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Ms. Vera Watson

Ms. Vera Watson

Ms. Vera Watson, a 50+ year resident of Chicago, and a familiar face on the westside, has been a leader and mentor over the years. She has partnered with various community organizations, sharing her philanthropic energy and passion for the community with real commitment to uplift, educate, and empower people to challenge and exceed their own limitations. Vera retired from the American General Insurance Company in 2015 and began pursuing her love for gardening.

Ms. “Vera” has served as a strong advocate and a voice for “community” by showing the power of neighborhoods that work together. Early on, she recognized that she could inspire others through beautifying their own spaces and volunteered her time to many residents and organizations to do just that. Ms. Watson purchased an unsightly vacant lot, formerly used as a dumping ground for illegal fly dumping of trash, dilapidated autos, garbage and debris. Through her own efforts, she convinced residents to take on the challenge of beautification by transforming the lot into a community garden located at 5034 W Fulton Blvd. She continues to dedicate herself to the community and taught neighbors how to “live where they love!!”

Her unceasing prayer is for people to learn to ‘live in their neighborhood’ instead of just ‘staying in the neighborhood.’ To Ms. Vera the difference speaks loudly and expresses if you live in a place, it represents beauty and an aura that “we live here”, but if you stay in a place, it doesn’t possess the same atmosphere. Her example describes that appearance matters. When a place looks unclean, unkept and depressing, it gives the impression that someone just stays there. On the contrary, if a place is clean, maintained and contains beautification, it gives the appearance of a place where someone lives! She believes cleanliness and beautification go hand in hand. To this day, Ms. Watson continues to freely devote her time and energy by sharing her knowledge and skills in gardening and beautification throughout the west side. Many blocks in the Austin neighborhood, thanks to Ms. Vera Watson, have been transformed into a beautiful sanctuary that represents a neighborhood ‘who cares’.

Welcome to the 28th Ward Office

Your Local Partner for Community Growth and Development

At the 28th Ward Office, we are committed to fostering a thriving, equitable, and safe community for all who call the ward home. From residents and businesses to community stakeholders, we work collaboratively to ensure that your voice is heard and your needs are met.

Our mission is rooted in the belief that local government should be transparent, accessible, and proactive in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within our neighborhoods. We strive to ensure that every resident feels valued, every business feels supported, and every stakeholder knows their contributions matter. Our office is here to provide guidance, resources, and solutions that enhance the quality of life for everyone in the 28th Ward.

The 28th Ward is a tapestry of cultures, businesses, and families who all contribute to the vibrancy of our community. We take pride in supporting initiatives that foster growth, whether through economic development, improving local infrastructure, or advocating for affordable housing and public safety. By actively engaging with residents, hosting community meetings, and gathering feedback, we ensure our work aligns with the priorities of those we serve.

We understand that lasting progress comes from collaboration. That’s why we partner with local organizations, schools, and businesses to implement programs that address critical needs like education, employment opportunities, and public health. Whether you’re seeking assistance with city services, have ideas to improve your block, or want to get involved in local initiatives, our team is here to listen and take action.

At the 28th Ward Office, we don’t just represent the community — we are part of it. Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive ward where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. We look forward to working with you to achieve this vision and making the 28th Ward a place we’re all proud to call home.