Dear Neighbors,
On Tuesday, our office welcomed neighbors for another Meet & Greet, this one focused on public safety with our 18th and 19th District Police District Councilors. The discussion offered valuable insight into ongoing safety initiatives and ways we can continue working together to keep our community secure. I’m grateful to our Councilors for their partnership and to every resident who joined us—your engagement drives safer, stronger neighborhoods.
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LTR: 18th District Councilor Brad Kessler; 19th District Councilor Sam Shoenburg; 19th District Councilor Jenny Schaffer; Alderperson Timmy Knudsen
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Yesterday, Mayor Johnson released his 2026 budget proposal (click here for an overview from the Mayor’s Office). As many of you know, I voted “No” on the budget because it lacked the structural balance needed to keep Chicago on solid financial footing—concerns that were later confirmed by credit downgrades. As I review this new proposal over the weekend, I remain focused on two key goals: getting Chicago back on track financially while upholding the priority of public safety. Upon initial review, the current version includes several elements I cannot support.
For example, a corporate head tax of $21 per employee per month on businesses with 100+ employees is, for me, a hard no. This tax would discourage job creation, slow investment, and threaten Chicago’s long-term competitiveness. At a time when our city’s business community is regaining momentum, we should be building on that progress, not taxing it away.
Chicago’s budget must reflect our work towards a safe city, a growing economy, and a sustainable financial future. That means investing wisely in what works such as police modernization, technology, and violence prevention programs that keep crime down, while making the necessary cuts to get our finances back on track.
A balanced budget with hard choices will allow us to continue to deliver the services our residents depend on now, and in the future. Some examples being responsive constituent service, infrastructure projects, expanded mental health care, and youth programs that keep our neighborhoods healthy and connected.
I will continue to negotiate aggressively on behalf of 43rd Ward residents to secure a balanced budget that protects these priorities, strengthens our credit standing, and keeps Chicago both affordable for families and competitive for employers. Our office will share weekly updates throughout the budget process so residents can stay informed and engaged as negotiations move forward.
Finally, I want to share an exciting new partnership with the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC). Our office is pleased to announce the start of VACCC mobile office hours located in the 43rd Ward office every 1st Tuesday of the month from 12pm - 4pm, starting on November 4th. During these office hours, a veteran service officer will be onsite and available to assist with various items such as mortgage and rental assistance, internet and phone bill assistance, bus passes and fuel cards, and much more!
Please share this scheduling link with your communities and any veterans that you may know. Through the event, we hope to uplift our amazing community of Veterans in Chicago - a group that we work to honor everyday through government service. I appreciate the VACCC’s willingness to directly offer one-on-one assistance and my office will continue to support and connect our veterans with the resources they deserve.
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Alderperson Knudsen's late grandparents, Alfred Knudsen and Eileen Knudsen, who served the U.S. Navy.
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Alderperson Timmy Knudsen
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P.S. At yesterday’s City Council meeting, Alderman Bennett Lawson (44th) introduced an expansion of the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance, which passed unanimously last month. Building on the citywide legalization of basement, attic, and coach house units, this proposal would extend ADUs to single-family districts in 19 additional wards—including the 43rd Ward. This is welcome momentum in tackling Chicago’s rising housing costs, and I appreciate Alderman Lawson’s continued leadership to bring even more wards on board before the ordinance takes effect next April.
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In response to the unwelcome and damaging presence of federal agents in our city, I launched a Toolkit to Support Immigrant Families in Chicago—a living resource my office and I will continue to update. It’s designed to help residents channel concern into action and stand up against abuses of power.
Chicago has always shown up for our neighbors—let’s keep showing up now with our time, skills, and voices. Please share this toolkit with your networks so every Chicagoan feels protected and supported.
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Community Meeting For 607 W Diversey
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P.S. Join us Thursday, October 23rd at 5:30 p.m. at Briny Swine (2577 N Clark St) for a community meeting co-hosted with the Park West Neighborhood Association to discuss a proposed development at 607 W. Diversey, currently an inactive parking lot. The applicant is seeking a rezoning to allow a mixed-use building with ground-floor retail and seven stories of residential units above. The image below shows a rendering of the proposed design. This meeting will be held in-person.
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Shred Event on November 16th
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43rd Ward Volunteer Corps
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The 43rd Ward’s Volunteer Corps Development Project (VCDP) Team is always looking to engage with anyone interested in volunteering with the ward. If you or anyone you know is interested in getting involved, fill out this form here to stay updated!
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Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund Toolkit
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Cook County homeowners who’ve faced significant property tax increases in recent years may be eligible for $1,000 in one-time financial assistance through the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund.
To qualify, applicants must:
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You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence.
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Your total household income must be at or below 100% of the Cook County Area Median Income (AMI).
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Your property tax bill must have increased by at least 50% in any of the 2021, 2022 or 2023 tax years.
Applications are open now through October 10, 2025, and you can apply here.
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ARO Units Available in Lincoln Park
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ARO units available now at The Base in Lincoln Park! These 3-bed 2-bath units are located in a brand-new building, which offers in-unit laundry, a rooftop pickleball court, and bike storage. They are $1798/month and are 60% AMI ARO units. The building is pet-friendly and has parking for rent, which is subject to availability. Please contact katie@rentlife.com to learn more about the income requirements and what documents are needed to apply.
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Crime, and safety remain top of mind for our community. Each week, the 18th and 19th District post Compstat numbers that reflect changes in indexes for key crimes. As a reminder, these statistics represent 100% of the 18th & 19th Police Districts; accordingly, they represent an area much larger than our ward.
For 18th District (south of Fullerton) Week 40 Compstat.
For 19th District (north of Fullerton) Week 40 Compstat.
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We work closely with the 43rd Ward’s local CAPS districts, which include the 18th (Near North) and 19th (Town Hall) Police Districts. Our office is in frequent contact with officers from both of these districts and their local CAPS officers, who host a variety of community forums and events including beat meetings, informational settings, and expert panel discussions, as well as sending out community alerts when a pattern of crime is detected.
Beat Meetings are part of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy and an excellent way to hear directly from CPD about your neighborhood. Meetings are held in the evenings every two months. Click here and find out your Police District and Beat number.
2025 43rd Ward CAPS Meetings:
Beat 1811 (5 PM) & 1813 (6 PM): November 4th.
Beats 1811 and 1813 meet at St. James Lutheran Church located at 2050 N Fremont St. They are in the basement of the Church and you should enter through the northernmost door on Fremont St.
Beat 1812 (5 PM) & 1814 (6 PM): November 6th.
Beat 1812 and 1814 are hosted at Wintrust Bank located at 100 W. North Ave. The meetings are hosted on the 2nd Floor of the bank. Elevators are on site.
Beat 1824 (6 PM): November 13th.
Beat 1824 meets at 1201 N Clark St in the Clark St Apartments.
Beat 1932 (6:30 PM): December 2nd.
Beat 1932 is hosted in the sanctuary at New Life Church located at 1110 W Lill Ave.
Beat 1935 (6:30 PM): December 17th.
Beat 1935 is hosted at Chabad East Lakeview located at 615 W Wellington Ave.
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The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced the start of a major rehabilitation project on the Cortland Street Bridge over the North Branch of the Chicago River. Beginning today, September 22, 2025, W Cortland Street will be closed to vehicle traffic in both directions between N Mendell Street and N Kingsbury Street. The closure is expected to last approximately 18–24 months. One sidewalk will remain open until winter 2025. Click here for more details.
Since this project is not in our Ward, we are keeping a close eye on the detour routes CDOT has proposed, including along Clybourn, where our Ward represents the East side. Alderman Knudsen remains committed to helping ensure pedestrian and biker safety are at the forefront of discussions. When our office gets more communication, we will be sure to include those in our newsletters to residents.
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Lincoln Park Farmers Market
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The Lincoln Park Farmers Market’s 44th annual season is up and running! The Lincoln Park Farmers Market’s 44th annual season is up and running! In 2025, the market will run on Saturdays from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, for a total of 31 consecutive weeks, through to Saturday, November 22, the Saturday before Thanksgiving, rain or shine. The much-loved neighborhood market is located in the parking lot of the Lincoln Park High School, 724 W Armitage Ave, just east of the intersection of Armitage Ave and Halsted St.
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North Ave Underpass Mural
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The world could use more joy and beauty right now! You can donate HERE.
We have a fundraising goal of $50,000. Any funds we raise in excess will be donated directly to the Lincoln Park Conservancy, an organization that is dear to my heart and that will be collecting and managing the funds and maintenance of the project. Chicago Public Arts Group has helped us navigate the process, coordinate the budget and is overseeing the permitting process and other tasks as needed.
During the design process we decided one side should represent the city during the day and the other in the evening.
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Lincoln Park Chamber's Spooktacular 2025
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Grab your costumes and candy buckets - it’s time for Spooktacular in Lincoln Park! Gather your ghouls for a weekend of trick-or-treating. Get ready for a frightfully fun time while you collect treats from 35+ businesses each day.
Saturday, October 25
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Lincoln Avenue, From Diversey to Webster
Sunday, October 26
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Clark Street, From Armitage to Diversey
Diversey from Lakeview to Orchard
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Known as "The Haunt of the Neighborhood”, Howler at Bauler is held each year during Halloween weekend in Bauler Park. From the neighborhood firehouse bringing its truck, to the neighborhood fitness center staffing games, to our congressman, alderman and state representatives greeting the crowds, everyone puts their heart into making this a great neighborhood event.
Howler at Bauler includes a costume parade, games, candy, a DJ to dance to and more to local neighborhood children and families.
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On Monday, October 20, at 6 pm, Congressman Mike Quigley will be hosting an emergency community meeting to address the massive increase in ICE activity in the Chicagoland area. Alongside the ACLU and The Resurrection Project, he will take questions about the federal, legal, and community responses to the situation. After our panel, The Resurrection Project will lead a Know Your Rights training so you know how to respond to an ICE confrontation and can tell your neighbors how to do the same. For the safety of all participants, pre-registration will be required.
Register for Monday's event HERE. If you are unable to join in person, a livestream will also be broadcast HERE
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Pumpkin Giveaway and Canned Food Drive
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Representative Croke's office is hosting their fifth annual Pumpkin Giveaway and Canned Food Drive! Join Representative Croke's team at Lincoln Central Association’s annual neighborhood Halloween party, Howler at Bauler, on October 25th from 3-5PM at Bauler Park (501 W Wisconsin). This family-friendly event includes a costume parade, face painting, a bouncy house, and if you bring a canned good to donate, you will receive a free pumpkin in return. All proceeds will go to the Nourishing Hope food pantry.
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Curious about the construction site at
530 W. Fullerton/Church of Our Savior?
Join us for the dedication and blessing of the
new Church of Our Savior Parish Commons and
the Care For Friends Community Hub!
Saturday, October 18th
2:30–3:30PM Building Tours
3:30–4:15 PM Dedication and
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
4:15–5:00 PM Blessing of the
. Parish Commons
5:00–7:00PM+ Reception
Feel free to join us for any or all of the events. If you'd like to attend the reception, please register so we can plan for food and drinks!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Have questions about street work happening in your area? The Department of Transportation has a wonderful tool to look up street work in your area called the Chi Street Work Portal. Here you can input an address and see all surrounding permits for projects on that street. The map is also interactive, allowing residents to view the real permits, view projects in other areas of the City, and see which type of work is being done on your street.
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Parking Enforcement via 311
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The Department of Finance (DOF) announced that City residents now have the option of reporting the following parking enforcement violations: Bus Lane Parking, Commercial Loading Zone, Commercial Vehicle Parked on a Residential Street, Disabled Parking, Fire Hydrant Parking, Residential Parking, Rush Hour Zones, School Safety Zones, Vehicle Parked in Bike Lane, Other (Semi-trucks parked on streets, etc.) Neighbors can report parking violations by calling 311, using the CHI311 app, or through the 311 website. The request type is “Finance Parking Code Enforcement Review.”
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E-Scooters and E-Bikes Policy Updates
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Please click here for updated guidance and rules from CDOT on Scooter and E-Bike rides.
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I want to keep spreading the good word of how powerful a tool CHI 311 is to address non-emergency services in our Ward. Via the CHI 311 website and mobile app, you can:
- Create new service requests and check the status of existing requests (such as on timing and completion).
- Snap a photo of an issue to submit it with a request to improve location accuracy.
- Get local and relevant information/tips regarding the 43rd Ward including visibility into what other requests are being made in your neighborhood. The free CHI 311 mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices and may be downloaded in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
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