Public Safety Focus
Dear Neighbor,
I know public safety is a top priority for many of you. It’s an issue I hear about all the time, and rightly so: everyone should feel safe in their homes, on their blocks, and in their parks and schools. Right now, too many of us don’t. So today I want to focus on upcoming conversations around safety, and to share some information about our city’s brand-new model for public safety, police oversight, and accountability.
In July 2021, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance creating two new government bodies. The citywide Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability and 22 District Councils were created to improve policing and public safety throughout Chicago. District Councils were elected in February 2023 to serve a four-year term, and each consist of 3 councilors: a chair, a community engagement coordinator, and a nominating member.
Applications are currently open for the citywide Commission. It’s a critically important new body that will help set Department policy, review the CPD budget, promote transparency, and play a central role in selecting and removing the Superintendent. Community members with experience in youth advocacy, law, public policy, social work, community organizing, civil rights, and advocacy for marginalized communities are encouraged to apply. Find more information, and apply here.
I also encourage you to attend some upcoming town halls and monthly District Council meetings across the 39th District to continue the collective conversation and work around public safety.
In the 30th Ward, there will be a Community Safety Town Hall on Wednesday, February 7 at Reilly School, 3650 W. School St. at 6 pm. And in the 1st Ward, there will be a Public Safety Town Hall in mid February. As more details form, we will be sure to share them.
The next District Council meetings are as follows:
14th District: Saturday, March 2 at 1pm at Holstein Park Fieldhouse, 2200 N Oakley Ave.
16th District: Tuesday, February 13 at 6:30pm at Merrimac Park, 6343 W Irving Park Rd.
17th District: Tuesday, February 13 at 7pm Belding Elementary School 4257 N Tripp Ave.
25th District: Wednesday, February 28, at 6pm at Amundsen Fieldhouse, 6200 W Bloomingdale Ave.
All my best,
Will
Office Closure Notice
Our office will be closed on Mondays, February 12 and February 19, in honor of Lincoln’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day, respectively. We will reopen on the following Tuesdays, February 13 and February 20, from 9:00am - 5:00pm. Please contact us at (773) 853-2570 or at will@repguzzardi.com for assistance.
Bring Chicago Home: Breaking Down the Impact for Chicagoans
Curious to know more about the Bring Chicago Home initiative and its impact on our communities? Join the 35th Ward alongside ONE Northside and the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless for a Zoom Webinar on Thursday, February 8, at 6 pm. Register here.
Care Over Cost Town Hall
The People's Lobby is hosting a town hall with Rep. Guzzardi, Rep. LaPointe, and Sen. Martwick to share stories, build community, and talk strategy for a statewide campaign to fight claims denials and win healthcare access for all in Illinois. The town hall will be on Saturday, February 17, at 2pm at 6100 W Irving Park Rd. RSVP here. Child care will be available.
35th Ward and 8th District Donations
The offices of Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and Cook County Commissioner Anthony Quezada are now accepting donations for our new neighbors through February 8. Please note that these offices are only accepting winter items in kids sizes and adult sizes in small and medium.