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Ald. Cappleman's 2023 City Budget Vote
November 10th, 2022
Dear Neighbor,
It’s my strong belief that a good legislator is one who is an excellent negotiator, especially when there are people with strong opinions on all sides. I started my negotiations last June in the Mayor’s Office where I laid out what I had to see in 2023’s Budget. As someone who founded a homeless shelter for people living with HIV and who specialized in mental health when I earned my Master of Social Work degree, I made it clear to Mayor Lightfoot that I needed the budget to adequately support people experiencing homelessness and those with mental health challenges.
ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
- We will be getting 1200 units for rapid rehousing, which is an increase from 400 units in 2022. Best practices around the country demonstrate over and over again that more affordable housing with wrap-around services is key to addressing homelessness. It's not enough to provide housing; it must be done in a manner that provides people with additional supports to keep them housed.
- There is funding to rehab our shelters so that they can be converted to non-congregate shelters, which will incentivize people experiencing homelessness to say yes to a shelter placement. We've learned from speaking with people experiencing homelessness how important it is for them to have a sense of privacy and safety that comes with having their own room away from others.
- We will get $12M to pilot a stabilization housing program for individuals with complex health conditions such as untreated serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders who cycle frequently through emergency rooms, jail, 911 services, and the shelter system. Funding for a housing stabilization project will help save their lives while also saving taxpayer dollars in the process.
- We will at last get a low barrier shelter on the Northside with personal storage options. This will be a shelter for those who would otherwise refuse care because they have a substance use disorder, or have pets, or have an unmarried partner. Best practices show that low barrier shelters are key for those most reluctant to go to a shelter.
- We now have a commitment to use the 7 principles outlined in the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. This was a must-have for me because other cities around the country that rely on these 7 principles have documented great success of getting people off the streets and into permanent housing.
ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS
All of us know someone who is struggling with a mental health challenge, except some of those individuals struggle silently due to stigma. COVID uncovered this issue which got exacerbated due to the stress and isolation many experienced starting in March 2020.
In 2019, City funded mental health services totaled $12M which allowed us to provide care to 3,651 people in 11 different neighborhoods. For 2023, we increased that amount to $89M to treat 60,000 people and by the end of this year, residents will be able to find care in all 77 of our communities, with a great portion of it provided through trauma informed centers of care. This is a 7-fold increase in funding for mental health services! Best of all, it's mental health care that is free to those who cannot afford it, and a person can be undocumented and still receive free care.
We’re also finding that because of the stigma that some people have about receiving mental health care, we had to find creative ways of providing it; sometimes through the use of a CARES Team and sometimes at a federally qualified health center where a person also gets treated for their medical issues as well, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. This means that when they’re in a clinic waiting room, no one else will know the reason why they’re seeing their provider.
OTHER 2023 BUDGET INITIATIVES
- $242M will be spent on advance pension payments for our four pensions. This will save many millions in interest payments down the road.
- The City of Chicago will create the Office of Climate and Environmental Equity to address climate change in Chicago.
- $100M in investments for public safety will be made, which includes the addition of civilian positions as outlined in our Consent Decree, along with additional dollars for CPD training, recruitment, improved technology, and 2 new helicopters that will help further address carjackings.
- There will be continued work around investments contained within the Chicago Recovery Plan which include mental health, violence prevention, youth services, and economic development.
While this budget is not perfect (no budget ever is), I saw a strong willingness with the Mayor's Office to negotiate with us to get to a win-win for next year's budget. It was for that reason I felt very good about voting "yes" on the 2023 City's Budget.
Best,
If you are interested in learning more about the CTA 2023 budget, their budget hearing is TODAY, November 10th at 6:00 PM. This is a virtual meeting. Learn more here.
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OFFICE CLOSURE FRIDAY, NOV. 11th FOR VETERANS DAY
The 46th Ward Office will reopen Monday, Nov. 14th at 9:00 AM
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MEET WITH ALD. JAMES CAPPLEMAN
SPEAK WITH ALDERMAN CAPPLEMAN EVERY TUESDAY
Virtual office hours are every Tuesday from 3:00PM - 5:00PM via Zoom or phone. Sign up by the end of day Monday at 5:00 PM by emailing the office at Ward46@cityofchicago.org. If this time period does not work for you, contact the Ward Office to schedule another time.
SCHEDULE A ZOOM MEETING WITH YOUR COMMUNITY GROUP
Ald. Cappleman or a staff member is also available to meet with your local neighborhood or business organization to provide updates about what's happening locally or city-wide. East Lake View Neighbors, Triangle Neighbors, Buena Park Neighbors, Sheridan Park Neighbors Association, Beacon Block Club, and Uptown United all do this on a regular basis. Schedule a time by either email at Ward46@cityofchicago.org or call 773-878-4646.
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UPLIFT HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE
Join us Monday, November 21st from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at 900 W. Wilson.
RSVP by contacting the 46th Ward Office at 773-878-4646 or email Ward46@cityofchicago.org.
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END OF FALL REMINDERS
- November street sweeping is the last of the year. You can find the schedule here. Please move your cars on street sweeping days to avoid tickets and to ensure that drains and catch basins are cleared ahead of rain and snow.
- Leaves in the street lead to clogged sewers and standing water. Please pick up leaves and do not blow leaves and yard waste into the street.
- The City of Chicago will pick up bagged leaves if you make a 311 request. Make a 'yard waste pick-up request' here.
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CLOTHING DRIVE
2022 WOMEN'S CLOTHING DRIVE
Collecting Donations: November 1st to November 30th
Drop Off: 4544 N Broadway
Support justice-involved women by donating gently-used clothing. There is a particular need for :
- Professional Clothing
- Winter Coats and Jackets
- Sizes L, XL, XXL, XXXL
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PROPERTY TAX OFFICE HOURS WITH COMMISSIONER GAINER'S OFFICE THIS MONDAY AT 46TH WARD OFFICE
Monday, November 14th, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at 46th Ward Office, 4544 N Broadway
Lakeview Township has opened for Property Tax appeals with the Cook County Assessor's Office. Appeals will be accepted until November 25th and property owners are encouraged to apply online through the Assessor's website. Commissioner Gainer's office will be onsite at the 46th Ward Office on November 14th to help residents with their property tax appeals. Appointments will be in 15 minute increments - make an appointment by emailing ward46@cityofchicago.org or by calling 773-878-4646.
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PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES
NARCAN/NALOXONE AVAILABLE AT 46TH WARD OFFICE
The 46th Ward Office has free Naloxone (Narcan) and Fentanyl Test Kits available. You can also access Naloxone (Narcan) in Chicago Public Libraries, including the Bezazian and Uptown branches. Anyone in Chicago can access medications to treat opioid use disorder by calling 833-234-6343. You do not need to have insurance, income, or documentation to access this treatment.
UPDATED COVID-19 COMMUNITY LEVEL
Cook County Remains in Low COVID-19 Community Level Based on CDC Metrics.
UPDATED COVID-19 VACCINE BIVALENT BOOSTERS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
More information about the new vaccine and roll-out can be found here. For those who need help finding a nearby vaccination site, Vaccines.gov is a free online service that you can use to search for pharmacies and providers that offer vaccination. Residents can also call the City’s COVID-19 call center at 312-746-4835. Or call 312-746-4835 to get a vaccination at home.
Saturday, November 12th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Truman College, 11:45 W Wilson. Register here.
NEW INFORMATION ON MVP
Click here to see the latest updates from the CDPH on MPV.
For further questions and concerns, contact the CDPH by calling 312-746-4835 or learn more here. Click here to see their most recent webinar about the virus.
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LIBRARY UPDATES
UPTOWN BRANCH FALL PROGRAMMING
Check out the website here for more information on Fall programming.
BEZAZIAN BRANCH FALL PROGRAMMING
Saturday, December 10th at 3:00 PM, Bezazian Library, 1226 W Ainslie.
Support Bezazian! Free Holiday concert to raise funds for Friends of Bezazian Library. This event is free but donations will be accepted.
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JOB LISTINGS & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Find up-to-date job listings here, and find more information about employment & volunteer resources here.
VETERANS JOB TRAINING
Find more information here or scan the QR code.
CPS JOB FAIR
Wednesday, November 16th; 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM; 6320 S Dorchester.
IHDA MORTGAGE RELIEF
Applications open from November 1st, 2022 to January 31st, 2023.
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced it is reopening a mortgage assistance program designed to assist homeowners financially impacted by the pandemic on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022. The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) provides up to $30,000 in mortgage assistance to eligible homeowners — paid directly to the servicer, taxing body or other approved entity — while homeowners work to regain their financial footing. Whether homeowners have a mortgage, a reverse mortgage, or are mortgage-free, the program can fund past due housing payments and up to three months of prospective mortgage payments. The program is free and funds do not need to be repaid. Application, program information and updates can be found at illinoishousinghelp.org. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. View the full press release here.
SOUTH EAST ASIA CENTER
Medicare open enrollment from October 15th to December 7th, if you need assistance please contact South-East Asia Center, 5120 N Broadway 2nd Fl, at 773-989-7433 ext 4, or email so@se-asiacenter.net.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN THE 46TH WARD
Public libraries now serve as an incredible resource to get answers to almost any question you might have. There are also a lot of great activities for people of all ages as well.
- Bezazian Library | 1226 W. Ainslie Street | 312-744-0019 | More information on their hours of operation can be found on their website here.
- Uptown Library | 929 W Buena Ave | 312- 744-8400 | More information on their hours of operation can be found on their website here.
SENIOR CENTERS
Senior residents of the 46th Ward who are looking to beat the heat are encouraged to visit any of the Department of Family and Support Services Senior Center locations which operate Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.
- Northeast (Levy) Senior Center | 2019 W. Lawrence Avenue | 312-744-0784
- Edgewater Satellite Senior Center | 5917 N. Broadway | 312-742-5323
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PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMUNITY COMMISSION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY & ACCOUNTABILITY
Learn more and apply here.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER DETERRENCE ENGAGEMENT
For registration contact the 19th District at 312-744-0064 or email at caps.019dsitrict@chicagopolice.org. Reservations will be limited, available to 19th district residents, proof of address required.
CTA SAFETY UPDATES
As part of its continued efforts to enhance the security of riders and its employees, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) today announced the completion of work to install new security camera monitors in every Customer Assistant (CA) booth across the system. This project is the latest in a series of initiatives deployed in the last month since the introduction of the “Meeting the Moment: Transforming CTA’s Post-Pandemic Future” – a multi-pronged Action Plan for improving rider experiences to ensure that public transportation is the first choice of travel throughout the region. Find more information here.
HOME & BUSINESS PROTECTION PROGRAM
If you live in or operate a business in Chicago you can now apply to receive reimbursement for your security cameras and other security devices. Since the offer is "first-come, first serve," we encourage people who want to buy cameras to do so now. Learn more here.
You may qualify for free cameras based on your income, find more information here.
PUBLIC SAFETY TIPS & INFORMATION
Click here for more 46th Ward public safety tips, including how to make a 911 call.
UPDATES ON THE LATEST COMMUNITY ALERTS
If you have any questions about past crimes, please contact the 19th District CAPS Office at 312-744-0064 or the 20th District CAPS Office at 312-742-8770. Click here for more up-to-date information on the latest community alerts.
THE CITY'S PLAN TO ADDRESS CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
The Chicago Police Department's website provides detailed information about current crime statistics as well as an outline of their plan to address violence. Click here to view that information.
19th DISTRICT (south of Lawrence)
E: CAPS019District@chicagopolice.org
P: 312-744-0064
See the Beat Meeting listing below for the Zoom meeting I.D. number and passcode.
20th DISTRICT (north of Lawrence)
E: CAPS020District@chicagopolice.org
P: 312-744-8714
Click here to join a 20th District CAPS meeting.
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