Dear Neighbors,
I hope everyone stayed safe as we welcomed the season’s first snowfall on Monday. A big ‘thank you’ to our Department of Streets and Sanitation crews, and specifically, to our 43rd Ward Superintendent John who led the quick and important task of clearing our streets and sidewalks. Their efforts help keep our community safe, accessible, and moving, no matter what the weather brings.
This week, City Council continued hearings on the 2026 Budget proposal. As I’ve shared in recent newsletters, I do not support the budget in its current form, as it still needs meaningful adjustments to better balance fiscal responsibility with the services our residents rely on. While there have been a few changes, such as raising the threshold for the proposed head tax from 100 to 200 employees, revisions remain modest and insufficient.
Even as a ‘No’ vote, I will continue working in good faith with colleagues, the administration, and stakeholders to reduce the impact of the proposal and push it in a more responsible direction for Chicago’s long-term stability.
Congestion Around Bridge Closures
Following the letter I sent alongside several of my City Council colleagues urging Mayor Johnson and CDOT to prioritize reopening the river bridges, I want to share an update on the progress that’s been made. Over the past few weeks, CDOT has taken a number of steps to help reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and support our neighbors navigating the ongoing bridge reconstruction projects, especially around the Chicago/Halsted Bridge and Viaduct area.
To better manage traffic flow, CDOT has:
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Installed “Local Traffic Only” signs near Kingsbury and Chicago to reduce cut-through traffic on residential streets.
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Added “No Left Turn” and “No Parking” signage along Larrabee, Grand, and Superior.
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Refreshed pavement markings on Grand Avenue to improve visibility and safety.
To improve signage clarity, CDOT has:
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Simplified and updated detour signage for drivers and pedestrians.
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Removed redundant or confusing signs along both car and truck detour routes.
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Updated pedestrian detour signs west of Halsted between Chicago Ave and Erie St.
For transit coordination, CDOT has:
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Worked with CTA to reroute the Westbound #66 Chicago bus and Northbound #8 Halsted bus to help reduce congestion along the detour routes.
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Ordered reviewing of signal timing at high-traffic intersections.
My office remains in regular contact with CDOT, advocating for clearer communication, better coordination, and faster relief for everyone impacted. I’ll keep pushing for solutions that keep our community moving safely and reliably.
St Paul’s Renovations and Improvements
Last Sunday, I joined neighbors at Saint Pauls United Church of Christ to celebrate the completion of Phase II of its “Expand and Elevate Our Openness” project. Founded in 1843, St. Pauls has long been a leader in welcoming, social justice, and community engagement, and this nine-year, $6 million effort reflects that commitment. The latest phase makes all public spaces fully accessible and adds a beautiful new tree-lined courtyard for worship, events, and gathering. It builds on earlier upgrades completed during the pandemic, including accessible restrooms, a sanctuary ramp, and a new lobby. Go check it out at 2335 N Orchard!
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Shred Event This Sunday
Finally, I hope you’ll join the 43rd Ward Office for our Bi-Annual Recycle and Shred Event this Saturday, November 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N Cannon Dr). This is an opportunity to safely and responsibly dispose of personal documents and unwanted items that can’t go in the trash.
The event will feature paper shredding, electronic recycling, and prescription drug take back (only available from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.). Our office is proud to partner with State Representative Margaret Croke, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen, 30R4, and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office to make this event possible. See you there!
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Alderperson Timmy Knudsen
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P.S. Make the Future Brighter for Chicago’s youth by volunteering at Chicago Lights Tutoring. Currently, fifty more tutors are needed to work one-to-one with students grades 1-12. No experience is needed. You pick one night per week. Mondays are virtual. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are in-person from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E Chestnut St. Please contact Tutoring Staff at tutor@chicagolights.org.
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P.P.S. The federal government shutdown has now ended. According to the Illinois Department of Human Services website, the State anticipates that remaining SNAP benefit payments will be made over the coming days, with all SNAP recipients receiving their full November benefits by Nov. 20. Families receiving benefits can check their EBT Card balance by visiting IDHS: Illinois Link Card or by calling the Illinois Link Help Line: 1-800-678-LINK (5456).
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In response to the unwelcome and damaging presence of federal agents in our city, Our office launched a Toolkit to Support Immigrant Families in Chicago—a living resource Alderperson Knudsen & our office 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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Ald. Knudsen Rejects A “Head Tax” In The Mayor’s 2026 Budget
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Chicago needs a budget that supports public safety, strengthens our economy, and keeps our finances on track. Alderperson Knudsen will keep pushing for a balanced budget that prioritizes safety, smart investments, and essential services. You can read the Alderperson's full statement from our October 17th Newsletter, here.
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Ald. Knudsen Urges Johnson & CDOT to Prioritize Bridge Closures and Offer Alternative Traffic Congestion Plans
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"Finally, the ongoing closure of river bridges (especially the Cortland Bridge) has created major traffic strain and frustration for residents and businesses alike. During last week’s budget hearings, I joined several colleagues in calling for immediate, creative solutions and expedited action from the City. Alongside seven other aldermen, I sent a letter to Mayor Johnson urging his administration and CDOT to prioritize this bridge issue. My office will continue pushing for clearer communication, smarter coordination, and the fastest safe timeline possible to get these bridges reopened." -Ald. Timmy Knudsen
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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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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 45 Compstat.
For 19th District (north of Fullerton) Week 45 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, 1813, 1812, 1814, and 1824 have held their last meetings for 2025. If you need assistance, please reach out to the 18th District CAPS office.
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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How to Talk to Kids During Times of Fear and Uncertainty
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Join CPS Board Member Ellen Rosenfeld, State Representatives Jaime Andrade and Ann Williams, and all our co-hosts on November 19th, 2025 6:00 - 7:15 PM for a conversation designed to support families during these uncertain times. RSVP HERE for the link.
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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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VACCC Mobile Office Hours
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Our office wants 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, the next event being on December 2nd. 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.
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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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