July 2025 Newsletter

Happy 4th of July! We hope you and your loved ones enjoy a safe and joyful holiday weekend.

If you are still mapping out your fireworks viewing strategy or need inspiration to make the most of your long weekend, check out the official Choose Chicago 4th of July Guide here. We’ve gathered some of our team’s favorites here:

  • Grant Park Music Festival’s Independence Day Salute: Enjoy a free, patriotic concert by the Grant Park Orchestra at the stunning Jay Pritzker Pavilion on July 4th. For more information, click here
  • Relax by the Water: With the beautiful weather, spending time by Chicago’s famous waterways is always a good idea. Pack a picnic, soak up the sun at the beach, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic Riverwalk.
  • Navy Pier Fireworks: The iconic show over Lake Michigan is always a must-see! The show will be at 10 PM on Saturday, July 5th, but if you miss it, don’t worry. Navy Pier has shows every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer. The full schedule is here.

We Want to Hear From You!

Illinois faces a $771 million shortfall in our transit system, which will significantly impact the accessibility and efficiency of our public transportation system if left unaddressed. I recognize that Chicago’s transit system is essential to the economic vitality, connectivity, and quality of life in our district. I welcome your input on the challenges and solutions for public transit to help guide my legislative efforts.

To take the survey, click here.

In the Community

Old Town Art Fair Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Thank you to the Old Town Triangle Association for having my office at the Old Town Art Fair’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. OTTA’s Art Fair celebrated its 75th Anniversary, making it one of the oldest fairs in the country.  With over 220 nationally acclaimed artists, an estimated 30,000 art lovers were in attendance throughout the weekend.

Alderman Bennett Lawson’s 4th Annual Bike Parade

 

On June 14, my office kicked off the morning with Alderman Bennett Lawson’s 4th Annual Bike Parade. Nearly 100 children and adults joined us, filling Broadway in East Lakeview with bikes, community spirit, and plenty of smiles.

Pride Fest

My office had an incredible time teaming up with Congressman Mike Quigley, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz and Alderman Bennett Lawson at Pride Fest. We loved connecting with so many of you. If you’re out and about at a community event in Illinois’ 12th District, keep an eye out for our government table. We’re always there to offer helpful resources, answer your questions, and just say hello.

Government Updates

The Cook County Board of Review

The Cook County Board of Review has officially opened the 2025 tax year session for appeals. Property owners may Pre-File an appeal of their 2025 property taxes with the Cook County Board of Review now, OR you can wait until the Assessor has finalized the property value and then file an appeal when your township’s 30-day appeal period opens.

You will be notified when your township is open for appeals. You are not required to submit comparable properties as evidence with your appeal. The Board of Review will provide the latest and most accurate data to substantiate your appeal.

Property Tax Appeal Resources:

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please reach out to Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele at bordistrict2info@cookcountyil.gov or call (312) 603-5542.

Medicaid Updates

With the upcoming end of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency funding, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will resume its regular process of reviewing Medicaid eligibility. To ensure you continue to receive coverage, HFS will be contacting members with important information. Please make sure your contact details are current.

Updating your address and other information is easy, fast and free. Call 877-805-5312 from 7:45am–4:30pm or visit medicaid.illinois.gov. If you use a TTY, call 1-877-204-1012.

Grant Opportunities

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has a variety of grants available:

  • Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program will identify a network of at least 13 Illinois Clean Jobs Program delivery hub sites (“Workforce Hubs”) throughout the State to recruit and provide clean energy and related workforce training to job seekers. The grant will fund the execution of this program as well as boost clean employment efficiency. Eligible applicants are community-based organizations, defined as organizations that: provides employment, skill development or related services to members of the community. This includes, but is not limited to community colleges, nonprofits, and local government organizations. The deadline to apply for this grant program is July 14th by 11:59pm CST, and rewards range from $500,000 to $4,000,000. For more details, contact Diana Fuller at diana.fuller@illinois.gov or click here.
  • The Clean Energy Career Pathway Program will provide funding directly to eligible recipients to support the planning and implementation of a Clean Energy Career Pathway. Programs will include coursework, field experiences, and work-based learning designed to prepare students for entrance into careers focusing on electric vehicles. This funding opportunity seeks qualified, eligible public or private educational institutions at the secondary and post-secondary level that will work with the Local Workforce Innovation Areas and employers to recruit students into clean energy fields and create pathways encompassing technical and employability skills with dual credit options. The deadline to apply for this grant is September 30th by 11:59pm CST, and rewards range from $250,000 – $750,000. For more details contact John Barr at john.w.barr@illinois.gov or click here.

The Illinois Department of Human Services

The Community Youth Services (CYS) grant program equips Illinois communities to prevent youth violence and delinquency (ages 11-24) using a systematic, resident-led planning approach. CYS tackles the root causes of risky behaviors by fostering safer, healthier environments for youth. Local committees implement targeted strategies that bolster community engagement, youth development, family support, connections to essential services, and advocacy for improved local conditions.

For more information, click here or email Jennifer Roland at jroland@icoyouth.org.

Illinois Department of Public Health

The Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure grant program offers two grant opportunities with the purpose of funding breast cancer research, education and survivor services.

  • The Community Outreach Grant works to boost breast cancer awareness through community outreach, public information campaigns, and events. The goal is to empower the community with knowledge about incidence, risk factors, prevention, and screening resources, ultimately increasing screenings for high-risk individuals.
  • The Patient Navigation Grant aims to promote equity in breast cancer outcomes by conducting patient navigation activities. Education organizations, government organizations, nonprofit organizations, health departments, and community-based organizations with 501c3 status are eligible to apply to either grant.

The deadline to apply for both grants is July 7th, 2025 by 5:00pm CST. The reward range is up to $50,000 for the Community Outreach Grant, and up to $2,500,000 for the Patient Navigation Grant. For more details, please contact Sarah O’Connor at (217) 524-9297 or through email at sarah.oconnor@illinois.gov.

Upcoming Events and Community Meetings

Lincoln Park Farmers Market

The Lincoln Park Farmers Market’s 44th annual season is up and running. The market is on Saturdays in the parking lot of the Lincoln Park High School (724 W Armitage Ave) from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM until Saturday, November 22. To learn more, click here.

19th Police District Council Meeting

The 19th Police District Council will host their next meeting on Wednesday, July 23rd at 6:30pm at Alcott Elementary School (2625 N. Orchard Street). For more information, click here.

Armitage and Halsted Sidewalk Sale

The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce will hold the Armitage and Halsted Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20th from 11am to 5pm. This event gives the community the opportunity to see all that the businesses on this corridor have to offer.

Dine Out on Broadway

The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce is bringing back their Dine Out on Broadway Event on July 11th, 12th, and 13th. During this event, stretches of Broadway will be closed to traffic, allowing restaurants to set up tables for neighbors to dine outside.

Lincoln Central Association Summer Block Party

Lincoln Central Association is excited to again partner with Carnival Grocery for the Summer Block Party on Saturday, July 12th from12-3PM at the intersection of W Dickens and N Lincoln Ave. This family-friendly event will feature face painting, a balloon artist, games from Lakeshore Sports and Fitness, music, and more. This event is free to enter and open to the public.

Sheffield Garden Walk

The 54th Annual Sheffield Garden Walk will take place on Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th. This free community event will feature a self-guided walking tour of 40+ beautiful gardens, live music, interactive installations, architecture walks, and more!

To kick the event off, the Sheffield Neighborhood Association is hosting a Family Fest at Oscar Mayer Magnet School (2250 N Clifton) on Saturday, July 19. For more information, click here.

Lincoln Park Zoo’s Summer Wine Fest

Lincoln Park Zoo’s Annual Summer Wine Fest is July 25th, starting at 6PM with VIP Admission, and 7PM for General Admission. This 21+ event will feature more than 50 different varieties from 20 wineries, all of which you’ll enjoy while admiring the zoo’s lush gardens and animal habitats, featuring more than 170 animal species from around the world.

To learn more and to purchase tickets, please visit the zoo’s website here.

Resources

Beat the Heat

Chicago experienced its first true heat wave of the year in June, with several days of 90-degree temperatures. As more heat waves are expected this summer, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and safety. Above are some essential tips to beat the heat and stay cool.

Know Your Rights

Understanding your rights is vital for all individuals in the United States. The information above provides helpful guidance for encounters with ICE. For further support and resources, visit the National Immigrant Justice Center’s Legal Deportation Assistance website or Organized Communities Against Deportations’ Resource Guide.

Holocaust & Genocide Resource Guide

The Holocaust and Genocide Resource Guide is designed to assist educators and parents across Illinois to teach about the Holocaust and other genocides. It is grounded in the values of human dignity, justice, and historical accuracy and provides carefully selected materials to support student learning about the origins, impacts, and resistance movements related to genocides. To learn more, click here.

Package Theft Prevent Tips

Above are some helpful tips from the Chicago Police Department to prevent your packages being taken. You can report the theft by calling 311.

Museums in the Park Free Admission Opportunities

Museums in the Park offers free admission opportunities to reduce barriers for visitors. Read above to see if you qualify!

PAWS Shoutout

We have a new PAWS Chicago pal to introduce for July: meet Humberto!

Humberto is a super friendly guy who’s never met a person he doesn’t like. While he does enjoy the company of both dogs and humans, he can also entertain himself with toys. He is working on his manners and he’s hoping for a family who has time for some training. This well-rounded guy cannot wait to settle into his forever home.

Make an adoption appointment by emailing adoptionconcierge@pawschicago.org or with any additional questions.

Social Media

For the latest updates on bills, Springfield happenings, and helpful resources, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Wishing you a safe and healthy July. As always, please reach out to my office with any questions or concerns. I look forward to seeing you around the district this summer!

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