A Sustainable Vision for Chicago’s Future.
I’m Raheem Uqdah, a father, community organizer, democratic socialist, and policymaker. I’m working to become your representative as third ward alderperson.
The third ward lies on the historic ground of Chicago’s Black Belt and today is home to a diverse cross-section of Chicagoans. Including parts of several incredible neighborhoods like Bronzeville, Fuller Park, The GAP, South Loop, and Washington Park. Today, our ward is home to approximately 55,000 Chicagoans and over 10,000 families, each of whom has chosen to make this beautiful section of the city their home and put down roots.
Our ward extends from Roosevelt Ave on the North down to Garfield Ave on the South. The ward’s furthest Western border lies near Stewart Ave, while its Eastern border runs along Evans Ave, widening at the Southern edge of the ward. This odd shape means we bisect several communities without fully enclosing many of them.
Nestled within our ward are the Illinois Institute of Technology, the historic Motor Row district, and several transit hubs along the Green Line and major North/South bus lines, and it is also intersected by major highway infrastructure in some locations. All of this combines to create a dynamic and vibrant ward with distinct neighborhood identities, but often disparate or challenging connections. This has led to uneven development and, in a few cases, a sense that amenities for some are not always available to others.
The third ward is home to us all, and together, we can work to ensure that all of our neighbors have the opportunity to live in a neighborhood where they can grow.
Raheem’s Key Priorities:
A Sustainable Neighborhood
Ensuring that we are developing a resilient Chicago, from infrastructure to business development that brings a wide variety of amenities to all of Chicago’s vibrant communities.
A Livable Neighborhood
Implementing policies and promoting development that increase housing availability in the Near South and across the city, and investing in public services that equitably improve quality of life for all of Chicago.
A Democratic Neighborhood
Balancing Chicago’s budget in a way that delivers on social programs that improve the lives of all of Chicago and the most vulnerable.
As democratic socialists, we believe that all people–regardless of their identity, citizenship, or wealth–deserve a life of dignity, and we know a government that actually helps its people is possible. We’re gathering workers throughout the U.S. to fight for a true democracy where working people have control over their lives, their government, and the economy. We deserve more, and we have to fight like hell to make our vision a reality.