Dear Neighbors,
Recently, a local business owner asked me the question, “what drives you?”. We each have a personal response to this question, often including themes like the health and happiness of our families, commitment to meaningful work and the belief that a stronger collective future is achievable. Similar to humans, when organizations are able to clearly identify their purpose, they are better guided towards their goals.
In last week’s 2024 43rd Ward Year in Review, we looked back and outlined many recent development, infrastructure, parks and public safety accomplishments in our community. In this week’s newsletter, we are looking into the future and introducing the new “43rd Ward Mission-Vision-Values”. Authored by the 43rd Ward Volunteer Corps Development Project Team (VCDP), read more on what this means below, throughout 2024, these Mission-Vision-Values are a living framework to guide the 43rd Ward Aldermanic Office for years and leaders to come. Please enjoy reading this special newsletter below.
|
For over a century, the 43rd Ward has been a cornerstone of our community, rooted in service and civic engagement. Today, we proudly unveil our Mission, Vision, and Values statements. These are more than words; they embody our collective identity and aspirations.
As the needs of our community evolve, it is essential to clearly define what drives us. Our
Mission, Vision, and Values serve as beacons for all of our constituents, ensuring a shared
understanding of our purpose and direction.
This initiative was driven by Alderman Timmy Knudsen and his dedicated staff, alongside theVolunteer Corps Development Project Team, a multigenerational group of residents of the 43rd Ward working on elements of the Ward’s infrastructure. The collaborative process reflects a unified effort to capture the spirit and future goals of our community. To ground our efforts in crafting the Mission-Vision-Values for the 43rd Ward, we began with the following guiding definitions:
- Mission: This affirms our continuous commitment to serving and enhancing the
community.
- Vision: This articulates our hopes for a thriving future.
- Values: These highlight the principles that guide our everyday actions.
|
The 43rd Ward is a vibrant and welcoming urban community renowned for its parks, schools, recreation, businesses, and culture. We prioritize quality of life for all, fostering a safe, engaged community where every generation contributes and thrives inclusive of their age, background, race, identity, and socioeconomic status. The 43rd Ward is situated in Chicago – from Diversey to Division and the Lakefront to Racine.
|
To create an inclusive, strong and equitable lakefront community where people of all ages and backgrounds thrive. We envision a 43rd Ward where every Chicagoan and visitor feels a sense of belonging and access, supported by outstanding cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities. Our community is defined by robust businesses, a commitment to safety, and active participation from residents and business owners alike. We cherish our community and welcome individuals, families, and businesses to join us in building a dynamic and shared future.
|
Our 43rd Ward Community Values are a compass for our neighborhood’s journey. They help us stay on the same page, making decisions that reflect what we truly care about, as residents and businesses. They set the tone for how we want to live, work and grow together.
- Safety: We prioritize the security of residents, businesses, and visitors through effective, collaborative safety strategies and initiatives to continue to cultivate a welcoming community.
- Stewardship: We responsibly manage resources and advocate for the preservation and improvement of the educational resources, infrastructure, parks, cultural assets, and affordability that support quality of life in the 43rd Ward.
- Engagement: We provide opportunities for all members of the community to thrive,
contribute, and actively participate in community development efforts including the
support of underserved communities with food, shelter, and other services.
- Economic Vitality: We prioritize a thriving economy built on innovation, entrepreneurship, responsible practices and opportunity for all Chicagoans. By supporting local businesses, fostering equitable job opportunities, and forming strategic partnerships, we aim for long-term prosperity and a vibrant community for all.
- Innovation: We lead citywide as a ward that embraces new ideas, technologies, and approaches to address challenges, attract businesses, and improve community life.
|
Our long-standing legacy has brought us to this moment. These guiding statements honor that history while providing a framework for intentional, transparent, and forward-looking service. We extend our gratitude to all who contributed to this important project, laying the foundation for our collective journey ahead. Our Mission, Vision and Values statements are proudly displayed in the reception area of our 43rd Ward Office.
|
43rd Ward Staff
Alderman Timmy Knudsen
McKay Murphy, Chief of Staff
Maggie Sullivan Walsh, Director of Constituent Services
Emma Chesniak, Director of Operations & Logistics
Isabella Corya, Director of Zoning and Sustainable Urban Development
Alik Schier, Aldermanic Aide
Marie Delaney, Aldermanic Aide
Volunteer Corps Development Project Team
Diane Fitzgerald, Team Leader
Jane Bachmann
Megan Lee
Leah Marshall
Sherry Smith
Estelle Winkleman
|
P.S. This year we will launch the new 43rd Ward-wide volunteer program through the VCDP. If you are interested in learning about volunteer experiences in your community, please fill out the simple form here.
|
Our office will be closed on Monday, January 20th for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will reopen at 9am on Tuesday, January 21st. This closure includes our Saturday hours on January 18th, which will return on Saturday, January 25th at 10am. Garbage and Recycling pickup may be affected by the Holiday next week, so residents are asked to keep their cans out for pickup the full week, not just solely on their scheduled day.
|
43rd Ward Office Hours: M-F 9am-5pm & Sat 10am-12pm
|
|
