3rd Ward Town Hall Meeting

Alderman Dowell is hosting her first Town Hall meeting of 2024! Join her and the 3rd Ward team as they welcome the new Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development Ciere Boatright, State Representative Kim du Buclet, and officials from the CTA and CDOT to discuss issues affecting our community.

This in-person meeting will be held at Bronzeville Classical School (8 W. Root St.) on Thursday, February 8th at 6:00 pm. For more information please email Ward03@cityofchicago.org.

Signature Sports Bar Opens in the South Loop

Please join Alderman Pat Dowell in welcoming Signature, a new sports bar located at 1312 S. Wabash in the South Loop, to the 3rd Ward! Kudos to owner Israel Idonije, former Chicago Bear and his partner, Chicago chef and restaurateur Stephen Gillanders, for making this investment in our community. Lots of notable athletes and local sports media personalities participated in a wonderful opening night celebration.

Chicago Urban League Celebrates Local Elected Officials

The Chicago Urban League in January celebrated five elected officials who have worked consistently over the years to uplift Chicago, and who are recognized for their dedicated public service. Congrats to Senator Mattie Hunter, State Representative Kim du Buclet, Congressman Danny Davis, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, and City Clerk Anna Valencia. A huge thank you to Urban League President and CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson, and Board President Dr. Suzet McKinney for recognizing these leaders!

Alderman Dowell Participates in AMPR Panel

Alderman Dowell was delighted to sit on a morning panel organized by Afrika Porter and Melanie L. Brown of Afrika and Melanie Public Relations and Consulting Company (AMPR) to discuss growth and purpose in the 3rd Ward community. On the panel with Alderman Dowell was Phil Beckham of 3P Markets, and Nicole Wheatly, a Bronzeville entrepreneur. This was a good discussion, with great networking potential and sharing of information. Alderman Dowell also had the chance to meet local contractor Cory Parham and hear his inspiring story.

Beautification and Infrastructure Message from the 3rd Ward Public Service Office

The snow and ice are gone (for now at least!) and its's a great time to focus on the maintenance of our streets, sidewalks, and parkways. The easiest thing to do to beautify our neighborhood is to pick up any trash that is out front of your home or business. A small gesture can make a world of difference!

To address the more difficult infrastructure issues in the public way, like pot holes, cracked sidewalks, broken curbs, or missing trees, please send the request for repair, along with a picture and exact address, to Ward03@cityofchicago.org. City staff will inspect the issue and make a recommendation to the Alderman's office. Alderman Dowell receives far more infrastructure requests every year than funding available, but in order to get your request funded, the first step is alerting the 3rd Ward Public Service Office!

Chicago Supports Local Artists and Arts Organizations

Through the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), the City of Chicago provides funding to both individual artists, and arts and culture-focused organizations with the goal of bolstering Chicago's already strong creator community. In 2023, DCASE provided 22 individual grants to the 3rd Ward recipients as part of their CityArts General Operating Fund, Arts and Health Pilot, Arts Recovery Program, Chicago Presents, Individual Artist Program, and Neighborhood Access Programs.

• Arts and Health Pilot - Mecca Perry ($76,000), Shannon Harris ($76,000)
• The program explores career pathways for artists centered in creative therapy and trauma-informed care by establishing one-year artist apprenticeships

• Chicago Arts Recovery Program - Arts+Public Life ($175,000), Black Alphabet ($200,000), The Dance Center of Columbia College ($100,000), Center for Indian Performing Arts ($85,000)
• The Chicago Arts Recovery Program provides resources to arts organizations to examine and address ongoing challenges brought on or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic

• Chicago Presents - Blues Haven Foundation ($45,000), Center for Indian Performing Arts ($50,000), Near South Planning Board ($75,000), Overflow Coffee ($50,000), South Asia Institute ($70,000)
• Chicago Presents is a grant program to support the presentation of free arts programming in Chicago neighborhoods while bolstering the local arts event industry.

• CityArts General Operating Grant - ILA Creative Studio Organization ($10,000), The Obsidian Collection Archives ($20,000)
• The goal of DCASE’s CityArts Program is to encourage the attainment of artistic excellence and financial stability. Nonprofit arts and culture organizations of all sizes can apply for general operating grants

• Individual Artists Program - Steven White ($6,000), Asia Taylor ($6,000), Candace Breedlove ($6,000), Cecile Savage ($6,000), Shameer Gross ($6,000), Rhonda Gray ($3,000), Nadia Frierson ($6,000)
• The Individual Artists Program (IAP) aims to assist Chicago's practicing artists in creating work that develops their craft and elevates their careers, while adding to the cultural vitality of the City of Chicago.

• Neighborhood Access Program - 51st St. Business Association ($50,000), Building Community Foundation ($50,000)
• The goal of this program is to support the cultural vitality of every Chicago neighborhood via grant programs and partnerships designed to be responsive to the complex needs of individual communities. This program offers direct grants for all types of place-based arts and culture activities.

For more information about how the City supports the arts, please visit www.chicago.gov/DCASE.

Bronzeville Classical School Receives "Exemplary" School Status

The Illinois State Board of Education has awarded Bronzeville Classical School (8 W. Root St.) in the 3rd Ward "Exemplary" status. Every year since 2018, as stipulated by federal law, ISBE evaluates every public school in the state then sorts them into five categories based on the results – Exemplary, Commendable, Targeted, Comprehensive, and Intensive. Schools in the bottom three categories get additional funding to improve.

“Exemplary” schools are the top 10% of all schools in the state based on overall performance. Growth and proficiency in math and reading scores, proficiency in science, graduation rates, and chronic absenteeism are the major indicators that determine a school’s designation, according to ISBE . Congratulations to Bronzeville Elementary School leadership, students, and the entire school community for this amazing accomplishment.

Metcalfe Park Bathroom Renovation Updates

The renovation of the public bathrooms at Metcalfe Park (4134 S. State St.) is nearing completion. The final step in the process is to paint the structure, which will occur in Spring 2024 as painting requires the temperatures to be above 50 degrees. As a reminder, the full renovation of the bathroom facilities included: new doors, repairs to the exterior, drain rodding and clearing of debris, toilets upgrades, new ADA compliant fixtures and plumbing, and exhaust fans. Thank you to the Chicago Park District for making this impactful, and badly needed upgrade.

Winter 2024 Development Grant Winners

The City of Chicago announced 7 development grant finalists in the 3rd Ward. Finalists include restaurants, community arts centers, workforce development projects and wellness centers.

• Community Development - Batter and Berries at 2344 S. State St. ($250,000), Bronzeville Arts & Residences East at 454 E. 47th St. ($5,000,000), Gallery Guichard at 436 E. 47th St. ($217,394)
• This grant helps support local commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing development. Projects in areas of Chicago where there is a history of disinvestment or limited private investment are prioritized.

• Climate Infrastructure - Bronzeville Community Development Partnership at 2416 S. Michigan Ave. ($249,166)
• Grants support neighborhood projects that mitigate the effects of climate change and accelerates the city’s equitable transition to the green economy. The City has provided grants up to $250,000 to support capital investments in energy-efficiency projects, electric vehicle infrastructure and green infrastructure

• Equitable Transit-Oriented Development - P3 Markets Headquarters at 226 E. 43rd St. ($250,000)
• Supports eligible affordable housing, mixed-use, or small-business ETOD

• Historic Preservation Projects - IIT Crown Hall at 336 S. State St. ($250,000), IIT Main Building ($500,000)
•  Grants will help pay for qualified interior and exterior restoration work

Find more details about the three grant programs at the DPD Recovery Plan website.

Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Supports 3rd Ward Organizations

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) ensures a fair and vibrant marketplace for businesses, workers and consumers in the City of Chicago. BACP licenses businesses and public vehicles, regulates business activity, protects consumers from fraud, enforces Chicago’s labor laws, partners with business service organizations, and provides education and resources for businesses.

In furtherance of this mission, BACP helps two local business support organizations in their efforts to bolster the 3rd Ward's commercial enterprises. This includes the 51st Street Business Association (220 E. 51st Street) through the Place-Based Generalist grant program and the Near South Planning Board (2600 S. Michigan Ave.) through the Place-Based Generalist and Peer-to-Peer Trainer grant programs.

The Place-Based Generalist grant program offers standard business development assistance, which include but not limited to helping business owners and entrepreneurs apply for business license(s) and public way use permit(s), helping navigate City government, developing a business plan, marketing assistance, contract assistance, product/service/workforce development, access to training and resources, assistance with COVID-related business supports as well as reopening guidelines, at a hyper-local level.

The Peer-To-Peer Trainer program provides training, professional development, and/or technical assistance to fellow neighborhood business development centers and offers a platform for connection and collaboration to share best practices with the entire NBDC grantee ecosystem.

If your business would like to know more about the programs offered by the City of Chicago, please contact your local business support organization using the links above or visit chicago.gov/bacp.

South Loop Event Parking Restrictions

Parking restrictions are in place for the South Loop from Roosevelt Road to Cermak Rd. from Lake Shore Drive to Clark St. during all Chicago Bears football games and many other Soldier Field events. Wintrust Arena events have been removed from the parking restrictions. Vehicles parked in the South Loop without a valid South Loop Event Parking Pass, South Loop Event Guest Pass or Residential Permit Parking pass (for Residential Permit Parking Streets ONLY) are subject to ticketing or towing.

For a complete list of Soldier Field events, please visit www.soldierfield.com/events/all. The 3rd Ward is providing the list below as a courtesy to residents and visitors and does not assume liability for the accuracy of the monthly list of South Loop events. All Soldier Field events are subject to change, including cancellation or the scheduling of additional events. It is your responsibility to adhere to the parking restrictions in place. 

No Soldier Field Events in February

2nd District Police Community Academy

The Chicago Police Department's 2nd District is looking for citizens to participate in their Community Academy. The 10-week training initiative will take place on Tuesday evenings, from March 19th through May 21st from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Sessions will be held at CPD Headquarters (3510 S. Michigan Ave.).

This program will provide information about available CPD resources, and key insight into various incidents that take place in the police department as well as other city agencies. 

If you are interested in participating, please fill out this application and email it to caps.002district@chicagopolice.org.

Black History Month Where It All Began

All month long, The Renaissance Collaborative is offering hour-long deep dive tours into the extensive history of their landmark building (3763 S. Wabash Ave.) led by a knowledgeable tour guide. Tickets are $20. RSVP for the tour here. Additionally, The Renaissance Collaborative is hosting a Black-Owned Market and Open House on February 24th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This is a free event, no RSVP required.

DNC Ambassador Program

The Chicago 2024 Host Committee is looking for committed and enthusiastic individuals with a proven record of community service to serve as Neighborhood Ambassadors for the Democratic National Convention.

These ambassadors, made up of individuals who represent Chicago’s 77 community areas and some surrounding suburbs, will work with Host Committee staff to recruit the 12,000 volunteers needed to put on the Convention. The goal of the Neighborhood Ambassadors program is not solely to recruit volunteers, but to ensure all of Chicago’s residents have a voice in the planning process and can get involved in the events and activities surrounding the Convention. Applications are due February 9th, 2024. For more information about the position, eligibility, and to apply, click here.

University of Chicago Arts and Public Life Internships

APL is offering paid apprenticeship opportunities for teens in design/build, theater performance, arts leadership, and backstage production. 

Programs consist of (3) group meeting hours per week, plus 4-6 hours of small group and independent work. Teens work alongside professionals to develop original work using real-world processes. All programs have a community stewardship and civic engagement focus. 

• Click here to apply for the Design Apprenticeship Program Level 1 (DAP), Community Actors Program (CAP), and Teen Arts Council (TAC)
• Click here for the Backstage Production Program 

Teens must complete an application and interview to be considered for a position. For questions or more information, please contact Education Programs Manager, Ebere Agwuncha at eagwuncha@uchicago.edu.

ComEd Energy Efficiency Programs for Businesses

ComEd offers programs to assist developers, architects, building owners and operators with obtaining incentives for their projects. Whether they have a small renovation in an office space, a multi-family build-out or a ground-up high-rise development, ComEd has various programs to help your business. ComEd also provides complimentary facility assessments for customers to better understand what energy saving measures are available for their properties! Learn more at www.comed.com/ways-to-save/for-your-business/incentives.

Elevation of Excellence in Partnership with HBCU College Tour

Elevation of Excellence will be hosting a college tour of the following Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Grambling State University, Alcorn, Morris Brown College, Jackson State University, Xavier University of Louisiana, Morehouse, Dillard University, Alabama State University, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Southern University and A&M College. For more information contact Davonna Brown at 773-340-3103 or at info@elevationofexcellence.org, or visit www.elevationofexcellence.org.

Live at Aspire South Loop

Affordable rental apartments are available at Aspire (2111 S. Wabash Ave.). One 1-Bedroom “below market-rate” rental unit is available for $1,127/mo., and one 2-Bedroom “below market-rate” rental unit is available for $1,374/mo.  Applicants must be income eligible. Households must not earn no more than 60% of the Area Median Income, which is: One person - $46,380; 2 persons - $52,980; 3 persons - $59,580; 4 persons - $66,180;

To apply, call (312) 270-1160, visit aspiresouthloop.com or email rentaspire@fernwoodcommunities.com. Applicants with vouchers or other third-party subsidies are welcome to apply. These units are subject to monitoring, compliance, and other restrictions by the City of Chicago’s Department of Housing, per the Affordable Requirements Ordinance.

NHS Home Buyer Education Webinar

Learn about the home buying process such as the basics of budgeting, improving credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This is an eight-hour course delivered in two 4-hour sessions.

Where: NHS Chatham Office (639 E. 87th St.)

When: Saturday, February 3rd from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (link to register)

Black History Month Story Time

Join "The Library Lady" for Black History Month story tie for the whole family! We share songs, rhymes, and books, plus suggestions for at-home actives to celebrate Black History Month. For kids 0 to 8 and their caregivers.

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Saturday, February 3rd from 11:00 am to Noon 

Design Alternatives Open House

Join the Chicago Park District for hot chocolate, hands-on activities, raffle prizes, and a chance to vote on park design alternatives for the future of Washington Park!

Where: Washington Park Fieldhouse (5531 S. King Dr.)

When: Saturday, February 3rd from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Bronzeville in Reel Time with the South Side Home Movie Project

Partnering with South Side Home Movie Project and supported by Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation, SSCAC presents a screening of select cinema reels by Ramon Williams. As a Black IBEW electrician and film hobbyist, Williams documented Bronzeville from the 1940s to 1960s, capturing key social and civic events. Register here.

Where: South Side Community Art Center (3831 S. Michigan Ave.)

When: Saturday, February 3rd from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

First Monday Jazz Featuring Robin da Silva

Robin da Silva is a singer-songwriter, actress, educator, and advocate for the arts. Da Silva is a Jeff Award and Black Theater Alliance award winner and has performed in many theatrical productions throughout the Chicagoland area. Register here.

Where: Green Line Performing Arts Center (329 E. Garfield Blvd.)

When: Monday, February 5th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

NHS Financial Literacy Webinar

Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this webinar will prepare you for financial security. Learn How To: develop a spending plan, reduce your debt, and increase your credit score. This is a virtual meeting.

When: Tuesday, February 6th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Program

As of 2023, Illinois state law now requires that every private-sector employer that has 5 or more Illinois employees last year must offer their own qualified retirement plan or facilitate the Illinois Secure Choice retirement savings program. Owners will also learn how to save for their own retirement through the program. This workshop will cover what small business owners need to know about the Illinois state law. Register here.

When: Tuesday, February 13th from noon to 1:00 pm

Adult Craft Night: Paint and Sip

Join King Branch for a fun and relaxing evening of painting on canvas while enjoying some light refreshments. All skill levels are welcome. Painting supplies will be provided.

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Tuesday, February 13th from 6:00 pm to 7:30pm

Cook County Behavioral Health Summit

Identify collective strategies and partnerships for expanding access, enhancing system quality, and addressing inequalities across our region's systems of care. Perspectives gathered at the summit will be instrumental in developing a Cook County Behavioral Health Strategic Plan and for structuring upcoming community-based funding opportunities from Cook County Health's Impact Fund. To register, visit bhsummit.rsvpify.com.

Where: UIC Dorin Forum (1213 S. Halsted St.)

When: Thursday, February 15th from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Farmer's Market and Street Festival Vendor Training

Prepare your small business for summer festival and market season! Learn the steps to become a vendor at Chicago Farmer's Markets and Street Festivals. Sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Learn more and register for the virtual meeting at exploreuptown.org/ubc.

When: Tuesday, February 27th at 3:30 pm.

Attending and participating in the Chicago Police's Community Policing Program (CAPS) is one of the best ways to address crime and quality of life issues in your neighborhood. By attending CAPS meetings, you can share important information with the police that will assist them in making arrests and preventing crime as well as receive valuable information about resources that promote homeowner and community safety. Visit www.chicagopolice.org to find out what district you live in and click on each district title to learn more about what is happening in your neighborhood.

1st District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 131

Date: February 14th at 5:30 pm

Location: For Zoom information, please email Caps.001District@chicagopolice.org or call312-745-4381

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: February 27th at 6:00 pm

Location: Rosenwald Community Center Senior Room (4642 S. Michigan Ave.)

Beat: 221/223

Date: February 20th at 6:00 pm

Location: Taylor Park (39 W. 47th St.)