Dear Neighbors,
We are closely monitoring the news out of Springfield around the future funding of the Regional Transit Association and CTA. As a frequent CTA rider myself, I believe that we must ensure the CTA remains safe, accountable, and efficient. Our office invites you to attend an upcoming virtual town hall focused on the transit funding cliff, held by State Senators Sara Feigenholtz and Ram Villivalam. On Wednesday, June 11th at 6:30pm the Senators will share updates from the state's spring legislative session and detail what’s ahead for reforming and funding our regional transit systems. You can submit questions in advance and RSVP here.
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On Wednesday, Federal ICE agents detained at least 10 immigrant neighbors in the South Loop who had been told they needed to check-in at a monitoring program administered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. As we have written before, Chicago is a welcoming city. We recommend that Chicagoans know their immigration rights, regardless of documentation status. Several months ago when potential ICE raids began, it became clear the power of ‘knowing your rights’, when ICE leadership noted that they were not able to successfully raid businesses. This was supported by neighbors by you getting involved, including leadership of the restaurant community who stood up to protect their workers.
This week, my team joined the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting ceremony at Abrah Bakery & Daily Bistro (2269 N Lincoln Ave.). As a huge fan and daily customer of Soloway Coffee, I couldn’t be more excited about Abrah as the Soloway team’s next venture on Lincoln which serves full service breakfast and dinner. “Abrah” (short for Abraham) is a gesture of gratitude and dedication towards the place, city, and country that welcomed them. Abrah is a unique blend of two different cultures – American and Ukrainian, and we are proud that Soloway & Abrah call the 43rd Ward home.
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As we enter Summer, this weekend will be a busy one in the 43rd Ward. Even with some inclement weather predicted, I encourage everyone to join their neighbors for some fun and relaxation! Greek Fest will be held all weekend long in the 2700 block of N. Sheffield. Experience the Ancient Greek concept of “filoxenia” and the famous hospitality of Greek culture. On Saturday, kick off the “Season of Sunshine” at the Lincoln Park Health & Wellness Weekend held at Lincoln Common (2335 N. Lincoln Ave.), which will extend to free wellness classes at Theater on the Lake (2401 N. Lakeshore Dr.) on Sunday. Also on Saturday, bring the whole family to Jonquil Park for “Family Fun Fest” hosted by the Wrightwood Neighborhood Association. WNA still needs a few volunteers to ensure the event runs smoothly, and if you are able to, please click here to sign up to volunteer.
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Finally, this upcoming Monday, June 9th our office will be hosting a “Ward Walk” with the Lincoln Central Neighborhood Association. Ward Walks are a helpful way for us to talk directly with neighbors about constituent service requests and identify potential projects we can use our infrastructure menu dollars to fund. These Ward Walks will also feature an “educational” moment on how to use the CHI311 app. This walk will take place on Monday, June 9th at 5:30 PM starting at the southwest corner of Fire Station Park, I hope to see you there!
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Wishing you a happy start to PRIDE,
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Alderperson Timmy Knudsen 🌈 🏳️🌈
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P.S. This past week, the Lincoln Park community lost a valuable member of our neighborhood, Carole Ann Peterson. Outside of being a loving mother, sister, and most proudly: grandmother, Carole was a co-founder of the Lake View Summer Streets Program in Chicago and was the Executive Director of the Park West After School program based in the St. Paul's United Church of Christ here in Lincoln Park for ten years. You can read her full obituary here.
P.P.S. This week a massive investment was announced in the South Loop project “The 78”, wherein the Chicago Fire will build a 22,000 person stadium for games and other events. The 78 will also include a large amount of housing, and is a great growth indicator for Chicago. Different from other stadium pitches, the Chicago Fire Stadium will be built through private investment by Joe Mansueto. We are excited about the Chicago Fire stadium project, as another strong indicator of Chicago’s momentum.
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Memorial Day Weekend launched the start of our "Team Fridays" which will alter office hours to 9am-2pm every Friday through Labor Day in order to commit time to weekly staff development and goal setting from outside the office.
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43rd Ward Volunteer Corps
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The new 43rd Ward-wide volunteer program through the VCDP is always looking for new members. If you know someone who may be interested in learning about volunteer experiences in our community, please send them this email and have them fill out a simple form here.
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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 22 Compstat.
For 19th District (north of Fullerton) Week 22 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): July 8th, September 2nd, & 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): July 10th, September 4th & 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): July 17th, September 11th, and November 13th.
Beat 1824 meets at 1201 N Clark St in the Clark St Apartments.
Beat 1932 (6:30 PM): August 5th, October 7th, and December 2nd.
Beat 1932 is hosted in the sanctuary at New Life Church located at 1110 W Lill Ave.
Beat 1935 (6:30 PM): June 18th, August 20th, October 15th, and December 17th.
Beat 1935 is hosted at Chabad East Lakeview located at 615 W Wellington Ave.
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Commercial Business Safety Tips & Robbery Safety Tips
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19th District Community Alert
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18th District Traffic Stop Policy Meeting
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If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
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The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a free, 24/7, confidential service that provides support and connections to resources for those in distress. Call or text 988 or go to 988lifeline.org/chat to start a chat with a trained listener.
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Some areas of Chicago are covered under the CARE program, which connects trained mental health professionals to 911 callers experiencing a mental health crises. Mental health professionals can respond to calls with on-site support, help directing the caller to mental health care and follow-up calls. See those areas here.
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Chicago area support resources for mental health crises can be found here.
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The Chicago Department of Public Health Mental Health Centers offer care that provides support for emotional, traumatic, or behavioral difficulties. All Mental Health Centers provide outpatient mental health services for adults, children and adolescents including intake/screening, individual therapy, group therapy, case management, and medication management (same-day medication appointments). Support is based on needs identified by the consumer, including goals, objectives, and specific mental health services. These services are provided free of charge to all Chicagoans.
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Chicago and suburban Cook County residents can access 2-1-1 and get connected to critical health and social services. 2-1-1 is a free, local, 24/7/365 service that connects all Cook County residents to essential health and social service support and information during times of non-emergency crisis and for everyday needs.
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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. Help us showcase wildlife in the city as well as the urban and natural landmarks we know and love in Lincoln Park!
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Old Town Art Fair Volunteers
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The Old Town Art Fair is looking for volunteers. This year marks the 75th anniversary of this historic, world-class festival that could not take place without amazing community volunteers. Please consider helping out. There are three gate volunteer shifts each day: Saturday at 12:15 - 3:30 pm, and 3:15 - 7:00 pm (6:00 pm on Sunday) their greatest need! Experienced volunteers are asked to consider signing up to be "captains." All volunteers get free admission. Please reach out to volunteer@oldtownartfair.org for more info.
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Immigration and Know Your Rights Event!
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The City of Chicago Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights along with the Consulate General of Mexico, the Consulate General of Guatemala, the Cook County Public Defenders, Attorney Rocio Velazquez Kato, and other community organizations, are organizing this immigration information session. During this event, we will be sure to provide you with immigration updates like Alien Registration Requirement, Self-Deportation vs. Voluntary Departure, TPS and IRS/ITIN, Increased ICE activity under immigration law: What to expect and how to prepare, and understanding your rights regardless of your immigration status in this country. When: Tuesday, June 10th, 5 PM - 7:30 PM Where: Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Parish, 4432 N Troy St, Chicago, IL 60625 *On-site registration required and this event will be in Spanish only. Register Here.
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Our office is proud to partner with State Rep. Omar Williams for a Shred Event on June 28th from 10am to 1pm.
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Click on the image to enlarge the event schedule for Wrightwood Neighborhood Association's (WNA) events this summer!
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Jonquil Park Family FunFest
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June 7th- Jonquil Park Family Fun Fest 11:00am-3:00pm. Free family event for our neighbors in Jonquil Park.
Looking ahead to our summer event season—and it kicks off soon with the Jonquil Park Family FunFest (JPFF)! We need volunteers to help with everything from setup and games to handing out popcorn and bringing joy. We’re also hoping to find someone (or a spirited teen!) who’s willing to don a fun mascot costume for a short while to bring a little extra magic to the event. If that sounds like you or someone you know, please reach out—it’s a memory-maker for sure! Click here to sign up to volunteer.
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Youth Communication Mural Dedication
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The Youth Communication Mural unveiling on Saturday, June 7th at 11:30am at 450 W. Menomonee. The mural, created by Arturo Barrera, represents the iconic images of the beautiful Old Town neighborhood. The Chicago Sifonietta has volunteered to join us for the opening with the wonderful sounds of their String Quartet. Mr. Arturo Barrera, Art Instructor, and his students who traveled from Pasteur Elementary school on Saturday mornings to paint the mural will also be in attendance. A dedication plaque will be affixed to the mural and will display the names of Artists, youth artists and those who sponsored this great mural.
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Sunday, June 08, 2025 from 07:30 am - 01:30 pm CDT
ST. TERESA OF AVILA CHURCH PARISH CENTER
1950 N. KENMORE AVE
CHICAGO, IL 60614
Register here.
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Join Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church on Monday, June 9th for their Queer Sacred Space Salon!
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Kids Story time at Lilliput Books
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Join Lilliput Books and Connections Academics for story time. Arrive 5-10 minutes early to pick your seat. Doors open 15 minutes before story time at 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, June 8
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Lilliput Books
2150 N. Halsted
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Chicago Commission on Human Relations Stand Up To Hate
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Our mission to serve Chicagoans remains unchanged. You Have Rights. Use Them. Report hate and discrimination to the CCHR.
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The Mayor’s Youth Commission is a City of Chicago formal advisory body of up to 40 Chicagoans between the ages 14 and 19 who are passionate about issues that impact youth. These commissioners advise the Mayor and City leaders, represent their peers and communities, and learn about policy and projects within the City of Chicago. The Youth Commissioners meet on a monthly basis to collaborate and positively impact Chicago’s future. Commissioners are paid a yearly stipend for their work. The 2024-2025 Youth Commission New Ideas Booklet will be launching in May 2025. Looking to get more information about the program and how to fill out a quality application? Click here and enter the password: r8NP4!kX
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The Chicago Fire Department is proud to announce the return of Camp Courage, a three-day summer camp program running June 23 – July 30, 2025, at six locations across the city. This exciting initiative offers young participants a unique opportunity to explore careers in firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS) through engaging, hands-on activities including:
- Fire safety and EMS procedures
- CPR and basic life support
- Fitness and team-building exercises
- Mentorship from CFD professionals
The Camp Courage application can be accessed on the attached flyer.
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Night Out in the Parks activates parks across the city with robust cultural events – bringing neighbors together to laugh, dance, sing, and learn. The Chicago Park District, in partnership with local artists and organizations, presents over 600 engaging events and performances to amplify the artistic and cultural vibrancy of our city in every neighborhood and enhance quality of life across Chicago. As always, Night Out in the Parks will showcase local artists, focus on activating nature spaces via art and music, and establishing parks as places to experience and appreciate the City’s local culture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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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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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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