18th Ward of Chicago issued the following announcement on July 30
The Centers for Disease Controls (CDC) announced yesterday that even fully vaccinated people can become infected with and spread the Delta variant of COVID-19. The CDC said research shows that even though vaccinated so that there are no symptoms, "vaccinated people infected with the Delta variant carry tremendous amounts of the virus in the nose and throat" and therefore can unknowingly spread it to others. The New York Times reported the story.
The CDC is now recommending that even fully vaccinated people begin to wear masks indoors again in "areas of substantial or high transmission," and that includes Cook County."
The vast majority of infections now are in unvaccinated individuals, and the Delta variant is much more contagious, but just as deadly, as other COVID-19 infections.
The only way to stop this is to obtain a much higher rate of vaccination than we currently have, and, in the short run to wear masks indoors.
Remember, anyone over age 12 can get a free vaccine at any drugstore in the neighborhood. With school coming, please get a vaccine for your child as soon as possible so that you can get the second dose by the time school starts
Chicago is Open
After several weeks with no states on its Travel Advisory, the Chicago Department of Public Health added Missouri and Arkansas back to the COVID-10 watch list amid an increase in cases.
We are continuing to monitor all of our metrics and will keep working hard to get everyone vaccinated. The best way to ensure our reopening is permanent is to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your friends and family about doing the same.
While the best place to get your COVID-19 vaccine is with your healthcare provider, the City of Chicago is operating multiple vaccination sites.
- All City of Chicago-operated sites accept walk-ins. Appointments are preferred but not required.
- Chicagoans age 12-18 are able to receive vaccination at all City of Chicago sites offering Pfizer vaccine.
- Individuals under the age of 18 seeking vaccination need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- No government issued ID or insurance required.
- A complete list of city sites can be found here.
Feedback for Mayor Lightfoot
Do you have a question, comment, or a suggestion for Mayor Lori Lightfoot? You can send a direct message by emailing her office at: letterforthemayor@cityofchicago.org
Or by phone at: (312) 744-3300
Or by mail to: City of Chicago
Office of the Mayor
121 N LaSalle Street Room #507
Chicago, IL 60602
Get Text Alerts to Get the Info You Need
We encourage you to sign up to receive alerts from the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) to stay up-to-date on weather conditions and emergencies, as well as COVID.
- Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyChicago.org.
- CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, text “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
- COVID: For COVID-19 updates, text “COVID19” to 6-7-2-8-3
- CHIBIZ: For business updates, text “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3
Illinois Ban on Evictions to End August 31, 2021
Governor Pritzker has announced an executive order that allows eviction filings to begin on August 1, 2021. The current prohibition on enforcement of eviction orders will remain in place until August 31, 2021. Enforcement of eviction orders will be allowed after August 31, 2021.
Illinois Rental Assistance Program
The Rental Assistance Program is here to help keep families stably housed, and ensure that tenants and Housing Providers/Landlords are financially secure to prevent a tide of evictions due to COVID-19.
If you are a renter whose primary residence is in Illinois and are behind on rent due to economic hardship caused by COVID-19, you may be eligible for up to 15 months of rental payments to cover back-rent owed from June 2020 through August 2021.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, head to Navy Pier for summer fireworks, now through Labor Day weekend. Navy Pier is a great destination for fireworks in Chicago, perfectly synchronized to music on Lake Michigan.
Chicago Animal Care and Control is looking for loving homes for Chicago animals in need.
Click here for a list of ALL available pets! Visit Animal Care and Control for more info. Weekly adoption hours are seven days a week, noon through 7:00 pm, at 2741 S. Western Ave.
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation has implemented a coordinated collection of yard waste debris across the City.
Through November, residents can call 311 or submit information online to request separate bagged yard waste collection service throughout the season.
Yard waste should be bagged separately and left in the alley or at the curb, outside of black garbage carts and blue recycling carts for pickup. Yard waste and other debris should not be thrown into the blue recycling cart as it contaminates the recycling stream.
How To Purchase Residential Parking Permits
Residents may purchase 2021 RPPs in the following ways:
On the City Clerk's Website: RPPs may be purchased through the Chicago City Clerk's website at ezbuy.chicityclerk.com. If you have never made a purchase on the EZ Buy website, you will need to create an account. Please be advised that it takes an average of 10 business days for parking passes ordered online to be delivered by mail. For further questions regarding the EZ Buy website, please email ezbuy@cityofchicago.org.
In Person at City Clerk Office Locations: The City Clerk's three office locations are open Monday through Friday for in-person purchases. Please plan for longer lines and wait times due to social distancing protocols.
- City Hall Office: 121 N. LaSalle Street, Room 107. Open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
- North Side Satellite Office: 5430 W. Gale Street. Open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
- South Side Satellite Office: 5672 S. Archer Avenue. Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
How To Request A Letter Of Exception:
If you would like to request an Exception Letter from the 18th Ward office, please email the following to Ward18@cityofchicago.org
- Photo or scan of your current photo ID
- Proof of residency - click here for a list of accepted documents
- Make and model of your vehicle
- Both sides of your Vehicle Registration
- License plate number
- Requested zone number
For additional questions or information, please visit the City Clerk's website, or contact the City Clerk's Office at (312) 744-6770 or EZbuy@cityofchicago.org.
MWRD Rain Barrel Program
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) has announced that the "Rain Barrel Program" has returned this summer.
Rain barrels are a type of green infrastructure that captures rainwater from your roof and saves it for later use. By keeping this water out of the sewer system, rain barrels can also help prevent sewer overflows and flooding. The water collected in these barrels can have many uses but MWRD reminds us that this water is not safe for human consumption.
Rain barrel deliveries can take up to 30 days from the day an order is placed. For all other questions related to this program, please call the MWRD Office of Public Affairs at (312) 751-6633 or visit https://mwrd.org/rain-barrels-0.
Eviction Moratorium Lifted; Rental Assistance Available
August 1st, 2021
Governor Pritzker signed an executive order that allows eviction filings to resume on August 1.
If you are a renter who is behind or a landlord who is due rent due to economic hardship caused by COVID-19, you may be eligible for up to 15 months of rental payments to cover back-rent owed from June 2020 through August 2021.
Utility Billing Relief (UBR) provides low-income City of Chicago residents with a reduced rate on their water, sewer, and water-sewer tax as well as debt relief for those who demonstrate they can manage the reduced rate bills for one year. Benefits for UBR participants include:
- A reduced rate on water, sewer, and water-sewer tax.
- No late payment penalties or debt collection activity including water shut-off.
- Debt forgiveness after successfully completing one year with no past due balance.
Operating in partnership with the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA), who operates the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the UBR program will utilize their expertise and extensive network of partner organizations to conduct outreach and enroll homeowners.
The City of Chicago is proud to release the 2021 City of Chicago Waste Strategy, a comprehensive waste and materials management plan that overhauls the City’s waste system with the goal of decreasing waste disposal and associated negative environmental impacts; reducing costs and increasing efficiency; maximizing economic investment and workforce development opportunities; and addressing social and environmental justice inequities. More info here.
Lead Service Line Replacement Assistance
There are several sources of lead that can exist in and around our homes. When lead is swallowed or breathed in, it can have a toxic effect. Young children under 6 years old are most at risk of lead poisoning which can affect growth, behavior, and development. Lead-based paint that is chipping, peeling or cracking creates lead dust, which poses the biggest risk of lead poisoning. Water that runs through lead pipes may also contain some lead. Soil, folk medicine, certain foods such as candy or spices from other countries, and toys or toy jewelry may also contain lead.
Chicago has taken effective steps to protect residents against lead exposure. Through home inspections, removal of lead paint (abatement), and testing, the number of children with lead poisoning has declined from 25% of those tested in the late 1990s to about 2% today. And Chicago’s drinking water meets all national, state and industry standards for safety because the city adds corrosion control, which coats the pipes to help prevent lead from dissolving into our water.
The City is now offering two programs to replace lead service lines. The Homeowner-Initiated Program will waive up to $3,100 in permit fees for standalone service line replacement projects not performed in conjunction with a larger renovation.
Those eligible for the Equity Program will receive a completely free service line replacement all the way from the water main to the house. Additionally, a free water meter will be installed if there isn’t already one present. In order to qualify for the Equity Program you must: live in a home you own, have a household income below 80% of the area median income ($72,800 for a family of 4), and have consistent results of at least 15 parts per billion of lead in your water in free testing done by the Department of Water Management.
The Chicago Department of Water Management is now taking applications for these two programs. More information on the programs and applications are available at LeadSafeChicago.org.
Please Return Water Lead Test Kits
The Chicago Department of Water Management is encouraging residents to complete and return any previously ordered lead testing kits. To return your kit, call 312-742-2406 or visit the CDWM website at www.chicagowaterquality.org. Please help to ensure a safe and healthy 18th Ward!
Free Crisis Counseling Services
The Illinois Department of Human Services has partnered with local behavioral health clinics to offer free crisis counseling and other mental health services for Illinois residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
All crisis counseling sessions are confidential and include a free screening and referral for individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. In addition, crisis counseling sessions can offer reassurance, practical assistance, emotional support and teach behavioral techniques for coping with stress.
Motorcycle and Drag Racing Ordinance
In April, the City Council passed a new ordinance which I co-sponsored. Effective on Monday, June 7, the law adds code violations that are punishable by vehicle impoundment. The new violations are:
- Drifting on any street, highway, or other public way in the City (9-12-100)
- Operation of a non-highway vehicle upon any street, highway, roadway, or any public property in the City (9-12-110)
- Operating a motor vehicle equipped with prohibited plate covers or other coverings that obstruct the visibility of the plate. (9-76-160)
This new ordinance gives the Chicago Police Department additional ways to address the problems created by drag racing and loud vehicles.
If you witness dangerous driving or vehicles violating the noise ordinance, please help the police enforce this new ordinance by calling 911.
Block Party Requests Begin June 6
On June 6, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Permit Office will resume accepting Block Party applications for events scheduled for July 5 or later. The department made the decision in close consultation with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and based on guidance from the CDC.
CDPH is continuing to closely monitor health metrics and the decision is subject to reversal or revision if the metrics show it is no longer safe to permit block parties.
As in past years, the application process should begin with contacting our office. After the application is reviewed and approved by our office, we will enter the request into the online permitting system for approval and release by CDOT. Here is the application.
The city is implementing the following protocols to ensure the health and safety of the public:
- Block party planners must notify neighbors and recommend vaccinations for all who attend. As before, applicants must provide evidence that most of the residents on the affected block(s) approve of the block party.
- While there are no capacity limits, residents applying for a block party permit must volunteer as a COVID Captain to help communicate safety protocols.
- The COVID Captain must sign a COVID-19 safety affirmation form with the permit application that attests they will recommend vaccinations for all who attend, tell unvaccinated individuals, including children not eligible for the vaccine, to wear masks and maintain social distancing, and ensure ready access to hand sanitizer throughout the block party.
- No Jumping Jacks or Bouncy Houses will be permitted.
We will update with any new details before June 6. Remember, if this is a first-time block party, you must submit a petition in support. See our website for details
Summer Safety Plan
The Department has released their comprehensive, interdepartmental summer safety plan. It can be found on the new summer safety website, available here.
CPD Foot Pursuit Policy
As announced last week, the Chicago Police Department’s interim foot pursuit policy becomes effective on June 11.
After a community engagement effort seeking input regarding the policy, the Chicago Police Department anticipates publishing a revised foot pursuit policy in early September. The engagement process will provide everyone an opportunity to review the interim policy and provide feedback.
The community input process is currently open and will end on July 15. To participate and have your voice heard, visit here.
Garbage & Recycling Pick Schedule !
Street Sweeping
A reminder that street sweeping began April 1.
Mud, leaves, and other debris are the major causes of spring sewer backups and street flooding.
If you landscape in your parkway, make sure wood chips and dirt do not enter the sewer system. If you are able, please clear that debris from your curb lanes.
Chicago utilizes mechanical street sweepers to remove debris and litter from streets.
Residential Streets Sweeping program is underway. Please see your Ward map & schedule for sweeping dates
Street sweeping requests should be made to city's request line at 3-1-1 or click on the button below to make your request.
CPS Returning to School Health Guidance
The best, safest place for our students to learn is in the classroom, and we are looking forward to welcoming your children back to full in-person learning five days a week beginning Monday, August 30. We know parents are eager to prepare their students to return, and we are writing to provide additional information about what school will look like for the 2021-22 school year.
Our decisions are based on the most current health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)—who all agree that ensuring students have access to in-person learning five days a week is the highest priority. The district’s health and safety protocols are designed to provide all students with the in-person education they deserve while keeping everyone in our school communities healthy and safe.
Masks/Cloth Face Coverings
Based on feedback from our public health experts at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), we will require that masks/cloth face coverings continue to be worn indoors by everyone, regardless of vaccination status, except for while eating or drinking. This includes students, educators, support staff, and all visitors to school buildings. Face coverings may be removed for outdoor activities, such as recess and some sports activities. Continuing to require masks will help make sure those in our school communities who are not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, which encompasses the majority of our students, remain as safe as possible.
Social Distancing
As part of our safety plan, CPS will ensure that three feet of social distancing is maintained wherever possible. We know that there will be times when this is not possible due to the population of schools and classrooms, and will use additional health and safety strategies, including air purifiers, hand sanitizer, cleaning and disinfecting, contact tracing, and cloth face-coverings to maximize safety for students and staff.
Daily Meals
To help ensure social distancing during breakfast and lunch, some students will eat in their classrooms and others will eat in their school cafeteria. When children are eating in school cafeterias or other designated meal spaces, they will stay three feet apart where possible and will be allowed to remove their masks while eating and drinking. This strategy will allow for health measures to be in place even during unmasked times and will enable each school to schedule lunch periods based on what works best for their students and staff.
Our goal is to keep all students healthy and safe while they learn in-person five days a week with their teachers and peers so they can receive the education and supports they need and deserve. Based on widespread scientific consensus, we know that proven strategies like the ones announced today will keep students healthy, safe and supported. We will continue to follow public health guidance in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and update our health protocols as needed. We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, August 30 and will continue to provide you with updates as guidelines for the new school year are finalized.
About 90% of children in the U.S. are now eligible for the new child tax credit, starting today, July 15. Non-tax filers must sign-up to get monthly payments. Visit childtaxcredit.gov for more info.
Driver's License and ID Card Expiration Dates Extended Thru January 1, 2022
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended an additional five months, from August 1, 2021, to January 1, 2022. The new January 1, 2022 extension also includes expiration dates that will occur between July and December of this year. As a result, expired driver’s licenses and ID cards will remain valid until Jan. 1, 2022 so customers do not need to rush into Driver Services facilities, especially during hot weather. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits.
Secretary of State Jesse White reminds residents to be aware of text and email scams targeting Illinoisans. Secretary White reminds residents: DO NOT CLICK on links and DO NOT provide personal information. To provide the Secretary of State’s office with screenshots of scams, please email webmaster@ilsos.gov.
Current Services Available at the Illinois Secretary of State's Office:
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