May 2025: tiny lil actions to make Chicago a tiny lil bit better maybe hopefully
Click on the links and make a difference! It only takes a few minutes.
The end of May is approaching, and with it, our last chance to save Chicago’s transit from service cuts of up to 40%. If you’re curious to learn more about this, I covered it in April’s newsletter. Please take one minute to reach out to your reps and put the pressure on (see below)!
Things that take 1 minute to do
Ask your state representative and senator to support the Metropolitan Mobility Authority (MMA) Act to save transit As we talked about last month, Chicago’s regional transit is facing service cuts–by as much as 40%–if action isn’t taken by the end of this month.
Tell Divvy where you’d like to see more stations No rules against requesting one right in front of your home and another right in front of your best friend’s home.
Things that take 5 minutes to do
Tell IDOT what you think about transportation in our state The annual Traveler Opinion Survey helps IDOT record and track performance and public satisfaction levels on a variety of transportation issues. This is a great opportunity to share your priorities with transportation issues (bike paths > highways). Due May 30!
Get involved with your community
Canvass to Save Transit - West Side | Sunday, May 25 | Froth
Sign up to talk to transit riders about the fiscal cliff and why we need to pass the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act.
Charter Chat - Logan Square | Wednesday, May 28 | Blazed Bakery
I recently learned that our city is one of the only major U.S. cities without a city charter, which acts like a constitution (thank you, lawyer I ran into at the brewery!). Come learn about the growing movement for a people-driven process to draft a city charter and what it would mean for the growth and success of our city.
Future of Western Ave Public Transit Town Hall | Thursday, May 29 | Hybrid: RSVP for location and zoom link
This community-led town hall will be focused on reimagining Western Avenue through the Better Streets for Buses Plan, which explores how we can create safer, more reliable, and accessible streets with infrastructure solutions.
The Volunteer Fair | Saturday, May 31 | Ramova Theatre
This lovely event is hosted by my pals at Trash People of Logan Square and aims to connect do-gooders like yourself with the volunteer opportunities that will fulfill you most.
Chicago Bike Sox | Tuesday, June 3 | Begins at Queen’s Landing
Ride 5 miles to the Sox game at a chill, inclusive pace, then enjoy tailgating at the bike racks followed by attending the game.
47th Ward Eco Fest | Saturday, June 7 | Welles Park
This annual environmental festival can help you discover new organizations, meet with like-minded neighbors, and shop from a variety of sustainable vendors. And Reduce Waste Chicago will be there with a Reuse & Recycling Pop-Up! This is great for hard-to-recycle items, like old shoes or keyboards.
Uptown History Bike Tour | Sunday, June 8 | Broadway Bikes
Join the 46 Ward Neighbors United and the Active Transit Alliance for an Uptown history bike tour.
Trash People X Bucktown Community Organization Clean Up | Sunday, June 8 | Marshfield & Cortland
Trash People is collaborating with Bucktown Community Organization for a Sunday morning community clean up!
Wrigleyville Neighborhood Trash Clean Up | Saturday, June 14 | Gallagher Way
Join the Garbage Gals, Drake Warren, and Chicago Growth Project for a Wrigleyville clean up.
Tour de Chi | Saturday, June 28 | Begins at Randolph/Lake Front Path
This is the official bike ride through all 77 Chicago Neighborhoods. Riders finish on the Lake Front Path and can celebrate with a refreshing dip in Lake Michigan alongside the 10 p.m. firework show at Navy Pier.
Extra credit: Request and vote for safer streets in your ward through participatory budgeting
Check if/when your ward is doing PB in my master tracker (yellow highlight means something is currently goin’ on).
Thanks for the Chicago Growth Project shout-out!
If anyone is interested in learning more about us and our goal to secure Chicago it's first city charter, please visit https://www.chicagogrowthproject.org.
Thank you for these Madeline!!