Ward Report
Ward Guide
Ward maps
Economic Development
Public Safety
Education
Environment
Senior Issues
Walkability/Transit
Staff
Contact Us
Stay Informed
Home
Request a City Service

Fire, Police and
Medical Emergencies
Call 911

Non-Emergency
Public Safety and
City Service Requests
Call 311

Alderman Mary Ann Smith
5533 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 784-5277
Fax: (773) 784-5033
info@masmith48.org

City Hall Office
121 N. LaSalle St.
Room 300
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 744-6860
Fax: (312) 744-0804

Accomplishments

Alderman Smith has brought more than $120 million in public funds to the 48th Ward for infrastructure improvements, new schools, parks, affordable housing and public safety initiatives. Her service office acts as the link between residents and government, handling thousands of requests from constituents each year ranging from garbage can replacement and clogged sewers to tree trimming and street lighting improvements.

Working closely with block clubs, community organizations, chambers of commerce and mutual aid associations, she has focused on:

Public Safety

  • Fighting for public safety through community policing, the installation of police blue light cameras and the creation of community/police partnerships. As a result the 48th Ward now is one of the safest in the City.
  • Acting aggressively against bad landlords and working with the police and courts to make landlords comply with building codes and other regulations.
  • Supporting community "vote dry" efforts to get rid of problem liquor establishments.
  • Instituting a ward-wide liquor license moratorium.
  • Introducing "Safe Routes to School" and other school safety initiatives.

Education

  • Investing more than $45 million in improvements to 48th Ward Schools including new additions to Goudy, Peirce and Swift Elementary Schools and extensive physical plant upgrades at Senn High School and McCutcheon Elementary School.
  • Securing corporate partners for most 48th Ward schools.
  • Funding a dental clinic at Senn High School.
  • Creating new campus parks at Peirce and Goudy Schools.
  • Regularly meeting and working with the principals, parents, teachers and LSCs of the schools in the Ward.
  • Planning a new library for the community.

Housing

  • Helping to create and preserve thousands of units of quality affordable housing.
  • Establishing an affordable housing set-aside policy for the Ward.
  • Working with advocates on a comprehensive city-wide affordable housing policy.
  • Holding property owners accountable for building code violations.
  • Encouraging quality new construction.

Parks and Recreation

  • Building new playlots at Senn Park and Margate Park.
  • Renovating Senn Park.
  • Upgrading facilities at Bromann, Cochran and Cedar Playlots.
  • Spearheading the renovation of the Broadway Armory.
  • Creating a new park at Thorndale and Sheridan and acquiring the lot at 6151 Sheridan for future development.
  • Establishing the first City-sponsored off-leash Dog Friendly Area at Lawrence Avenue and Marine Drive.

Economic Development

  • Securing City Council approval of the communityıs plan for rezoning Broadway and Sheridan Road.
  • Encouraging a business and residential renaissance throughout the Ward.
  • Maintaining a committee to review and approve all developments that are Planned Developments or require zoning variances or changes.
  • Assisting in the creation of three National Historic Districts in the Ward that provide financial incentives for preservation.
  • Sponsoring new tax increment financing districts and special service areas to fund and promote economic development, improve local business and provide additional street cleaning, snow removal and private security.
  • Aiding new businesses that want to locate in the Ward.

Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Calming

  • Pioneering traffic calming efforts in the City including the installation of speed humps, bump-outs and traffic circles.
  • Installing new traffic lights and redesigning intersections to promote pedestrian safety and better traffic flow.
  • Initiating car-sharing in the City of Chicago.
  • Promoting the Walking School Bus concept in the community.

The Environment

  • Piloting the use of permeable surfaces, rain gardens and low-tech solutions alternatives to manage storm water run-off and help control flooding.
  • Organizing "Blue Town," a multi-organization water conservation and management project.
  • Serving on the City's Advisory Council on "Green Development" and as the Chicago representative to the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives.
  • Testing eco-friendly snow melting materials.
  • Promoting energy-efficient "green" construction.