Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced a new grant program aimed at providing financial assistance to families of children with disabilities, a population that was disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The $5 million Diverse Learners Recovery Fund will provide one-time grants of $500 to up to 8,000 eligible K-12 students through a lottery.“Our young people with disabilities face unique challenges but we are committed to their success and these grants are one way through which we are able to directly invest in them,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.Commissioner...
Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his commitment to environmental justice and economic prosperity for all Chicagoans during an Earth Day event at Hartzell Memorial United Methodist Church. He stated, “This Earth Day event underscores our commitment to seeing an equitable, healthy, climate-resilient Chicago.”Philip B. Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago, praised Mayor Johnson's efforts, saying, “Initiatives like Mayor Johnson's Earth Day Celebration are crucial in mobilizing collective action and leveraging federal resources for clean energy projects.”...
Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed, “Today marks a significant step forward in redefining the travel experience at O'Hare International Airport through the ElevateT3 project. This transformative initiative not only boosts our infrastructure but also strengthens Chicago's position as a global aviation leader, thanks to substantial support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”FAA Associate Administrator for Airports, Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E., stated, “Supported by funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Terminal 3 Improvements...
CHICAGO - Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced the launch of the Mayor’s Youth Commission application for the 2024-2025 term. The commission, consisting of 40 young individuals from across the city, will advise the Mayor on policies affecting Chicago’s youth.Mayor Johnson expressed his commitment to engaging directly with young people, stating, "One of my top priorities as Mayor is to listen to and engage with young people directly about not just the challenges they face, but also their hopes and aspirations for their futures."Deputy Mayor Jen Johnson emphasized the...
CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Officer Luis M. Huesca in a statement released today. Officer Huesca was a member of the 5th District/Priority Response Team and was a victim of senseless gun violence in the city."We are deeply mourning the death of Officer Luis M. Huesca of the 5th District/Priority Response Team following an act of unconscionable gun violence in our city," Mayor Johnson stated, highlighting the gravity of the situation. He emphasized, "No family or community should ever have to suffer such pain."The Mayor...
Bill Nienburg, a former Downers Grove library board trustee who was removed by village council vote, said his removal was the “culmination of a two year long effort to exact revenge” for his opposition to having a Drag Queen Bingo event at the Downers Grove Public Library.
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced plans to commence pavement repairs on South DuSable Lake Shore Drive as part of the 2024 Arterial Resurfacing Program. The project is set to kick off on Monday, April 22, with the repair work spanning the area between Roosevelt Road and 31st Street in both the northbound and southbound directions. The anticipated duration of the project is approximately eight weeks.According to CDOT's schedule, there will be specific lane closures in place during various phases of the repair process. Southbound lane closures...
Mayor Arlene Jezierny and an unnamed speaker are gearing up to host the annual 2024 Children’s Safety Expo. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.The unnamed speaker expressed their excitement about the upcoming event, stating, "Mayor Arlene Jezierny and I are set to host our annual 2024 Children’s Safety Expo! Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. We are excited to see everyone there!"The Children’s Safety Expo is a significant community event aimed at promoting safety and well-being...
The Chicago City Council saw a flurry of activity today with the introduction and approval of various measures. A press release stated, "Attached please find press releases announcing various measures introduced to and approved by the Chicago City Council today."Among the measures introduced were "Various Housing Measures" and "Various Community and Land Developments." These proposals were put forward for consideration during the council session.Subsequently, the council also approved several initiatives. "Various Housing Measures" were given the green light, as well as...
In recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week from April 14-20, 2024, public safety telecommunicators are being honored for their commitment and dedication. The week serves as a time to appreciate the hard work and sacrifice of these essential workers who play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of communities across the nation."National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week honors public safety telecommunicators for their commitment and dedication," stated the organizers of the week.Public safety telecommunicators are the unsung heroes who work...
Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed the city's commitment to investing in neglected communities, stating, "The tens of thousands of trees that we are planting on the South and West Sides are making our neighborhoods healthier, more climate-resilient, and even more beautiful than they already are."Christine O'Reilly, White Sox vice president of community relations, highlighted the organization's dedication to improving Chicago, stating, "Green space is vital to health and wellness, and we are proud to lend our voice to such an important project and help promote environmental...
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson welcomed Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and his delegation to the City of Chicago today. Their meeting at City Hall, alongside Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery Penny Pritzker, focused on Chicago’s Ukrainian community, one of the largest in the United States.During the meeting, Mayor Johnson emphasized the city's unwavering support for Ukraine, particularly noting the tens of thousands of displaced Ukrainians who have found refuge in Chicago since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Mayor Johnson stated,...
The City of Chicago has been awarded $2 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program to help mitigate the negative effects of highways or other transportation facilities that create barriers to community connectivity, mobility, access, and economic development. This funding will support the City in engaging the community and planning infrastructure improvements to promote traffic safety and enhance accessibility on Chicago’s West Side, particularly addressing the adverse impacts of the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) on...
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that the City of Chicago has been chosen to participate in the CityStart initiative with a focus on racial wealth equity. The initiative aims to develop strategies to help families and communities achieve financial stability. Mayor Johnson expressed his commitment to creating a thriving Chicago where all residents have access to the resources they need to thrive, stating, "My administration looks forward to participating in the CityStart Initiative and developing actionable, data-driven, and community-informed strategies to advance and launch...
CDOT Announces Start of Spring Bridge Lifts Along the Chicago River Saturday April 20The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has revealed that the spring bridge lifts will commence on Saturday, April 20, with the raising of 27 bridges from South Ashland Avenue to DuSable Lake Shore Drive.According to CDOT, "Each year, in the spring and fall, CDOT raises the movable bridges along the Main and South Branches of the Chicago River on a twice-weekly schedule on Saturdays and Wednesdays to accommodate recreational boats traveling to and from their storage yards."...
CHICAGO (April 15, 2024) – The current Chicago Teachers Union contract is set to expire on June 30, 2024, and as details of the union's demands emerge, Chicagoans are bracing themselves for what could be a significant departure from traditional negotiations.Analysis from the Illinois Policy Institute has revealed that the Chicago Teachers Union's demands extend far beyond the usual scope of government union contracts, delving into areas such as housing, the environment, and healthcare, in addition to seeking substantial pay raises.Among the most contentious demands is...
CHICAGO – Today, we mourn the loss of an 8-year-old girl whose life was tragically taken from her by gang violence, said Mayor Brandon Johnson. He described the incident as "heinous and cowardly" and emphasized that such violence has no place in their communities."We are all allowed to be outraged today – a warm, spring day that I am sure this child would have been enjoying with family," Mayor Johnson expressed, highlighting the tragic loss and the impact on the community. He added, "I am praying for her loved ones and her community as they experience the unimaginable...
CHICAGO – The Mayor’s Office of Chicago has provided an update to the City Council members regarding the ongoing efforts and developments of the New Arrivals Mission. The briefing included discussions on federal advocacy, cost-saving measures, alternative shelter models, and a new funding request set to be introduced in the Budget Committee.Key among the updates was a new funding request aimed at supplementing investments from Cook County and the State of Illinois. This request includes $70 million from the City’s assigned fund balance reserve, in addition to the $150...
Two periodical cicada broods, which haven’t emerged simultaneously in more than 220 years, will rise from the ground as early as this month. This extraordinary event has sparked curiosity and anticipation among nature enthusiasts and researchers alike. The cicadas, known for their distinct buzzing sound and red eyes, are set to make a remarkable appearance after a prolonged period of underground hibernation.The anticipation surrounding the 2024 cicadas' emergence is palpable, with experts closely monitoring their activity. The simultaneous emergence of these two cicada...