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The 34th Ward Office will be closed on Friday, September 4th and Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day. The office will reopen at 9am on Tuesday, September 8th. |
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LaSalle Central Small Business Improvement Fund Applications opened Sept. 1!
The Department of Planning and Development's Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) opens for applications in September in the LaSalle Central TIF district. SBIF provides reimbursement grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs.
Please contact my office with any questions about this process. |
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Grant Park Participatory Budgeting Voting open through Sept. 30!
The Chicago Park District is giving community members a direct voice in deciding future Grant Park improvements through the Grant Park Participatory Budgeting (PB). To learn about the proposed projects, please click here.
Voting runs September 1st–30th. Vote online now or in-person at Maggie Daley fieldhouse or Women’s Park fieldhouse. Every vote helps shape future investments in Chicago parks. Participants must be at least 13 years of age and Chicago residents to vote. |
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Senior Fest Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph September 17, 9am-2pm
Join the Department of Family & Support Services for the annual Senior Fest at Millennium Park, an event that celebrates Chicagoans aged 60 and older. Attendees will be greeted with lunch, a Senior Fest bag, and a map of the park, and will have the opportunity to connect with over 70 local organizations. No ticket or registration is required.
Hope to see you there! |
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Printers Row Lit Fest September 12-13, 2026 Dearborn between Ida B. Wells and Polk
The Printers Row Lit Fest returns for its 41st year on September 12th and 13th!
The fest will be a great chance for book lovers to connect, find their next read, and hear from award-winning authors, including eight Pulitzer Prize winners! |
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Madison Row Fest
Madison Row Fest is a family-friendly, three-block neighborhood celebration bringing Madison Street to life for a full day of community fun! Enjoy live music and DJs, local food and drinks, kid-friendly activities, unique shopping experiences, and plenty of opportunities to support neighborhood businesses and celebrate the West Loop community. |
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Serve as a Poll Worker for the November 3rd General Election!
The Chicago Board of Elections is seeking poll workers for the November 3, 2026 General Election, including bilingual election judges who speak Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, and Tagalog. To learn more and apply, please visit the Chicago Board of Elections website. |
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Help Keep Chicago Clean!
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VFW Scholarships Apply by October 31, 2026
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is offering two scholarships for students. The Patriot's Pen scholarship is designated for students in grades 6 -8 and is an essay writing contest. The Voice of Democracy scholarship is designated for grades 9-12 and is an audio recorded essay.
Click the images below to learn more and apply. |
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Green City Market - West Loop Saturdays from 8am-1pm 900 W. Monroe
The West Loop Green City Market is open on Saturdays on Monroe from Peoria to Sangamon! My team and I are looking forward to another season of bringing City Hall to you! The 34th Ward team will not be at the market this week, but will return on September 12. |
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Green City Market brings dozens of local farmers and food producers to our neighborhood every Saturday from May to November. To see what vendors participate across Green City Market's locations, click here. |
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Printers Row Park, 632 S. Dearborn St Saturdays from 9am-1pm
The South Loop Farmers Market is back at Printers Row Park for another season! Stop by on Saturdays through October 31 to support local businesses and connect with neighbors.
50 W. Washington Thursdays from 7am-2pm
Visit Daley Plaza on Thursdays from 7am-2pm for the Daley Plaza Farmers Market! This market hosts a variety of vendors, with offerings from fresh produce to prepared foods and more.
The Green at 320, 320 S. Canal Tuesdays from 11am-3pm
The Farmer at the Green opens for another season at 320 S. Canal on June 2nd! This season runs until September 29 and brings over 25 local vendors selling seasonal produce, fresh floral arrangements, handmade goods, and artisanal products.
Skinner Park, 1331 W. Monroe Fridays, 4-8pm
Visit Skinner Park for the City's only all-vegan farmers market, beginning this Friday and running through September 25th! For updates on the market, visit their Instagram. |
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Millennium Park Summer Events
DCASE released their calendar of free & exciting summer events taking place in Millennium Park, including movies, fitness classes, and concerts! Whether you're hoping to catch a screening of 'Ratatouille' before Taste of Chicago, a celebration of Chicago's house music scene, or a workout class with a top local instructor, there's something for everyone in this summer's park programming! Click here for a full schedule. |
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Street Sweeping began April 1!
Since April 1st, sweepers have been back in action, so keep in mind the street sweeping schedule in your area so you don't get ticketed and towed. I have worked with the Department of Streets and Sanitation on a robust street sweeping schedule this year. Please click here to find your street sweeping zone and here to find your zone's schedule. |
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Turn Lights Off to Protect Migratory Birds
Every spring and fall, millions of birds travel through the Chicago area. For more than two decades, Chicago has been a leader in light reduction efforts to protect these migratory birds. Please join participating buildings and turn lights off after 11 p.m. until daylight during migration and help save birds.
To learn more, visit the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors' website. |
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West Loop Historic Plaques Project
The West Loop is steeped in history. In fact, we have 19 historical designations, four historic plaques, and one Chicago Landmarks plaque. |
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Four more historic plaques are coming to the West Loop in summer 2026, including a UIC classroom, a condo building, and two parks!
To see the rest of the designations, please visit Connie Fairbanks' website.
If you live in a historic building in The West Loop and have historical information about your building you would like to share, please reach out to Connie to learn the process of installing your very own historic plaque! |
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CAPS Meetings
Please join my team at upcoming CAPS meetings with the 1st and 12th Police Districts. CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) meetings are a great opportunity to meet with police, neighbors, and my team about local safety initiatives. To find your beat, click here. I hope you can join us at these meetings!
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COPA People's Academy Registration now open!
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), which serves as the civilian oversight agency of the Chicago Police Department (CPD), offers a series of learning opportunities throughout the year available to members of the public (civilian and sworn) through its COPA People’s Academy (CPA). |
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This six-week condensed version of COPA’s Training Academy is for the public (civilian or sworn) and organizations around the country interested in learning about Civilian Police Oversight, Investigative and Legal Concepts as well as the role of COPA’s Policy, Research and Analyses Division (PRAD). Each course will be taught by COPA Subject Matter Experts. Session 6 of COPA People’s Academy will be from September 15, 2026 to October 20, 2026 . It will be on Tuesdays from 6:00pm-8:30pm at Wright College Humboldt Park (Humboldt Park Vocational Education Center) – 1645 N California Ave. |
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Camera Registration Program
When a crime occurs, Police Officers and Detectives canvass the area looking for evidence to determine what occurred. Video footage can greatly assist in their efforts.
If you have a private security camera that captures the public way and you are interested in assisting in an investigation in the event of a crime in your neighborhood, you can register your camera with the Chicago Police Department. |
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By registering your camera, you are simply allowing the Chicago Police Department to contact you in the event of a crime in your area. CPD will not have direct access to your camera system and cannot access camera footage without your consent. This is a free and voluntary program. Learn more on the program website. |
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34th Ward Infrastructure Improvements All dates subject to change based on weather.
With any questions about planned infrastructure improvements, please email bill@ward34.org or call 312-744-6820. |
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Street Resurfacing Projects
Stamped Crosswalks
Alley Improvement Projects
New Alley Reconstruction Project
Curb & Gutter Improvement Projects
Alley Apron Replacement Projects
Sidewalk Projects
Bump Out Installation
Residential Lighting Projects
CDOT Electrical Improvement Projects
Speed Indicator Signs
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State/Lake Station Closure
On Monday, January 5th, the State/Lake elevated station closed for demolition and the construction of a new, fully accessible station. The new station is expected to be finished in 2029.
As part of the ongoing State / Lake CTA Station Reconstruction project, a full closure has been implemented on State Street, from Wacker Drive to Randolph Street. Lake Street, between State Street and Wabash Avenue, will remain closed indefinitely. During this closure, emergency sewer repair work will also be completed on State Street.
Local business and driveway access on State Street will be maintained during the closures, and at least one sidewalk will be open at all times for pedestrians. CTA bus detour information can be found here. The underground CTA Red Line train station at Lake will remain open.
Upcoming Key Work Activities in 2026:
These activities may result in louder noise and some vibrations in the area. Visit the project website to learn how the team is working to reduce these impacts.
Please note, all work is weather dependent.
To learn more about construction at the State/Lake station and local impacts, visit the CTA's website. |
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Work is underway for the Canal Street Viaduct reconstruction.
Canal – Jackson to Van Buren
Canal – Van Buren Intersection
If you have any questions, please email the project email address at CDOTCanalProjects@gmail.com. |
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Lake Street Bascule Bridge Rehabilitation Closure started on 10/6
The full street and sidewalk closure on the Lake Street Bascule Bridge is in effect and will last until January 2028. During the closures, access to nearby buildings and residences will be maintained for both pedestrians and vehicles. |
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Eastbound traffic will be rerouted south on Des Plaines, east on Washington, north on Franklin, and east onto Lake St. Westbound traffic will be rerouted south on Wacker, west on Madison, north on Jefferson, and west onto Lake St. Click here for the full detour map. During this work, CTA Green and Pink lines will operate normally until September 2026. The work on the Lake Street Bascule Bridge is expected to be completed in January 2028.
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With any ongoing questions about this project, please reach out to the CDOT project team. |
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Halsted Street & Chicago Avenue Bridge Project
The Halsted St / Chicago Ave project is underway. Crews have removed existing street lighting, traffic signals, signage, and bus shelters. Viaduct removal is underway along the north leg of Halsted and the east end of Chicago Ave.
Demolition of the Chicago Ave bridge will continue over the next month. In areas where demolition is complete, crews will begin constructing new bridge piers. Crews will implement measures to minimize disruptions as much as possible, but noise and dust are inherent to the bridge demolition process.
Full closure of the Chicago Ave Bridge began September 29. The current detour map can be found here. The full project is expected to be completed by the end of the year 2026. |
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Ashland/I-290 Expressway Viaduct Work
Stage 2 traffic is currently being implemented on Ashland Av from Flournoy St to Jackson St to facilitate the reconstruction of the west side of the Ashland Ave bridge. |
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In this stage, traffic configuration will consists of two lanes southbound and one lane northbound on Ashland Ave.
A detour plan for the restricted left turn lane from Ashland Ave to Van Buren St will be implemented to send traffic to WB Jackson Blvd, SB Laflin St, then WB Van Buren St. A detour plan will also be implemented for the restricted left turn lane from Ashland Ave to Congress Parkway to send traffic to EB Harrison St, NB Wood St, then EB Congress Parkway. In addition, that the west side sidewalk of the bridge will be closed, and pedestrians will be detoured to east side sidewalk of the bridge.
The project is anticipated to be significantly completed by the end of August 2026.
This week, the contractor will perform earth excavation within the medians areas to be reconstructed. There are no changes to stage 3 traffic configuration.
For road construction updates and general travel information please visit IDOT’s Getting Around Illinois website. |
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The City of Chicago and Cook County are hiring! View their respective job posting sites below: |
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West Loop Wellness Fest
Visit the inaugural West Loop Wellness Fest, a community celebration of fitness, wellness, and movement! The afternoon will feature 30-minute fitness and wellness classes, introductory padel clinics and open play, interactive wellness experiences, giveaways, and opportunities to connect with local health and wellness professionals. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. |
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Theology on Tap — Featuring Fr. James Martin, SJ Fellowship Hall, 625 W. Adams Street
Join bestselling author, Jesuit priest, and host of The Spiritual Life podcast, Fr. James Martin, SJ, as he launches Old St. Pat’s Fall Theology on Tap series with insights from his newest book, Work in Progress.
Fr. Martin will explore discovering God’s presence in everyday work and life, balancing career, relationships, and faith, navigating life’s transitions, and growing spiritually amid busy schedules. |
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18th Annual Lawndale 5K Run & Walk Saturday, September 26, 8–11 a.m. Lawndale Christian Health Center, 3750 W. Ogden Ave.
Lace up and join Old St. Pat’s members and more than 2,000 neighbors from across Chicagoland for a day of movement, friendship, and community! Run, walk, roll—or simply come cheer everyone on and enjoy the free family fun fest, kids’ activities, awards, and raffles while supporting a great cause.
Old St. Pat’s members: Wear your official Old St. Pat’s cap if you have one. Don’t have a cap? No problem! One will be provided at the OSP check-in table before the event.
Want to run or walk the 5K? Registration is required, and you can sign up here. |
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Gather Together: Chicago Street Photography by Diane Alexander White
Visit the exhibit before September 6! National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted |
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Featuring more than 80 historic photographs, the exhibition captures Greek Independence Day celebrations alongside festivals, parades, and gatherings across Chicago’s many communities. |
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Declarations: 250 Years of Writing Toward Independence On display through Sept. 7 American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan
Visitors to the American Writers Museum can explore an 1823 William Stone print of the Declaration of Independence, as commissioned by then Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, as well as colonial-era legal documents signed by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Philip Livingston, and Roger Sherman. |
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The exhibit also invites visitors to reflect on works by writers throughout American history that reference the Declaration, including Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harvey Milk and Martin Luther King Jr. |
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Volunteer with Hope's Table!
The Hope’s Table ministry is designed to serve the needs of Chicagoans who are homeless or hungry and is sponsored by First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple. |
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Saturday morning services typically include serving hot meals and food to go, distributing clothing, and connecting guests with legal support through DePaul University’s Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program. Grace Episcopal Church partners in many ways, most visibly by providing space at 637 S. Dearborn. To volunteer or donate, please contact their volunteer coordinator. |
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Discuss how to help community cats through TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), what to do with kittens, ongoing colony management, preventing nuisance issues and much more! |
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