Ald. Bennett Lawson, 3223 N Sheffield Avenue, Suite A, Chicago, IL (2026)

09/17/2026

Dear Neighbors,

We had another great annual 44th Ward Senior Picnic last week. More than 200 neighbors enjoyed lunch, live music, and raffle prizes!

This week, I joined Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and State Senator Sara Feigenholtz in making phone calls to 44th Ward constituents who are owed unclaimed funds. The State of Illinois holds lost funds until they are either claimed by the original owner or their heirs. To see if you have any funds owed to you, visit icash.illinoistreasurer.gov or call 217-524-0649.

Each September, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), observe National Preparedness Month (NPM) to promote family and community disaster planning year-round. This year, OEMC is launching a new monthly newsletter that will share relevant information to Chicagoans including public safety updates and events happening in the city. To sign up, click here. Additional resources include signing up for Smart911, downloading the OEMC app, and signing up for text alerts relating to traffic impacts, severe weather, and emergencies via NotifyChicago. To learn more, visit OEMC's website here.

In other public safety news, on Thursday, September 24, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) will hold their monthly public meeting at DePaul College Prep (3300 N Campbell Ave.) at 6:30 p.m. focusing on officer wellness. To RSVP or leave a comment, click here.

This weekend, the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts returns on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20. This festival will showcase over 150 artists displaying paintings, sculptures, photography, furniture, jewelry, and more. Each day will also feature two stages with live music and a kids zone. For more information, click here.

On Saturday, September 19, the Southport Neighbors Association will be having their annual Yard Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, click here.

Additionally, on Sunday, September 20, the Race to Wrigley will take place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., with some street closures beginning as early as 3 a.m. For more information, on street closure, timing details, and the course map, click here.

There's a new neighborhood festival coming to Clark Street this fall: Clark Street Live! On Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, Clark will be closed between Addison and Newport for two days of live music. For more information about this new festival, click here.

Also that weekend, East Lake View Neighbors will host its annual Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, September 26, at Murphy's Bleachers. The event will feature live music, German food, and a silent auction. Click here to learn more or purchase tickets.

Next week, I will be joining the Diversey Community Coalition (DCC) at two events regarding ComEd's proposed Substation at 1111 W. Diversey Pkwy. First, on Wednesday, September 23, there will be a community update at New Life Church (1110 Lill Ave.) at 6:30 p.m. to share the latest on efforts to oppose the substation as currently proposed. Then, on Saturday, September 26, at 11:00 a.m., community members will gather for a rally outside the proposed substation at 1111 W. Diversey Pkwy. For those unable to attend, the DCC website includes additional ways residents can make their voices heard, including filing a complaint with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).

As I've stated before, a project of this scale should undergo thorough community review, just as any other major development would. Neighbors continue to express that this transit-accessible stretch along Diversey is best suited for housing and retail.

On Sunday, October 11, Chicago will welcome runners and spectators from around the world for the 48th Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Residents can view the complete route here, as well as a complete list of anticipated street closing and reopening times here.

Many of you have reached out to share your thoughts on the two major renter protection proposals currently moving through City Council: the Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO) and the Fair and Accountable Illinois Rental Ordinance (FAIR). Both proposals would modernize Chicago’s 40‑year‑old Residential Landlord & Tenant Ordinance—an update that is overdue.

Importantly, both include the creation of a citywide rental registry, a reform I strongly support to improve accountability and transparency. These two proposals differ most notably in their implementation structures and fee regulations, which is where much of the debate and ongoing conversations are occurring.

I remain hopeful that Council can find common ground. We must strengthen protections and rights for renters and standardize our fee structures while ensuring that any additional requirements do not result in rent hikes for tenants. I’m committed to advancing a balanced approach that supports both renters and responsible housing providers.

I would like to take a moment to thank James Turner. James has been voluntarily cleaning East Lakeview's parks for over 13 years. Thank you, James, for your long-standing commitment to keeping our community clean!

As a reminder, ensuring alley garbage carts are in good condition is one of the most effective ways to reduce rodent activity. Rats only need a small opening to get inside, so if you notice any cracks, holes, or lids that do not close tightly, you can request a replacement cart through 311. Keeping carts fully sealed helps prevent rodents from accessing food and supports our ongoing efforts to control rodent activity in the neighborhood.

Yom Kippur will begin at sundown on Sunday, September 20. We extend our sincere wishes to all who observe, and hope the holiday brings a day of meaningful reflection, renewal, and peace.

Have a great weekend,
Alderman Bennett Lawson

09/11/2026

Dear Neighbors,

I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing Labor Day weekend and was able to find time to recharge. I had a great time at this year's WOOGMS parade, it was great to see so many neighbors join in on this beloved tradition.

As a reminder, the Community Commission for Police Safety & Accountability (CCPSA) has begun its search for the next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department and is asking residents for input on what qualities, experiences, and priorities they would like to see in the next Superintendent. You can share your thoughts in their feedback form here. CCPSA is also hosting a virtual listening session tonight at 6:30 p.m. Visit the Commission's Superintendent Search webpage for more information and to stay up to date on the process.

This week, I met with the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA) to discuss concerning trends indicating an uptick in antisemitism in Chicago. Acts of hate and discrimination of any kind are unacceptable and have no place in our city. I'm grateful for the advocacy and trainings offered by JCUA — whose work fighting antisemitism, racism, and advancing justice helps strengthen and protect all of our communities. It’s imperative that we look out for one another, speak up when we see harmful behavior, and work together to ensure every community feels safe and supported.

Musky Fest is back for it's 35th year this weekend at Will's Northwoods Inn running from Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13. Racine will be closed from Oakdale to Fletcher from 12:00am on Friday through 11:00pm on Sunday. For additional Musky Fest details, schedule, and band lineup, click here.

Next weekend, the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts returns on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20. This festival will showcase over 150 artists featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, furniture, jewelry and more. Each day will also feature two stages with live music and a kid's zone. For more information, click here.

Additionally, the Southport Neighbors Association will be having their annual Yard Sale on Saturday, September 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, click here.

Looking ahead, there's a new neighborhood festival coming to Clark Street this fall: Clark Street Live! On Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27 Clark will be closed between Addison and Newport for two days of live music. For more information about this new festival, click here.

Also that weekend, East Lake View Neighbors will host its annual Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, September 26 at Murphy's Bleachers. The event will feature live music, German food, and a silent auction. Click here to learn more or purchase tickets.

Later this month, the Diversey Community Coalition (DCC) will host two events regarding ComEd's proposed Substation at 1111 W. Diversey.

On Wednesday, September 23 at 6:30 p.m. there will be a community update at New Life Church (1110 Lill Ave.) to share the latest on efforts to oppose the substation as currently proposed. Then, on Saturday, September 26 at 11:00 a.m. community members will gather for a rally outside the proposed substation at 1111 W. Diversey.

For those unable to attend, the DCC website includes additional ways residents can make their voices heard, including filing a complaint with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).

Reliable electricity is essential to our neighborhoods, but a project of this size should undergo meaningful community review, just like any other major development. Community members have made clear that they want to see this transit-accessible stretch of Diversey used for housing, retail and other development that contributes to the neighborhood.

Our office is seeking feedback on two new proposed zoning changes in the Ward. The first is a proposed zoning change for 2858 N. Halsted to go from a B3-2 to B2-3 to construct a 5-story, 20 unit building with retail space below. You can review the complete plans for 2858 N. Halsted on my website here.

The second is a proposed zoning change for 920 W. Diversey where the applicant is seeking a zoning change from B3-2 to B3-5 to construct a 5-story, 56 unit building with retail space below. You can review the complete plans for 920 W. Diversey on my website here.

To provide feedback on either proposal, please email us at [email protected] or call our office at 773-525-6034. Additional information on both proposals will continue to be shared in our newsletter and on our website.

As we head into football season, the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce has put together lists of neighborhood bars where you can cheer on your favorite college and professional teams. From team-specific watch parties to game day specials, there's no shortage of great local bars to catch a game at. Check out both the college and professional lists on the Chamber's website.

The Cubs are back in town this weekend and will be hosting the Pirates and the Braves for back-to-back series from Friday, September 11 through Wednesday, September 16. Please be mindful of parking restrictions, and any residents who experience any issues are encouraged to contact the Cubs Game Day Hotline at 866-4-CPD-TOW.

Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset tomorrow, marking the Jewish New Year. To celebrate, Chabad of East Lakeview's Shofar in the Streets event returns. Rabbi Dovid and volunteers will blow the Shofar at various locations Lakeview throughout the day. Shanah Tovah to all who celebrate!

Finally, tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. We remember the lives lost, honor the courage of first responders, and reflect on the spirit of unity and service that followed. We will never forget.

Have a great weekend,

Alderman Bennett Lawson

09/03/2026

Dear Neighbors,

I had a great time at the annual Alders vs. Knights (CPD) softball game at Rate Field last week. Congratulations to the Knights on their well‑earned victory! I closed out the weekend back in the ward joining the Cubs at Wrigley Field to celebrate 150 years.

As we approach the end of summer, I'm excited to share that our annual Senior Picnic will take place on Thursday, September 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of music, raffles, and of course delicious food. If you would like to attend, please call the office at 773-525-6034 to RSVP.

This week we saw a string of burglaries along the Southport Corridor, detailed in this CPD Community Alert. I remain in close contact with CPD's 19th District as well as the Chamber as we work to support the businesses impacted and keep our neighborhood safe. CPD has stated that these break-in's were targeted retail and commercial thefts, and at this time there is not an increased public safety threat. As always, we encourage residents to be mindful of locking doors and windows to their homes and garages.

As a reminder, the 19th District CAPs office hosts monthly beat meetings which provide an opportunity to hear directly from CPD about crime trends in the area. You can find the full calendar for 44th Ward beat meetings below, along with additional safety tips. To find out which beat you live in, click here.

We are heading into a busy Labor Day weekend in the Ward! Tomorrow, September 4, Hippocampus will perform at Gallagher Way at 7 p.m. as the final Budweiser Concert of the summer.

This Sunday September 6, Bike the Drive returns. DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed from Hollywood to 57th to accommodate the cyclists from 6 a.m. through 12 p.m. For more information on Bike the Drive, click here. Residents should expect additional congestion and plan travel accordingly.

On Sunday evening, NCAA Volleyball is headed to the Friendly Confines for the first time. Nebraska will face Missouri at 6 p.m. followed by Penn State taking on Kentucky at 8 p.m. Please note that Sheffield will be closed between Addison and Waveland from September 3-8, Waveland's South traffic land (eastbound traffic) between Sheffield and Seminary will be closed from September 6-8, and Irving Park's north and south curb lanes between Seminary and Clark will be closed for bus and struck staging from September 3-8.

The Wellington Oakdale Old Glory Marching Society (WOOGMS) Labor Day Parade also makes its return this Sunday, September 7, at 11 a.m. Neighbors are invited to march from Wellington and Pine Grove to Saint Joseph Hospital.

As a reminder, external demolition will begin at 2800 N. Sheridan on Tuesday, September 8. Up to date plans and the full demolition schedule are available on my website here. This permit is only for demolition of the existing site and does not include construction. The community engagement process for this development is still ongoing and their proposal has not yet been approved by City Council.

Also next Tuesday, there will be a crane to lift an HVAC unit at 3640 N. Halsted from 8am to 4pm. Traffic on Halsted between Waveland and Addison will be reduced to 1 lane, and 2-way traffic will be maintained with flaggers.

Finally, our office will be closed for Labor Day weekend beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 4. We will reopen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8. City Clerk Offices will also be closing at 3 p.m. tomorrow.

Have a great weekend,
Alderman Bennett Lawson

08/27/2026

Dear Neighbors,

It was a great weekend connecting with neighbors at our Southport Kids Bike Parade, Taco Fest, and block parties throughout the Ward. I also kicked off the start of the school year with students at Tubman, Nettelhorst, Hawthorne, and Inter-American on Monday!

Tomorrow, Friday, August 28, Hawthorne Scholastic Academy will host their Back to School Movie Night on the turf featuring The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The movie will begin at 8 p.m..

I'm glad to welcome Uncle John's BBQ (947 W Addison) to the Ward! Stop by to welcome them to the neighborhood, and try some delicious, slow-smoked BBQ!

The Community Commission for Police Safety & Accountability (CCPSA) has begun its search for the next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. They are hosting a listening session on Wednesday, September 2 at 6:30 p.m. at DePaul College Prep to gather feedback from residents on what they would like to see in Chicago's next Police Superintendent. There will also be a virtual session on September 10 at 6:30 p.m.. Visit the Commission's Superintendent Search webpage for more information and to stay up to date on the process.

Next Friday, September 4, Hippocampus will perform at Gallagher Way at 7 p.m. as the final Budweiser Concert of the summer.

Next Sunday, September 6 Bike the Drive returns. DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed from Hollywood to 57th to make way for this event. For more information on Bike the Drive, click here. We encourage residents to anticipate additional congestion and plan travel accordingly.

Later that day, NCAA Volleyball is headed to the Friendly Confines for the first time in history. Nebraska will take on Missouri at 6 p.m. followed by Penn State vs. Kentucky at 8 p.m.. Please note that Sheffield will be closed between Addison and Waveland from September 3-8, Waveland's South traffic land (eastbound traffic) between Sheffield and Seminary will be closed from September 6-8, and Irving Park's north and south curb lanes between Seminary and Clark will be closed for bus and struck staging from September 3-8.

Next weekend, the Wellington Oakdale Old Glory Marching Society, "WOOGMS" Labor Day Parade Returns on September 7 at 11 a.m.. March with neighbors from Wellington and Pine Grove to Saint Joseph Hospital because as the saying goes, "everyone marches, no one watches!"

Our annual Senior Picnic will take place on Thursday, September 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Join us for an afternoon of music, raffles, and of course delicious food. If you would like to attend, please call the office at 77-525-6034 to RSVP.

Heading into the weekend, please note that the Cubs game on Sunday, August 30 has been rescheduled for 6:20 p.m. for the ABC broadcast.

Finally, our office will be closed for Labor Day weekend beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 4. We will reopen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8.

Have a great weekend,
Alderman Bennett Lawson

08/26/2026

Our Ward internet is currently down, affecting our ability to sell parking passes. We will update you when we are back online.

08/21/2026

We are back online!

08/21/2026

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you to everyone who donated school supplies as part of our back-to-school supply drive! Classes resume on Monday, August 24 for Chicago Public Schools (CPS), please be mindful of school‑zone parking restrictions and higher levels of pedestrian activity and traffic expected around arrival and dismissal times.

This week, we welcomed a new Wintrust Bank to the neighborhood. As part of their grand opening in Lakeview, they're offering a handful of limited-time offers for both residents and local businesses.

The next 19th Police District Council is Wednesday, August 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Uptown Church (1134 W. Wilson). The meeting will focus on the search for Chicago's new Superintendent. There will be an opportunity for residents to share what qualities and priorities they want to see in the next leader of the Chicago Police Department. For more information or to access their YouTube livestream, click here.

We are heading into a busy weekend with several events happening throughout the Ward!

Lakeview Taco Fest returns to Southport featuring more than a dozen taco vendors. This festival includes live music stages, daily Lucha Libre performances, and children’s activities throughout the weekend. For more information on musical performances and taco vendors, click here.

Join us at 9 a.m. on Saturday before Taco Fest begins for our annual Kids Bike Parade. Thanks to the Taco Fest street closures, we will ride from Newport to Addison and back. Helmets are required, and decorated bikes are always welcome.

The final Dine Out on Broadway of the season is also this weekend. There will be live musical performances on Friday and Sunday, a comedy show co‑hosted with the Laugh Factory on Saturday, and free face painting and balloon art. Click here for additional information and to view a list of participating restaurants.

Barcocina is hosting their annual Vintage Sip & Shop street festival this Sunday, August 23 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.. George Street will be shut down and filled with vendors, live music, food, and drinks. For more information, click here.

Additionally, Central Lake View Neighbors (CLVN) will be at Hawthorne for their rain date showing of GOAT on August 23. The movie will begin at dusk.

Finally, please save the date for two upcoming neighborhood group events. On September 19, the Southport Neighbors Association (SNA) will host their 4th annual SNA Yard Sale. If you live within the SNA boundaries and are interested in registering your home as a seller, please click here. East Lake View Neighbors will host their 26th annual Oktoberfest on September 26th at Murphy's Bleachers featuring live music, beer, German food, and a silent auction. For more information and tickets, click here.

Have a great weekend,
Alderman Bennett Lawson

08/07/2026

Dear Neighbors,

This week, we celebrated our local business community—welcoming both new businesses and recognizing longtime neighborhood favorites. On July 30, Trader Todd’s marked 25 years in Lakeview, and this weekend, Guthrie’s Tavern celebrates 40 years. We also welcomed a new addition, Cielito Paradise, a family-owned specialty Colombian coffee shop now open in the neighborhood.

I was also proud to attend National Night Out, an annual event dedicated to strengthening police-community partnerships and promoting neighborhood safety. Events like this give residents the opportunity to connect directly with local law enforcement in a family-friendly setting, strengthening trust and reinforcing our shared commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe.

The Community Commission for Police Safety & Accountability (CCPSA) has begun its search for the next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Community input will play a key role throughout the search—whether you're a resident, business owner, or community leader we encourage you to share what qualities, experience, and priorities you believe the next Superintendent should have by completing the Commission's feedback form. CCPSA will also be hosting listening sessions—with at least one the North Side, South Side, West Side, and virtual—to gather recommendations from Chicagoans before selecting candidates. Please save the date for the North Side listening session on September 2 at 6:30 p.m. at DePaul College Prep (3300 N. Campbell), as well as the virtual listening session on September 10 at 6:30 p.m.. Visit the Commission's Superintendent Search webpage for more information and to stay up to date on the process.

The safety of our community remains our highest priority; my office will be attending the upcoming August 11 court hearing for Willie Wright, one of two men who have consistently harassed residents in the Ward. If you are interested in joining alongside our office via Zoom, please email us at [email protected]. We encourage anyone who feels unsafe or witnesses troubling behavior to call 911.

Last night, an individual in the ward was the victim of an armed robbery after arranging what they believed would be a laptop sale through an online marketplace. The victim immediately called 911, and thanks to the Chicago Police Department's swift response, the laptop was recovered and the offender was taken into custody and charged. I’m grateful for CPD’s quick action and, most importantly, that no one was injured. As a reminder, if you are meeting someone for an online marketplace transaction, consider using the lobby of your local police station as a safe meeting place.

Additionally, to support the everyday work of our emergency responders, we want to remind residents that all properties must have their address clearly displayed on both the front and rear of the building. Clearly visible address numbers allow police, fire, and EMS personnel to quickly locate the correct address whether they’re approaching from the street or the alley, helping them reach you as quickly as possible in an emergency. If you need rear‑alley numbers, our Ward Office at 3223 N Sheffield has free address numbers available for pickup. If you are unable to come by the office and need rear-alley numbers put up for you, please email [email protected] or call 773-525-6034.

We are heading into a busy weekend in the Ward with several events taking place throughout our neighborhood. Market Days returns on August 7-9. Halsted will be closed to vehicle traffic, with no access to surface parking lots or parking garages from 7 a.m. on Friday, August 7 until 8 a.m. on Monday, August 10. For more information about street closures and parking restrictions, you can visit the Northalsted Business Alliance's website. On Saturday, August 8, Ashley McBryde will perform at Gallagher Way as part of the Budweiser Concert Series.

There are also two free, family-friendly outdoor movie screenings. On Saturday, August 8, ELIO will be shown at Margaret Donahue Park as part of the Chicago Park District's Movies in the Parks series, and on Sunday, August 9 Central Lake View Neighbors' Movies in the Park returns with Zootopia 2 at Hawthorne School.

Lakeview Taco Fest returns to Southport Avenue from Friday, August 21 through Sunday, August 23, bringing more than a dozen taco vendors to the neighborhood. This family‑friendly event features two live music stages, daily Lucha Libre wrestling shows, and activities for kids throughout the weekend.

On Saturday, August 22, my annual Kids Bike Parade kicks off at 9 a.m. in Southport. We’ll once again take advantage of the Taco Fest street closures for a fun ride from Newport to Addison and back. Helmets are required, and decorated bikes are encouraged!

We are partnering with the offices of State Rep. Croke and State Sen. Feigenholtz's offices on a back-to-school supply drive. New or gently used school supplies can be dropped off at the 44th Ward Office through August 14. All donated items will be distributed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to support children in need. For questions or additional information, contact [email protected] or call 773-348-8974.

The City's Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights (CIRR) is hosting a series of virtual events to help residents understand recent ICE activity and updates to immigration policy. On Tuesday, August 11 from 1-2 p.m., CIRR will host a virtual immigration briefing covering recent legal and policy changes and what they mean for Chicagoans. You can register for the briefing here.

In addition, CIRR will hold two informational meetings focused on the recent increase in ICE activity, what residents should expect, and how families can prepare. These sessions will cover recent enforcement trends, explain your rights during traffic stops, and discuss how families can prepare, including planning for temporary guardianship of children in the event of detention or deportation. The first information session will be held in English on Tuesday, August 11 from 6-7:30 p.m., followed by a session in Spanish on Tuesday, August 18 from 6-7:30 p.m. Register for the information session here.

The Air & Water Show returns next weekend for its 67th year on August 15 and 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a full rehearsal scheduled for Friday, August 14. This free showcase can be viewed along the lakefront between Fullerton and Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as the focal point. Please note that during both the rehearsal and official shows, residents may experience intermittent loud aircraft noise, especially near the lakefront. Additional vehicle, cyclist, and pedestrian traffic is also expected. As one of the nation's largest free admission air and water exhibitions, the event draws hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors to Chicago's lakefront each year. Click here for more information.

As a reminder, my office will be closing at 1 p.m. tomorrow for a staff development day. We will reopen at 9 a.m. on Monday, August 10.

Have a great weekend,
Bennett Lawson

07/30/2026

From the 44th Ward July 30th Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/cityofchicago/44th-ward-newsletter-july-30

Dear Neighbors,

Last weekend, I joined Funny You Should Care at Second City as part of their Steps to Better Housing: A Comedy Show On Why We Should Modernize Our Housing Codes series. As a city, we need to look closely at how we can create more housing opportunities across Chicago, including updating outdated policies that make it harder to build the kinds of homes people are looking for today. We the impact of this work last year with the expansion of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and are now continuing the conversation through with single-stair reform. Whether it's expanding ADUs, creating more missing-middle housing or modernizing our building code, practical reforms can help more Chicagoans afford to stay in the city, strengthen our neighborhoods, and support Chicago's continued growth. A big thank you to Funny You Should Care for putting together a thoughtful and entertaining show — and for making building code reform fun!

I'm excited to welcome FARE (614 W Diversey) to the neighborhood. FARE is a cafe and restaurant built on the belief that fast food can also be real food. With quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and plenty of flavor. Be sure to stop by and check them out!

This week, there was an important community discussion about the expansion of the Crisis Assistance & Response Engagement (CARE) Program. I have been a longtime supporter of CARE and was glad to see the program citywide this past spring. CARE offers an important alternative to a traditional 911 response for people experiencing a mental health crisis by dispatching a behavioral health professional and an EMT to eligible calls. CARE teams are trained to conduct on-site mental health assessments, provide crisis de-escalation and brief counseling, and connect residents to ongoing mental health care and social services. As budget season approaches, I will continue advocating for the investments needed to strengthen and sustain this critical program.

This weekend, there are two free, family-friendly movie screenings in the ward. On Saturday, August 8, ELIO will be shown at Margaret Donahue Park as part of the Chicago Park District's Movies in the Parks series, and on Sunday, August 9 Central Lake View Neighbors' Movies in the Park returns with Zootopia 2 at Hawthorne School.

We are partnering with State Rep. Croke and State Sen. Feigenholtz's offices on a back-to-school supply drive. Donations of new or gently used school supplies can be dropped off at the 44th Ward office through August 14. Collected items will be distributed to children in need by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. For questions or additional information, contact [email protected] or call 773-348-8974.

The City's Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights (CIRR) is hosting several virtual events to discuss recent ICE activity and changes to immigration policy. On Tuesday, August 11 from 1-2 p.m. CIRR will host a virtual immigration briefing on recent legal and policy changes and their impact on Chicagoans. You can register for the briefing here. CIRR will also host two additional information sessions on the recent increase in ICE activity, what residents should expect, and how families can prepare. The sessions will cover recent enforcement trends, the importance of knowing your rights during traffic stops, and how to plan for short-term guardianship of your children in event of detention or deportation. The first information session will be held in English on Tuesday, August 11 from 6-7:30 p.m. The second will be held in Spanish on Tuesday, August 18 from 6-7:30 p.m. Register for the information session here. Our Ward Office also has whistles, signs, and additional Know Your Rights information available.

Last weekend, the annual Southport Ikebana Walk brough art and culture to the neighborhood. Organized by SSA #17 and the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber, the event featured Ikenobo and Ohara Ryu floral arrangements, avant-garde calligraphy, ink paintings, and origami across 20 Southport Corridor venues with support from the Japanese Culture Center and the Japanese Arts Foundation. The walk also honored Lakeview’s rich history as the historic epicenter of Chicago’s Japanese and Japanese American community. Dōmo arigatō gozaimasu to everyone who attended, supported local businesses, and helped celebrate this vibrant cultural tradition in the ward.

As a reminder, Market Days returns next weekend on August 7-9. Halsted will be closed to vehicle traffic, with no access to surface parking lots or parking garages from 7 a.m. on Friday, August 7 until 8 a.m. on Monday, August 10. For more information about street closures and parking restrictions, you can visit the Northalsted Business Alliance's website here.

The Cubs will be home for two back-to-back series taking on the Yankees and the Dodgers from Friday, July 31 through Thursday, August 6. Please note that the Cubs vs. Yankees game scheduled for August 1st has been moved to 6:15 p.m. for a national FOX broadcast.

Lollapalooza is underway downtown and runs through Sunday, August 2. You can stay up to date on public safety alerts, transit disruptions, and other important information by texting 'CHIBIZ' to 67283 or signing up for City alerts here.

As we head into the weekend, another round of storms is possible. While the ward was spared widespread downed branches during the storms earlier this week, several streets experienced drainage issues. The following day, I joined our Ward Superintendent to help clear debris blocking drains. If you see any downed branches or debris affecting streets or sidewalks this weekend, please report them to 311 so we can help keep our public spaces clean and safe.

Next Friday, August 7, my office will be closing at 1 p.m. for a staff development day. We will reopen at 9 a.m. on Monday, August 10.

Have a great weekend,
Alderman Bennett Lawson

Ald. Bennett Lawson

09/17/2026

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