Devonshire HOA Hosts Annual Meeting
The Devonshire HOA group held its annual meeting on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Neighborhood Services and Public Works staff were present to respond to neighborhood questions regarding engagement and street lighting. Public Works Director Terry Lusby provided neighbors with an overview of the process for requesting additional neighborhood streetlights. He also shared information regarding other […]
11th Annual Smoke Alarm Blitz
On May 3, 2025, the 11th annual ‘Smoke Alarm Blitz’ mobilized over 60 dedicated volunteers. This significant community initiative honors lives lost in residential fires and proactively works to prevent future tragedies. Volunteers canvassed the neighborhoods surrounding Spalding Park, distributing 125 informational bags containing fire safety literature and guidance on scheduling smoke alarm installations. Critically, […]
Holiday Park Neighborhood Association Joins Registered Group Network
On Saturday, March 15, the Holiday Park Neighborhood Association hosted their first neighborhood group meeting. As a newly registered group, the NSD- Relations Division provided organizing support to neighborhood volunteers to engage households within their neighborhood. The neighborhood boundaries are John (N), Duncan (W), Kenwood (E), Kirby (S) and includes 975 households. The neighbors received […]
Neighborhood Services Hosts NRD Resource Exchange
On Monday, March 17, the Neighborhood Services Department-Relations Division hosted a resource exchange focused on the topic of neighborhood zoning issues. Zoning Administrator, Kat Trotter, gave an overview of the types of zoning issues neighborhoods typically face. She also demonstrated how neighbors can use City and County online mapping and engagement tools to view zoning […]
Neighborhood Services Hosts Neighborhood Relations Division Resource Exchange
On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the Neighborhood Services Department launched a new series of information sharing and capacity building meetings to support our neighborhood leaders and volunteers. The first Neighborhood Relations Division (NRD) Resource Exchange meeting focused on the topic of goose management. The first meeting was well attended by representatives from neighborhood groups and […]
City Receives Recognition from HUD
The Neighborhood Programs Division has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for its role as an original participant in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program in Illinois. The CDBG program helps fund community development efforts aimed at creating stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Programs Division is dedicated […]
2024 Showcase of the Equitable Development Data Insight Training
On December 12, 2024, Rob Kowalski, Director of the Neighborhood Services Department; Rachel Joy, Director of the Equity and Engagement Department; and Mikal Washington, Community Relations Specialist, participated in the 2024 Showcase of the Equitable Development Data Insight Training (EDDIT). During the event, City staff had the opportunity to present alongside other 2024 cohorts, including […]
City Staff Engage with Students at Booker T. Washington
On December 6, 2024, staff members from various City departments— including Neighborhood Services, Finance, Equity and Engagement, Police, Fire, Public Works, and Internet Technologies—furthered their engagement efforts by visiting Booker T. Washington Elementary School to read to students. This initiative focuses on promoting a positive outlook on reading and continued education while fostering meaningful relationships […]
Bristol Place Senior Residences Groundbreaking Ceremony
On December 2, 2024, Neighborhood Services partnered with Bristol Place Residences developer AHDVS, LLC to host a groundbreaking ceremony for the Bristol Place Senior Residences. Due to the cold weather, the groundbreaking ceremony was held indoors at the John Lee Johnson Clubhouse. Site prep is already underway for the 60-unit affordable housing complex for seniors […]
Community Canvassing
On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the Equity and Engagement and Neighborhood Services Department conducted a canvasing surrounding the 2000 block of Cynthia Dr. The goal of canvassing is to foster connections with community members, particularly those who may have been affected by recent acts of violence. By establishing personal relationships, staff can gain a deeper […]