfacing, placing new asphalt, and prepainting the street markings. The project will not be considered complete until damaged sidewalks, parkways, and streets have been repaired. Inclement weather and unexpected underground conditions may cause delays to the project. Asphalt plants also close in the winter, which can create delays to the final restoration of the street. Before the project starts, the Department of Water Management will take photographs of the streets and the surrounding properties. These photographs help them restore the area to its preconstruction state. DWM does not assume, however, responsibility for damage to privately installed parkway improvements, including sprinkler systems, fences, flower beds, and shrubbery. To receive updates about the project, visit BuildingANewChicago.org to register for notifications. You will need to enter your name, email address, and project identification number (PN7439) to sign up. The 49th Ward has also compiled a list of FAQs that residents may review by clicking here . Register for DWM Notifications PN7439 FAQ PN7439 Updates Back to top Sewer Improvement Project Slated to Begin Early 2023 (PN7342) PN7342 Through the Building a New Chicago infrastructure improvement program, the Department of Water Management (DWM) is installing a new sewer in parts of the 48th and 49th Wards. As of February 16, DWM crews began pre-construction for the sewer main replacement project. Work is beginning on Highland Avenue in the 48th Ward and will transition to parts of the 49th Ward upon completion (likely early to mid-February). DWM will begin to install a new mainline sewer, structures, and pavement in the following areas: Highland Avenue from Greenview to Clark (48th Ward); Magnolia from 430' north of Devon to 300' south; Lakewood from 430' north of Devon to 300'south; and Wayne from 430' north of Devon to 30' south Crews will work in phases through the footprint of the project, only shifting to a new area after replacing the sewer main along a different leg of the project. Crews plan on starting the work on Highland between Greenview and Clark in the 48th Ward (not pictured in the footprint map below). Once the temporary concrete sewer trench is poured on Highland, crews will transition to the Magnolia, Lakewood, and Wayne legs of the project in the 49th Ward. Construction crews have begun preparing the site for the sewer installation already, including marking the location for utility lines. Residents may start to notice construction equipment and materials placed in the area ahead of the project start date. As construction is underway, crews may close the streets to through traffic for safety reasons. Local traffic for area residents and business owners will be allowed in the area of construction. Throughout the project, crews will post "No Parking" signs as needed during work hours (generally 7 am - 4 pm). Crews will work to preserve as much parking as possible. "No Parking" signs will only be posted where crews are actively working and the parking restrictions will move along as the crew makes progress in the project. Once the pipe has been installed, the street will be temporarily restored with a concrete trench until they are able to completely restore the street with new asphalt. ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps will be repaired or installed where needed, along with repairs to damaged parkways and sidewalks. The final restoration of the street will include milling the surfacing, placing new asphalt, and prepainting the street markings. The project will not be considered complete until damaged sidewalks, parkways, and streets have been repaired. Inclement weather and unexpected underground conditions may cause delays to the project. Asphalt plants also close in the winter, which can create delays to the final restoration of the street. Before the project starts, the Department of Water Management will take photographs of the streets and the surrounding properties. These photographs help them restore the area to its preconstruction state. DWM does not assume, however, responsibility for damage to privately installed parkway improvements, including sprinkler systems, fences, flower beds, and shrubbery. To receive updates about the project, visit BuildingANewChicago.org to register for notifications. You will need to enter your name, email address, and project identification number (7342) to sign up. The 49th Ward has also compiled a list of FAQs that residents may review by clicking here . Register for Notifications PN7342 FAQ PN7342 Updates Back to top Completed Projects Sewer Improvement Project Slated to Begin June 1, 2021 (PN7155) PN7155 Beginning June 1, 2021, the Department of Water Management's private contractor will begin work to install a new mainline sewer, structures, and pavement in the following areas: Morse from Bell to Hamilton Hamilton from Farwell to Lunt Lunt from Bell to Oakley Farwell from Ridge to the alley west Farwell from Wolcott to the alley west Farwell from Wolcott to Ravenswood Morse from Wolcott to the alley west Lunt from Wolcott to the alley west Greenleaf from Wolcott to the alley west Estes from Wolcott to Ravenswood Estes from Damen to the alley west As construction is underway, crews may close the streets to through traffic for safety reasons. Local traffic for area residents and business owners will be allowed in the area of construction. Throughout the project, crews will post "No Parking" signs as needed during work hours (generally 7 am - 4 pm). Crews will work to preserve as much parking as possible. "No Parking" signs will only be posted where crews are actively working and the parking restrictions will move along as the crew makes progress in the project. Before the project starts, the Department of Water Management will take photographs of the streets and the surrounding properties. These photographs help them restore the area to its preconstruction state. DWM does not assume, however, responsibility for damage to privately installed parkway improvements, including sprinkler systems, fences, flower beds and shrubbery. The project will not be considered complete until damaged sidewalks, parkways and streets have been repaired. To receive updates about the project, visit BuildingANewChicago.org to register for notifications. You will need to enter your name, email address, and project identification number (PN 7155) to sign up. The sewer main replacement in these areas is projected to be completed at the end of June 2022. Back to top

Metra Station Renovation Project January 2025 Renovation Updates Our office received news from the Office of Senator Dick Durbin that an additional $115 million in federal funding was secured for infrastructure projects across the state, including $23.6M for the Rogers Park Metra Station renovation. During our last meeting in 2024, Metra announced that work could begin on the renovations as early as 2025 on the new station. During our latest meeting, however, they announced that the project has experienced delays due to funding snags at the federal level. In light of this award, our office has reached out to Metra representatives to ask for an updated timeline and if the $23.6M award can bridge the remaining gap in construction costs. At this point in time, the project's schedule has not changed and it is not yet known if this award will cover construction costs. However, we will continue to work closely with our Metra partners on the timeline of construction and advocate for as soon of a completion time as possible. Metra serves as an economic engine for the entire Chicagoland region, and this renovation will serve as a catalyst for economic development in Rogers Park. To view Metra's presentation, click here . December 2024 Renovation Updates November 2024 Community Meeting August 2022 Community Meeting

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 .

City Council Committees The role of an alderperson is primarily legislative. That is, aldermen are elected to pass laws to improve the quality of life for the residents of Chicago. Committees are a critical step in the democratic process where members of the City Council can focus their attention on specific issues facing the city. They provide a space where important hearings can be held to hold city departments and sister agencies accountable or to gain better insight into how the City is responding to a specific issue. Committees are tasked with drafting, reviewing, and revising legislation that comes before them before taking a vote to advance the legislation to the full City Council. Before any piece of legislation goes before the full City Council, it must first pass its respective committee. Alderwoman Hadden's other committee appointments are as follows: Committee on the Budget and Government Operations Committee on Committees and Rules Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy (Chair) Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight (Vice Chair) Committee on Health and Human Relations Committee on Housing and Real Estate Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights Committee on Public Safety The Chicago City Council meets once a month, except in August, to pass legislation after it has been through committee. The calendar for City Council meetings is available on the City Clerk's website . Residents may also learn how to sign up for public comment, attend, and live stream City Council meetings on the City Clerk's website .