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2026 Budget Update
 

On Monday, I voted against the Mayor’s proposed revenue package, which failed 25–10. Chicago doesn’t need new taxes on jobs, Ubers and essential services before we look at how City government can be a more efficient steward of taxpayer dollars. I also voiced concerns about a potential massive $3.8 billion borrowing authorization. In their report, Ernst & Young identified up to $1.4 billion in potential total savings, including near-term opportunities for savings on fleet optimization, leased office space, and procurement that have not been included in this budget. 

 

I’ll keep working with my colleagues to find real, responsible solutions that support growth and development in every part of our city.
 

Christmas Tree Lighting in Millennium Park

November 21st, 6pm

Near Michigan & Washington

 

Tomorrow, November 21, the 112th annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting will take place in Millennium Park. The tree will be placed near the corner of Michigan Ave and Washington St. The tree lights will be lit around 6pm on Friday evening, and the lights will remain on until January 11. 

 

Salt trucks will be placed on Michigan Ave at Randolph St and Monroe St. CTA buses will be temporarily rerouted to avoid the area. Additionally, the following roads will be closed from 10am to 11:59pm on Friday, 11/21:

  • Michigan Ave from Randolph to Monroe
  • Garland Ct from Randolph to Monroe
  • Washington St from Michigan to Garland
  • Madison St from Michigan to Garland

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early at any of the following four entrances:

  • Northwest corner of Pritzker Pavilion
  • Randolph and Michigan
  • Monroe and Michigan
  • Southwest corner of Pritzker Pavilion
 
 

On November 1st, many Chicagoans saw cuts to critical SNAP resources. Organizations like the Greater Chicago Food Depository are continuing their vital food distribution work across our City, including at Our Lady of the Holy Family. They opened up additional distribution sites on Saturdays in November (click here for hours):

  • Grace and Peace, 1856 N LeClaire Ave, Chicago

  • Harmony Community Cares, 1908 S Millard Ave, Chicago

  • St. Sabina, 1210 W 78th Place, Chicago

  • Nourishing Hope - Ravenswood, 5151 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago

  • Sankofa Food Market, 901 E 95th Street, Chicago

  • Free-N-Deed Market, 14200 S Martin Luther King Dr, Dolton

Please click here for a full list of the Greater Chicago Food Depository's locations near you.

 

If you're interested in volunteering to support their mission, please click here.
 

Green City Market

  • 900 W. Monroe between Peoria and Sangamon
  • Saturdays 8am-1pm, starting May 3 until November 22

This week, pick up provisions for your Thanksgiving get-togethers and then head over to the park to help the Mary Bartelme Park Advisory Council set up for their annual holiday celebration!

Santa Casting Call

 

If you're interested in adding a one-night-only performance as 'Santa Claus' to your resume, look no further than the December 6th Mary Bartelme Park holiday celebration! The Mary Bartelme Park Advisory Council is seeking a volunteer to help light up the park as Old St. Nick from 3:30-5:30.

 

Email the Park Advisory Council to learn more.
 

Help shape the Chicago Inspector General's project priorities for 2026!

OIG is accepting feedback through December 31, 2025.

 

The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) has published two draft documents that share details of proposed projects under consideration for 2026. Both documents are posted on OIG’s website for public review and comment.

Community feedback helps OIG prioritize projects for the coming year to align with what is of most concern and importance to all Chicagoans. OIG invites you to explore both draft plans and encourages you to provide your feedback by taking the community feedback survey at igchicago.org/survey.
 
 
 

Know Your Rights

 

The City has created a "Protecting Chicago" website to connect neighbors with resources and information about their immigration rights in Chicago. Please click below to be connected with the City's new "Protecting Chicago" site.
 

CDOT Electric Vehicle Survey

 

The Chicago Department of Transportation is asking residents to share their feedback on their Electric Vehicle and Mobility Infrastructure initiative through a short community survey. Click below to take the share your thoughts.
 

2025 Street Sweeping Schedule

 

Street sweeping is almost done for the season! Find a map and scheduled dates here. Be sure to move your vehicle on your posted street sweeping dates to avoid getting ticketed or towed. As leaves fall, please do not sweep them into the street. That is not only a violation of City Ordinance, but can lead to flooding and icy conditions during the winter months. 

Call 311 to request yard waste pick up, or use leaves as mulch in your yard. 
 

Affordable ARO Housing Available for Veterans

 

Because of a new ordinance co-sponsored by Ald. Conway, all ARO housing units prioritize veteran applicants for one month before the units are available to other eligible applicants.

 

Two 1-bedrooms available for $1308, one for an immediate move-in and one for January and two 2-bedrooms available for $1569, one available for an immediate move-in and one available for January. Porte is in the 60% AMI range for income restrictions. Visit the Porte Apartments website to inquire. 
 

West Loop Historic Plaques Project

 

The West Loop is steeped in history. In fact, we have 19 historical designations, but only two plaques: Old St. Pat’s- National Register of Historic Places plaque and The Jackson Boulevard Historic District- Chicago Landmark plaque. 

To see the rest of the designations, please visit Connie Fairbanks' website.

 

On Wednesday, I joined Connie for the installation of the sign at 728 W. Jackson, which is the former site of the Hart, Schaffner & Marx clothier. Only a Condo Board approval and payment is needed for these types of plaques.

 

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! 
 

2025 Beat Meeting Schedules

 

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!

 

There is one beat meeting scheduled for next week. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 25th in the 1st District.

  • Beat 1214: Tuesday, November 25th at 6:00pm  
    • Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, 1121 N Leavitt
 

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. 

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.
 
 
 

Canal Street Detour

 

Starting last Monday, November 3, a CDOT project began on Canal Street (from Lake to Kinzie).  Closures started on Canal Street with local access provided via Fulton Street. This closure will be in place for approximately 5 weeks, weather permitting. 

Additional signage was installed to close eastbound Lake Street at Clinton Street and direct traffic to the approved eastbound detour via Washington Street.
 

Lake Street Bascule Bridge Rehabilitation

Closure started 9am 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.

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. 

 

The CDOT project website will be updated with the most up-to-date information on construction, and you can learn more here.

With any ongoing questions about this project, please reach out to the CDOT project team.
 

State / Lake CTA Station Upgrade

 

CDOT and CTA continue work to transform the 108-year-old CTA train station at State & Lake. The work will affect the CTA bus routes listed here. Lake St has been reduced to one lane at the site, and State St has been reduced to one lane in each direction between Wacker Dr and Randolph St.

 

The CTA train station will remain open, and access to surrounding businesses will be maintained throughout construction. The new station is expected to be finished in 2029.
 

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.
 

Speed Camera Installations

 

Automated speed cameras are planned for installation at the following locations:

  • on Racine, between Harrison and Lexington
  • INSTALLED - on Desplaines, between Jackson and Monroe
  • on Jefferson, between Jackson and Monroe
  • INSTALLED - on Michigan, between Monroe and Van Buren
    • 30-day warning period began on 8/1, with citations starting 9/15

These locations were chosen because of their proximities to parks and schools. Installation dates will be shared as they are available.
 

Bridge Repairs
 

2025 Menu Improvement Projects

 

The following project start dates are subject to change, pending weather and equipment considerations.

 

Street Resurfacing Projects

  • Rescheduled for 2026: S. Carpenter Street, from Taylor to Arthington
  • Completed: Wabash from Wacker to Balbo
  • Complete: N. Garland Ct., from W. Randolph to W. Washington
  • Complete: N. Holden Ct., from W. Washington to dead end
  • Completed: N. Green Street, from Madison to Washington
  • Completed: N. Peoria Street, from Madison to Washington
  • Completed: S. Ada Street, from Lexington to Flournoy
  • Completed: W. Polk Street, from Morgan to Racine

Alley Improvement Projects

  • Rescheduled for 2026: North/south alley bounded by S. Wabash, S. State, E. Jackson, E. Adams
  • Rescheduled for 2026: East/west alley bounded by W. Lexington St., W. Flournoy St., S. Ada St., S. Lytle St.
  • Rescheduled for 2026: North/south alley bounded by W. Taylor St., W. Arthington St., S. Carpenter St., S. Aberdeen St.
  • Completed: North/south alley bounded by S. Wabash, S. Michigan, E. Adams, E. Jackson
  • Completed: East/west alley bounded by S. Racine, S. Aberdeen, W. Adams St., W. Monroe St.
  • Completed: North/south alley bounded by W. Flournoy, W. Harrison, S. Racine, W. Westgate

Sidewalk Improvements

  • In progress: tripping hazards at 802 and 837 S. Carpenter

Residential Bump Out Installations

  • Completed: W. Monroe & S. Green – detached bump outs - (1) at each corner
  • Completed: S. Jefferson & W. Congress – (2) curb extensions 
  • Completed: W. Van Buren & S. Aberdeen – (1) curb extension to be installed on the N/W corner
  • Completed: S. Jefferson & W. Harrison – (2) curb extensions to be installed on the N/W & N/E corners

Residential Lighting Improvement Projects

  • Completed: 800 & 900 block of S. Carpenter
  • Completed: 800 & 900 block of S. Miller
  • Completed: 1000 block of W. Arthington
  • Completed: 1000 block of W. Cabrini

If you have any questions regarding these or any other infrastructure projects here in the 34th Ward, please reach out to Dan from my office at 312-744-6820 or via email to dan@ward34.org.
 

Ashland/I-290 Expressway Viaduct Work

 

Stage 1 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. 

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.

 

Stage 1 will remain in effect until the west side of the bridge is reconstructed. Following this, Stage 2 will be implemented to reconstruct the east half of the bridge. During Stage 2, traffic configuration will also consist of two lanes southbound and one lane northbound on Ashland Ave. The project is anticipated to be complete late Spring 2026. Stage 1 traffic configuration was implemented at the end of April 2025, and is on schedule to be completed by December. The project is still anticipated to be completed by June 2026. There are no changes to stage 1 traffic configuration.

 

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.

 

For road construction updates and general travel information please visit IDOT’s Getting Around Illinois website.
 

Traffic Management: Tribune and U-Haul Demolition

 

  • Monday-Friday truck traffic will be focused from 9am – 4pm to avoid the morning and afternoon commuter rush hours. Once trucks are on-site, they will be on private property and not in the public right of way.
  • Weekends will be used for heavy hauling and will limit truck traffic from 8:00am – 8:00pm.
  • Traffic entrance and exit as noted in the above diagram (please note, barging material as shown, is not an option at this point). If more entrances and access become available, Brandenburg will consider editing said plan.
  • Brandenburg has a scale set up onsite and random trucks leaving the site will be weighed to verify optimal capacity and to adhere to city trucking load limits.
  • This plan will be modified as conditions in the field dictate.
 

Work is underway for the Canal Street Viaduct reconstruction.

Update: November 13, 2025

 

The partial opening of Canal Street, from Adams Street to Jackson Boulevard, is projected to occur by the end of this year.  Traffic will be staged to safely align with other adjacent ongoing construction projects on Canal Street.  Pedestrian access to both sides of Canal Street will be open for use at this time.


The project is anticipated to be completed in February 2026. If you have any questions, please email the project email address at CDOTCanalProjects@gmail.com.
 
 

The City of Chicago and Cook County are hiring! View their respective job posting sites below:
 
 
 
 

National Hellenic Museum Events

333 S. Halsted

 

Click on the linked event to learn more and register!
 

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.

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.
 

Helping Cats Near You

 

4th Sunday of every month, 4pm - 6pm
Details here.

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!