Articles under City of Chicago Notice
4th of July Garbage Collection Schedule Change
Please note these important changes to the refuse and recycling schedule due to the Friday, July 3rd (4th of July Observed) holiday.
There will be no refuse collection on Friday July 3rd. All city-collected refuse will be serviced Monday thru Thursday. Residents should ensure all black refuse carts are accessible throughout the week of collection, not solely on their regular day of collection.
Additionally, residents should be advised of potential changes to Blue Cart Recycling collection based on their service provider.
(1) The Department of Streets and Sanitation (Zones 2 and 4) will collect recycling Monday through Thursday. Residents should ensure all Blue Recycling Carts are accessible throughout the week.
(2) Privately serviced blue carts, Waste Management & Lakeshore (Zone 1, 3, 5, & 6), will be collected on a regular Monday through Friday schedule.
CHICAGO LAUNCHES GROUNDBREAKING INITIATIVE TO BRIDGE DIGITAL DIVIDE, PROVIDING FREE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS TO OVER 100,000 CPS STUDENTS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2020
CONTACT:
Mayor’s Press Office
312.744.3334
press@cityofchicago.org
CHICAGO LAUNCHES GROUNDBREAKING INITIATIVE TO BRIDGE DIGITAL
DIVIDE, PROVIDING FREE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS TO OVER 100,000 CPS STUDENTS
Public, Nonprofit and Philanthropic Leaders Develop $50 Million Program
to Provide Free, High-Speed Internet for Four Years
CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today announced the launch of ‘Chicago Connected,’ a groundbreaking program that will provide free high-speed internet
service to approximately 100,000 Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students in their households. This first-of-its-kind program will be one of the largest and longest term efforts in the nation to provide free, high-speed internet over the course of four years to dramatically increase internet accessibility for students and help build a permanent public support system for families in Chicago.
“Reliable, high-speed internet is one of the most powerful equalizers when it comes to accessing information,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “It allows families to access digital remote learning and stay connected to family near and far, especially during COVID19. It allows families to build career skills, apply for jobs, register to vote and stay up-to-date on current events. This program is a critical component of our STEP agenda and the efforts to end poverty and a part of our mission to drive improved academic outcomes at CPS.”
The City worked with CPS and philanthropist Ken Griffin to initiate a first-of-its kind, scalable solution to address the digital equity gap. ‘Chicago Connected’ sustainably tackles the persistent access issue through a public-private investment in broadband, with philanthropic partners bridging the program’s initial costs. ‘Chicago Connected’ is estimated to cost approximately $50 million over the next four years, prioritizing families in need on the city’s South and West Sides. “Internet connectivity is a lifeline to education and opportunity – extending learning beyond the classroom and opening pathways for development and well being,” said Ken Griffin, Founder and CEO of Citadel. “With ongoing access, every student and their family – regardless of economic circumstance – will be better positioned to pursue a brighter future. I hope ‘Chicago Connected’ will inspire other communities across the country to come together to eliminate the digital divide.”
The first two years of ‘Chicago Connected’ will be majority funded by philanthropic partners, including $7.5 million from Ken Griffin, $5 million from Crown Family Philanthropies, $2.5 million from the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund (through The Chicago Community Trust and United Way of Metro Chicago), $2 million from Illinois Tool Works, $1.5 million from the Pritzker Traubert Foundation, $500,000 from The JPB Foundation and $250,000 from the Joyce Foundation. An additional joint commitment of $750,000 from President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and The Chicago Community Trust to the Children First Fund (CFF), the independent partnership and philanthropy arm for Chicago Public Schools, will support efforts by community-based organizations (CBOs) on the South Side.
“Inequitable access to the Internet is a nationwide issue and the COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that internet service can no longer be viewed as a luxury,” said CPS CEO Dr. Janice K. Jackson. “To build on our students’ academic progress, we are launching an unprecedented effort to provide stable, high-speed internet access to 100,000 CPS students over the next four years. This ambitious and critical undertaking would not be possible without the generous support of the philanthropic community.” These generous commitments, along with $5 million of CARES Act funding from the City of Chicago, will fund years one and two of the program. CPS will fund the program in years three and four of the initiative.
Providing Reliable High-Speed Internet Access to Students who Need it Most According to Census data, an estimated 100,000 students lack access to high-speed internet in Chicago, which is defined as 25 mbps download and 3 mbps upload by the Federal Communications Commission. ‘Chicago Connected’ will provide high speed internet for households for four years by directly paying for internet service for families that are most in need, using six priority indicators and data from Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to identify eligible households for the initiative. Priority indicators include students eligible for free lunch, students identified as having special needs, students experiencing homelessness and students living in communities with the highest hardship based on the UIC hardship index. Further, Chicago Connected will prioritize students who are enrolled in summer school who are also eligible for the program
‘Chicago Connected’ will begin outreach to families next week with the goal of connecting as many of the 100,000 students as possible prior to the 2020-21 school year. While Mayor Lightfoot and Chicago Public Schools remain committed to making every possible effort to get students back in the classroom this fall, what next school year looks like and how many students will be able to return is dependent on the trajectory of the virus and guidance from state and local health officials. “The pandemic has not made the internet indispensable, but has revealed that it always has been,” said Daniel Anello, CEO of Kids First Chicago, a parent advocacy organization that has supported the push for broader access to high-speed internet for families. “Increased internet access will provide a plethora of telehealth,
economic and other ancillary benefits, in addition to closing the digital divide which contributes to a significant racial equity gap in our city.”
While phase one of ‘Chicago Connected’ will primarily focus on providing wired internet access, Chicago Connected will also extend existing mobile broadband hotspot service for eligible students in temporary living situations (STLS) for up to four years.
Groundbreaking Initiative Made Possible by Generous Support from the Philanthropic Community
“Michelle and I want every kid in Chicago to grow up knowing even better opportunities than we had – and that requires full and equitable access to the best tools and resources. We’re happy to help Chicago Connected reach every kid in the city. This is where I found a purpose and a family – and it’ll always be our home.” – President Barack Obama
“No student or family should be cut off from opportunities to learn, connect, and thrive—especially at this moment when our devices have become our classrooms, doctors’ offices, and more. Chicago Connected represents a critical step on the path to equity for students city-wide.”– Barbara Goodman Manilow, Crown Family Philanthropies’ Board Chair
“This terrible pandemic has made it crystal clear that access to high speed internet is a critical element of our social safety net. Sadly, too many young Chicagoans and their families lack access to this powerful tool which improves educational, economic, social and health outcomes. The Pritzker Traubert Foundation is proud to support this vital program that will help connect nearly 100,000 of our young people to the many benefits that connectivity and collaboration can deliver.”– Penny Pritzker, Trustee, Pritzker Traubert Foundation and former U.S. Secretary of Commerce
Critical Partnerships to Support Program Goals
‘Chicago Connected’ will provide connectivity by directly paying for a low-cost, highspeed internet service plan for families through Comcast and RCN. In order to help facilitate the payments and various program components, ‘Chicago Connected’ has enlisted United Way to serve as its fiscal agent to help administer the funds and monitor the program. By having United Way pay ISPs directly means that families will not receive a bill.
“Comcast launched Internet Essentials in 2011, because we understood the importance of digital equity across all of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods and across the nation. Since then, Internet Essentials has helped thousands of Chicagoans cross the digital divide and gain access to the Internet at home, many for the first time,” said Matthew Summy, Comcast’s Regional Vice President of External and Government Affairs. “We’re proud to partner with Mayor Lightfoot, the City, CPS and all the other ‘Chicago Connected’ stakeholders to connect thousands more students and continue to help them succeed in school.
‘Chicago Connected’ will also enlist the support of various Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to support enrollment in the program, digital literacy and skills development training, and connect families with other critical resources. To support this effort, CFF — which will act as a fiscal agent for the work with CBOs — will launch an RFP process for CBO selection; more information will be available at cps.edu/chicagoconnected.
“RCN’s mission statement includes the belief that we should take care of our customers and take care of each other. Because of our strong roots in the community, partnering with ‘Chicago Connected’ not only strengthens our commitment to Chicago but allows us to extend our best-in-class internet to those families that are in most need. We are proud to be a part of this innovative program that not only removes obstructions in the learning process for the students, but will enhance the overall well-being of these families,” said Tom McKay, SVP and General Manager, RCN Chicago.
CPS currently provides hotspots through T-Mobile to many of the district’s Students in Temporary Living Situations without a permanent home address. T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon are also helping develop potential solutions in areas where traditional ‘wired’ access is not a viable option. This component of the program will take shape over the coming weeks in parallel with the launch of the wired initiative.
“Broadband is a lifeline for many students from marginalized communities, and lack of access has repercussions that go far beyond the ability to complete homework assignments,” said 12th Ward Alderman George Cardenas. “If you have reliable Internet connection, you have opportunity. I thank Mayor Lightfoot for this investment that ensures CPS students can all engage in connected learning, and I look forward to our continued work to enact inclusive connectivity policies that center on communities of color.”
Chicago’s Larger Vision for Digital Equity
The first phase of ‘Chicago Connected’ is centered on digital equity and internet connectedness as a way to lay the foundation for success for students by increasing access to online learning, college applications, training and workforce development, and other critical government services.
“As Chairman of the City Council’s Committee on Education and Child Development, I have been a longtime proponent of improving the lives of all of Chicago’s children,” said 24th Ward Alderman Michael Scott. “Delivering broadband access to our students will have a profound impact on bettering the lives of our youth and their families.”
Expanding access to CPS households who need it the most represents the first phase of a larger effort by the City of Chicago to expand internet access more broadly. The City is evaluating additional ways to improve internet infrastructure investments in communities in need beyond CPS families and is dedicated to further exploring how to broaden ‘Chicago Connected’ to connect more families citywide.
“In 2020, giving young people access to the internet is necessary to provide them access to the classroom,” said 36th Ward Alderman Gilbert Villegas. “This is an awesome next step, and I feel confident that students, parents and teachers will see the result when school starts in the fall.”
For more information, please visit cps.edu/chicagoconnected.
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MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF CITYWIDE OUTDOOR DINING PROGRAM
COVID-19 Garage/Yard Sale Guidelines
MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT ANNOUNCES $4.75 MILLION DONATION FROM PHILANTHROPIST KEN GRIFFIN TO REPAIR CHICAGO’S ICONIC LAKEFRONT TRAIL
Dine Out on Broadway Friday, June 19th through Sunday, June 21st
The second weekend of Dine Out on Broadway will be this Friday, June 19th from 12pm-10pm, and Saturday, June 20th, and Sunday, June 21st from 11am-10pm.
Join us at one of the first street closures open for outdoor dining as part of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s “Make Way for Dining” pilot program! 30+ restaurants and food establishments along Broadway from Belmont to Surf will participate.
The restaurants’ sidewalk patios will be extended into the street, and there will be communal seating areas placed throughout Broadway for those who would like to order carry-out and enjoy it outside. Click here for the list of participating businesses.
All social distancing, face covering, and other reopening guidelines will be followed and enforced. The 36 Bus on Broadway will be rerouted (check the CTA website for updates) and Barry, Oakdale, and Briar will become two way streets to accomodate local traffic.
Please remember this initiative is intended to support our local restaurants and is not a street festival. Open containers and congregating in large groups are not permitted. Attendees should wear face coverings and maintain a social distance when traveling to and from dining establishments. Please see below for detailed information on local street closures and parking restrictions.
STREET CLOSURES
- BROADWAY CLOSED FROM BELMONT TO MARIANOS GARAGE
- BRIAR CLOSED W FROM CAMBRIDGE TO CLARK
- BARRY CLOSED E FROM CLARK TO PINE GROVE
- WELLINGTON STAYS OPEN EASTBOUND
- BROADWAY NORTHBOUND OPEN FROM WELLINGTON TO MARIANOS GARAGE
- BROADWAY CLOSED S FROM WELLINGTON TO SURF
- BROADWAY CLOSED N FROM EASTSIDE SURF
- SURF AND WELLINGTON REMAIN OPEN
NO PARKING SIGNS
Side streets of Broadway Expanded Seating
- 626 W Briar W to 551 W Briar
- 626 W Barry to Pine Grove-Strip, BOTH SIDES!!
- 626 W Wellington to 551 W Wellington
- 626 W Oakdale to 551 W Oakdale
- BROADWAY Proper
- 3200 N Broadway to 2800 N Broadway
CITY OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES DATES FOR BARS AND LAKEFRONT TO REOPEN
Make Way for Dining: Broadway Bus (36) Reroute
The Office of the City Clerk announces City Hall location limited reopening as the City moves into Phase 3 of its Reopening Plan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2020
Contact: Treshonna Nolan, Treshonna.Nolan@cityofchicago.org
Chicago City Clerk Anna M. Valencia Announces Limited Operational Reopening of City Hall Office Location Set for Monday, June 8
The Office of the City Clerk announces City Hall location limited reopening as the City moves into Phase 3 of its Reopening Plan
[CHICAGO] – Today, Chicago City Clerk Anna M. Valencia announced the Office of the City Clerk (OCC) will reopen its City Hall location with limited operations starting Monday, June 8, 2020. In an effort to adhere to gathering restrictions and social distancing rules, the Office of the City Clerk will be phasing in employees, starting with a limited front-line staff. The Office of the City Clerk has also implemented operational changes to increase safety for staff members and residents.
“The health and safety of our team members and residents is our top priority,” said Clerk Valencia. “Our office has taken the necessary steps under the guidelines of both state and city requirements to increase safety measures allowing residents to obtain essential city services as safely and efficiently as possible.”
These new operational and safety measures include:
Masks and Social Distancing Requirements
All residents and staff members are required to wear a mask or face covering and practice social distancing (maintaining a six-foot distance) while inside the OCC City Hall location.
All residents visiting the office should use the designated entrance on LaSalle Street. This entrance serves to streamline the purchasing process and ensure social distancing practices. All residents and City workers are required to have their temperature checked upon arrival at City Hall. Staff will be stationed throughout the lobby to assist with any questions or concerns.
Updated Signage
The City Hall location lobby is reconfigured to ensure residents can receive city services as safely and efficiently as possible. Residents will notice updated directional signage as well as reminders for social distancing posted throughout the office.
City Sticker Late Fee Waiver
To provide some relief for those who are unable to purchase or renew their stickers during this time, The Office of the City Clerk will be waiving late fees on certain City Stickers from March 19, 2020, until July 15, 2020, for residents whose stickers were up for renewal or who purchased a new vehicle from January-June of 2020.
24/7 Online Store
The Office of the City Clerk is encouraging residents to make purchases online or by mail. Residents can visit the 24/7 online store, ezbuy.chicityclerk.com, to purchase their City Sticker, Residential Parking Permit, and Dog Licenses.
The Customer Service phone line, Archer Avenue, and Gale Street locations will remain temporarily closed.
For the most up to date information, make sure to visit chicityclerk.com.
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