illi News - Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Joins City Departments for Field Operations Day Addressing Persistent Community Concerns

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CHICAGO — Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson joined City workers from across Departments for a concerted field operations effort wielding the full force of government to address community concerns in the 6th Ward under the banner of Operation ChiWorks. As the City continues to celebrate Chicago Workers' Rights Week, Mayor Johnson greeted City workers and commended them for their tireless contributions to building safer, more vibrant communities in the 6th Ward and across the entire city.

"Every Chicagoan deserves to live on a block that is safe, clean, and cared for," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Through Operation ChiWorks, local government is showing up, listening to residents, and responding with urgency as we work to address immediate needs and forge lasting improvements within our communities. I want to thank all of our City workers who continue to serve our communities with professionalism, compassion, and pride."

Today's community engagement and City service blitz comes following community outreach regarding ongoing community safety, infrastructure, and quality-of-life concerns on the 6700 block of S. Champlain Ave. and the surrounding area.

Crews from the Department of Water Management (DWM), the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), the Chicago Police Department (CPD), the Department of Buildings (DOB), the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC), and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) are mobilizing together to deliver coordinated services directly to residents.

"When City Departments come together, we can address problems and maximize the impact and reach of our service to Chicago residents," said Lori Lypson, Deputy Mayor of Infrastructure and Services. "Whether it's repairing infrastructure, improving public spaces, addressing safety concerns, or connecting neighbors with available resources, this coordinated approach empowers us to tackle long-standing issues more effectively."

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CPD will discuss public safety visibility during operations, coordination with the 3rd Police District, reviews of burglary, gunshot, car theft, drug activity, loitering, squatter, and nuisance location concerns, follow-ups on locations with repeated 911 calls, public safety support around identified abandoned properties, coordination around loitering concerns.

DSS will be addressing quality-of-life concerns, including overgrown weeds, grass, and debris around abandoned or vacant properties, as well as alleys, illegal dumping, rodents, overgrowth, resident notification support, and tree debris and inspections.

"DSS is out citywide every day, in every ward, working to keep Chicago clean and safe," said DSS Commissioner Cole Stallard. "It's important for us to engage with the community to build relationships with residents and ensure they know how to access our services."

CDOT's public way inspectors will discuss severe sidewalk conditions, alley paving needs, potholes, sign hangers, and pavement markings. The Bureau of Electricity will discuss street and alley lighting.

"Infrastructure plays a vital role in quality of life," said CDOT Commissioner William Cheaks, Jr. "Well-maintained streets, sidewalks, alleys, and lighting make neighborhoods safer, more accessible, and more inviting. We're proud to work alongside our City partners and residents to identify and deliver improvements that help strengthen this community."

DOB's building inspectors will discuss vacant and abandoned property inspections, collapsed roof conditions, unsafe and debilitated properties, board-up status and follow-up needs, landlord accountability, property-owner enforcement and appropriate fines, and properties where squatters have been present or where unsafe structures create public safety or health concerns.

"The Department of Buildings is committed to safeguarding the neighborhoods we serve," said Marlene Hopkins, DOB Commissioner. "In the Park Manor community, our inspectors have been on site, securing vacant buildings and using every available tool to ensure compliance with the Chicago Building Code and protect the places we call home."

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DWM will discuss painting fire hydrants, observing water-related infrastructure concerns, and review issues connected to tree-root damage impacting plumbing.

"We are very happy to join this effort today in the 6th Ward where we will be painting fire hydrants, cleaning out catch basins to maximize stormwater flow into our sewer system, and we will be cleaning sewer mains to make sure that the system is functioning at peak capacity to help prevent flooding," said DWM Commissioner Randy Conner.

CACC will provide information on upcoming pet-related services, resident education, and animal care and control resources.

"Strong neighborhoods require strong partnerships," said Susan Cappello, Executive Director at CACC. "Animal Care and Control is committed to working alongside our fellow City departments to address community concerns, promote responsible animal care, and respond quickly when animal-related issues affect public safety or quality of life. By bringing City resources together, we can better support residents and create safer, healthier neighborhoods for everyone."

CFD will discuss smoke detector outreach, fire prevention bureau participation, safety education, review fire hazards connected to abandoned buildings, debris, squatters, blocked access, and unsafe structures, and provide residents with fire prevention and emergency safety education.

"The Chicago Fire Department is proud to join Mayor Johnson and our City partners in this coordinated community engagement effort, reinforcing our commitment to public safety through proactive outreach and neighborhood collaboration," said Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt. "CFD looks forward to connecting with residents, supporting interagency operations, and helping ensure the Park Manor/Former Woodlawn Corridor remains a safer and stronger community."

OEMC will provide storm assessment survey support; resident-facing emergency preparedness material, and documentation of resident concerns that may overlap with emergency management, severe weather, lighting, or public safety needs. Staff members will pass out emergency preparedness information.

"The Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC) works closely with City of Chicago Departments, the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Fire Department to coordinate public safety resources to keep residents safe 24/7," said Frank Velez, OEMC Executive Director. "With the recent severe storms and extreme heat, OEMC will continue to work closely with the National Weather Service to monitor weather conditions and alert residents of any emergencies. As always, we want to remind the public to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to report suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something."

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