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Running for 45th Ward Alderperson. Right for you. Right for Chicago. Right now.

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<h3 style="text-align: center;">NEIGHBORS FOR LEAH</h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">TERMS AND PRIVACY POLICY</h3>These Terms and Privacy Policy apply to the website <a href="http://www.leah45.com" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">www.leah45.com</a> (the "Site") owned and operated by Neighbors for Leah, a candidate committee. Neighbors for Leah has created this privacy policy to explain how we use information that you may provide while visiting this Site and to demonstrate our firm commitment to Internet privacy. Neighbors for Leah may modify this policy from time to time, so we encourage you to check this page when revisiting this Site. 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<h2>Improve Infrastructure</h2><h4>Our property taxes keep going up, but our streets are full of potholes, basements flood, and too many blocks aren't safe to navigate on foot.</h4>You're paying for basic services — you should get them. I'll fight for the funding and accountability we need to make the 45th Ward safer, more walkable, and easier to get through every day.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/f75a6445-ae9b-43d0-9418-d52940a04c78/b483da7f-da7a-4ead-b274-abe43c790fcd/b483da7f-da7a-4ead-b274-abe43c790fcd.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C6122%2C4083&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><ul><li>Partner across agencies: Work with other levels of government to keep our streets and basements dry</li><li>Fix streets faster: Prioritize citizen safety to tackle potholes and street repairs quickly</li><li>Make our intersections better: Apply smart traffic management to make it safer (and less frustrating) to navigate the ward</li><li>Address problems before they happen: Respond proactively to problems rather than waiting for an infrastructure crisis</li></ul>

INFR

A neighbor who shows up, speaks up... and never gives up

Here's Why I'm Running.

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Upcoming Events

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<h2>Restore Civility and Trust</h2><h4>Your alderperson should be working for you, not meeting behind closed doors or intimidating neighbors who disagree.</h4>I will make decision-making open, accessible, and responsive, closing the gap between the residents of the 45th Ward and the city that's supposed to serve them. Every resident deserves respectful and equal treatment from the 45th Ward office, no matter their background or political views. <img src="https://run.imgix.net/f75a6445-ae9b-43d0-9418-d52940a04c78/fa267b71-ef94-4f13-bbd3-1a471000ea7e/fa267b71-ef94-4f13-bbd3-1a471000ea7e.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C8192%2C5464&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><ul><li>Transparent leadership: Hold town halls and coffee hours to ask questions, discuss concerns… and actually get answers</li><li>Make 311 actually work: Simplify how residents request city services and make sure the job gets done</li><li>Track my promises: Post a projects dashboard showing status updates, and what is being done</li><li>Give you a say in spending: Let residents have real input on how aldermanic funds are spent with participatory budgeting</li><li>Fight for reform in Chicago government: Lead the charge for a responsible, responsive, and accountable City Council</li></ul>

TRUST

Events

Leah knows the ins and outs of government, and she is a leader who will work for you. Leah will be an alderperson who listens, learns, and builds practical solutions — together.

Leah's Priority Issues

For 25 years, Leah has worked tirelessly for people who needed someone to fight for them. She is ready to bring that spirit to the 45th Ward.Leah will represent hardworking Chicagoans and make sure our ward thrives for all of our neighbors — especially those who need it most.

Meet Leah

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Campaign Launch: April 29, 2026

Edgebrook leader, Justin Ochonicki, sharing "why Leah, why now"

Wildwood leader, Jen Bassik, introducing Leah Pouw

Leah's uncle Joe sharing why Leah is the candidate for 45

Leah speaking at launch party April 29, 2026

Leah sharing why we need a breath of fresh air

Leah's grandparents, Joseph and Mary Lou Caputo

Jefferson Park neighbors ready for change

Gallery

Leah has been part of the community for years.

Dedicated Parent, Wildwood Leader

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/f75a6445-ae9b-43d0-9418-d52940a04c78/0d566021-d6ee-48c1-9a5b-c656066bc20d/0d566021-d6ee-48c1-9a5b-c656066bc20d.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C8192%2C5464&amp;w=1500" alt="Leah and husband walking with dog" caption="Leah and Bryson Pouw walking their dog, Ruby, by Wildwood Park" align="right" alignwidth="35" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">Leah and Bryson Pouw walking their dog, Ruby, by Wildwood ParkLeah and her husband Bryson are the proud parents of two teenage children who grew up in Chicago Public Schools. Leah is also active in the Wildwood community. She served on Wildwood's Local School Council, Park Advisory Council, and led our Girl Scouts troop for years.She's led interactive community activities to pick new playground equipment at Wildwood Park and identify areas of strength and growth for the Wildwood school's five-year plan.When she's not working, Leah spends her time volunteering, baking bread, exploring the outdoors, and enjoying her hometown's neighborhoods, food, and arts.Community Advocate | Small Business Family | LSC ParentLeah Cunningham Pouw for 45th Ward Alderperson

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Resilience and community got Leah through tough times early in life.

Rising Through Tough Times

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/f75a6445-ae9b-43d0-9418-d52940a04c78/f1d5f270-c262-4cb7-99dd-c8e1d1415505/f1d5f270-c262-4cb7-99dd-c8e1d1415505.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=493%2C729%2C6868%2C4715&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Leah with her grandparents and uncle" align="left" alignwidth="47" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Leah with her grandparents and uncle<h4>Her mother became a first-time parent when she'd just turned 17. She moved with Leah and her sister to Edison Park after leaving a tough situation.</h4>Before long, Leah's mom built a stable life and found good schools for her girls. Leah's father helped, but he faced many layoffs as an electrician, making child support unreliable and money hard to come by. They taught Leah resilience and determination. Neighbors and family stepped up time and again — they showed Leah what it means to strive and be there for others. That spirit never left her. She's spent 25 years making things better for children, families, and communities.

<h1 style="text-align: center;">Here's Why I'm Running</h1><h4>My family on both sides, the Cunninghams and the Caputos, moved to Chicago more than 100 years ago. For four generations, members of my family have chosen Chicago as home. We love this city. I love this city. I'm running for Chicago.</h4>I am running for alderperson of the 45th Ward to bring a new way of governing to the ward and city. We deserve a leader who shows up, listens with respect, and never stops working for change, even when it’s hard. I grew up in a family who didn’t have much. Friends, neighbors and community always showed up for each other, on the good and bad days. That's the kind of community I believe in — one where people take care of each other. No questions asked.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/f75a6445-ae9b-43d0-9418-d52940a04c78/e295db21-8ed7-433d-9d39-18c2d07270fd/e295db21-8ed7-433d-9d39-18c2d07270fd.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C7796%2C5200&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="50" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">My grandfathers were both Chicago police officers, and they taught me that public service isn’t a job title — it’s a way of life. I take that lesson seriously and have spent my career making sure government works for the people.I've delivered results for families trying to make sense of early care and education. After 9/11, I led emergency aid, volunteer and donation efforts for the Salvation Army in New York. I know what works well in government and what doesn't.This work has never felt optional to me. It’s who I am. I'm a helper, a connector, and leader in collaborative community work. I'm running to bring my lived and professional experience to our ward and city.I’m running for alderperson because the 45th Ward deserves someone who will show up, listen with respect, and never stop working for all of us, even when it’s hard.I’ve been showing up for the 45th ward long before I decided to run for office. I have been a Wildwood parent, Local School Council secretary, Park Advisory Council member, and a Girl Scout troop leader. I am a volunteer, block party co-host, book club organizer, and host of civic-action afternoons with friends.The last few years remind us that neighbors who connect in person, in community, and with each other generates a stronger, safer and more vibrant ward.We all need that now. Our city needs it. Our ward needs it. That's why I'm running. I will continue working to bring our community together; now more than ever. I'd be honored to have your support.With gratitude, Leah Cunningham Pouw Candidate, 45th Ward

<h2>How to handle donations on your website</h2>Run does not process donations directly on our platform, as is standard with most political and advocacy sites.Campaigns are often required to comply with reporting requirements, donation limits, and other regulations, so using a donation processor that specializes in serving campaigns is generally a good idea. Sign up with a donation processor and then on your Pages sidebar, click the Link icon on the Donate page and add the link to your donation page. Some common options for donation processing include:<ul><li><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ActBlue</a></li></ul>

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Leah comes from a family of hard workers.

Family, Hard Work, and Chicago Values

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/f75a6445-ae9b-43d0-9418-d52940a04c78/66dd2809-74a2-4366-9819-ee30063ec2b0/66dd2809-74a2-4366-9819-ee30063ec2b0.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C102%2C609%2C712&amp;w=1500" alt="Leah with her two small children" caption="Leah in 2013 getting her Masters from the University of Chicago" align="right" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">Leah in 2013 getting her Masters from the University of Chicago<h4>Her family is made up of teachers, nurses, police officers, truck drivers, mechanics, electricians, painters, roofers, and administrative professionals. They're people who show up every day and get the job done.</h4>Leah did the same. With help from her mom and student loans, Leah worked her way through school with savings from McDonald's, bartending, waiting tables, and cleaning houses — and she never stopped pushing.She earned her bachelor's degree in political communications and US history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago — on a full scholarship, and while raising two small children at home.After the 2008 financial crash, Leah's husband, Bryson, launched a small technology business. They grew his company one client at a time, living in their 3rd floor Lincoln Square walk-up for 11 years to support the start-up.

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<h2>Increase Affordability</h2><h4>Three generations under one roof. Two jobs just to pay the bills.</h4>Families are skipping doctor visits because they can't afford them. The squeeze on everyday Chicagoans is real — and it's getting worse. I'll connect residents to resources, push for housing that works for everyone, and make sure no family has to struggle alone. More housing and thriving business grow the community for long-term stability.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/f75a6445-ae9b-43d0-9418-d52940a04c78/51ab5a2d-50c6-4261-a92c-e3134f32bc83/51ab5a2d-50c6-4261-a92c-e3134f32bc83.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C8192%2C5464&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><ul><li>Help families that are stretched thin: Connect 45th Ward residents to every dollar and resource they're owed</li><li>High quality for every child: Fund quality public schools for all families, regardless of their zip code</li><li>Provide care for caregivers: Connect family caregivers to resources from providing direct care, medical coordination, and financial information to meal supports, transportation and more. </li><li>Address housing: Create options for renters and homeowners so people of all incomes have a stable place to call home</li><li>Local planning that works: Work with residents, community groups, and developers to bring intentional development </li></ul>

We make a better 45th Ward when we work together! Come out to meet Leah! Meet your friends and neighbors! Together we will build a stronger, closer community.

Get to know Leah &amp; neighbors at events!

45th Ward Map

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/f75a6445-ae9b-43d0-9418-d52940a04c78/f085a730-56e5-4370-ad4b-653ba3d34a9f/f085a730-56e5-4370-ad4b-653ba3d34a9f.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=486%2C218%2C815%2C922&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="50" variant="framed">The 45th Ward includes some or all of:<h5><a href="https://app.chicagoelections.com/Documents/general/45th%20Ward.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wildwood</a></h5><h5><a href="https://app.chicagoelections.com/Documents/general/45th%20Ward.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Edgebrook</a></h5><h5><a href="https://app.chicagoelections.com/Documents/general/45th%20Ward.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Norwood Park EAST</a></h5><h5><a href="https://app.chicagoelections.com/Documents/general/45th%20Ward.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gladstone Park</a></h5><h5><a href="https://app.chicagoelections.com/Documents/general/45th%20Ward.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jefferson Park</a></h5><h5><a href="https://app.chicagoelections.com/Documents/general/45th%20Ward.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Portage Park</a></h5><h5><a href="https://app.chicagoelections.com/Documents/general/45th%20Ward.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Six Corners</a></h5><h5><a href="https://app.chicagoelections.com/Documents/general/45th%20Ward.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Old Irving</a></h5><h5><a href="https://app.chicagoelections.com/Documents/general/45th%20Ward.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Independence Park</a></h5>

We make a better 45th Ward when we work together! Come out to meet Leah and help create a stronger, closer community.

District

Leah has spent her life fighting for people who need it most.

Helping Others Through Public Service

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/f75a6445-ae9b-43d0-9418-d52940a04c78/53b09d9a-7b50-40ce-a1ce-3bb555d502d3/53b09d9a-7b50-40ce-a1ce-3bb555d502d3.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3022%2C3016&amp;w=1500" alt="Family reading a newspaper in 1946" caption="Leah's Grandpa Cunningham helped solve a crime in 1946." align="left" alignwidth="30" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Leah's Grandpa Cunningham helped solve a crime in 1946.<h4>Her grandfathers were Chicago police officers who taught her the importance of public service. She got active in high school exposing an overreaching school board that tried to ban books, and she began her career as an crisis advocate for survivors of domestic violence.</h4>Leah carried that energy to a 25-year career standing up for veterans, assisting families experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, and helping more kids and families access early care and education.Today, Leah teaches Illinois professionals who work in early childhood, social work, and public health how to solve complex problems through partnerships and family engagement.

<h2>Boost Small Businesses</h2><h4>Many neighborhood's businesses are struggling — we're seeing empty storefronts, lifeless commercial corridors, and owners drowning in red tape.</h4>I'll change that with a clear plan to help business owners succeed, bring energy back to our neighborhoods, and make the 45th Ward a place where local entrepreneurs thrive. My husband and I launched a thriving business and I know the ups and downs faced by small businesses.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/f75a6445-ae9b-43d0-9418-d52940a04c78/a9c796bf-3f5d-40d7-9cae-1960c60f90fb/a9c796bf-3f5d-40d7-9cae-1960c60f90fb.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4807%2C3206&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><ul><li>Listen first: Host community conversations to hear what business owners actually need</li><li>Cut red tape: Guide owners through the permit process&nbsp;</li><li>Match businesses to neighborhoods: Lead development that brings the right businesses to the right locations</li><li>Encourage recreation, arts &amp; culture: Create anchor destinations across the ward by filling empty storefronts, creating new venues, and holding community events</li><li>Activate Community Advisory Council: Give residents and business owners to play a bigger role in neighborhood zoning.</li></ul>

SM BUS

<h2>Fight for Taxpayers</h2><h4>Chicago has been spending more than it brings in for decades — and working families are paying the price.</h4>You deserve a leader who will fight for fiscal responsibility without putting the burden on everyday Chicagoans.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/f75a6445-ae9b-43d0-9418-d52940a04c78/80414209-a17b-4dc5-872b-ef1584c5145f/80414209-a17b-4dc5-872b-ef1584c5145f.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C6829%2C4555&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><ul><li>Celebrate Chicago: Support citywide tourism, invest in new industries, and support career pipelines for workers of all ages</li><li>Push for a smarter budget: Address Chicago's fiscal challenges without balancing the books on the backs of everyday Chicagoans&nbsp;</li><li>Advocate for everyone: Develop practical solutions with neighbors, not those who want to buy influence at City Hall</li><li>Clear the cobwebs: Eliminate outdated policies that waste taxpayer money, and fight for government reform</li><li>Help working people keep more money: Support lawmakers who are moving Illinois to a less regressive tax system </li></ul>

FIGHT 

<h2>Boost Small Businesses</h2>Leah will help business owners succeed, bring energy back to our neighborhoods, and make the 45th Ward a place where entrepreneurs thrive.

<h2>Improve Infrastructure</h2>Leah will help reduce flooding, fix potholes faster, and make the 45th Ward more walkable and safer to navigate — for everyone.

<h2>Increase Affordability</h2>Leah will connect residents to resources, push for housing that works for all of our residents, and make sure no family has to struggle alone.

<h2>Restore Civility and Trust</h2>Leah will make her office open, accessible, and responsive to your needs, closing the gap between the working people of the 45th Ward and the city that's supposed to serve them.

<h2>Make Our Neighborhoods Safer</h2>Leah's grandfathers were Chicago policemen, and she knows how important first responders are to community. Safety also means healthy officers, accountability, and making sure our communities are vibrant.

<h2>Fight for Taxpayers</h2>Leah will push for a smarter budget that doesn't balance the books on the backs of everyday Chicagoans, while pushing for transparency and accountability.

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Our community powered campaign needs you. Make phone calls. Knock doors. Write postcards. Talk to your neighbors about my campaign. Host a party. Put a sign in your window.Each action — it all matters. These small things have the power to make big change happen.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/f75a6445-ae9b-43d0-9418-d52940a04c78/98d86ecd-1fb4-4370-a77b-662d574c7368/98d86ecd-1fb4-4370-a77b-662d574c7368.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C5396%2C5233&amp;w=1500" alt="Candidate talking to a man" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="framed">

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<h2>Feb. 23, 2027</h2>

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<h2>Feb. 1, 2027</h2>

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<h2>Jan. 15, 2027</h2>

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<h2>Make Our Neighborhoods Safer</h2><h4>My grandfathers were Chicago policemen, and I know how important first-responders are to our city.</h4>Safety means more than officers on the street. It means making sure our communities are vibrant. It means officers have the tools, training, and support needed, while also addressing accountability and conditions that lead to crime in the first place. I'll fight for an approach that makes the 45th Ward safer for everyone.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/f75a6445-ae9b-43d0-9418-d52940a04c78/32c80bc2-41f3-4a56-8429-c1ec088b8110/32c80bc2-41f3-4a56-8429-c1ec088b8110.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C7205%2C4806&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="42" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><ul><li>Support our officers: Advocate for more training and mental health resources for first responders who are dealing with trauma and stress&nbsp;</li><li>Uphold accountability: Work closely with local police, CAPS, and other oversight systems to keep our communities safe</li><li>Address causes of violence: Invest in early interventions like community development, rapid rehousing, early care and education, and social services for residents of all ages</li><li>Increase public safety investments: Support mental health first responders and violence interrupters, which will help our officers stay focused on violent and organized crime </li><li>Strengthen local bonds: Support block clubs, festivals, and everyday connections that bring neighbors together</li></ul>

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Leah's values are Chicago values: hard work, family, and community. She'll work for every neighbor in the 45th Ward — every day.

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Vibrant neighborhoods are the heartbeat of the 45th Ward. Our business corridors are not getting the support it needs. We’re seeing empty storefronts. Struggling businesses. Lifeless commercial corridors. I'll change that with a plan to help business owners succeed, bring energy back to our neighborhoods, and make the 45th Ward a place where local entrepreneurs can thrive.

Boost Small Business

Vibrant neighborhoods are the heartbeat of the 45th Ward. Our business corridors are not getting the support it needs. We’re seeing empty storefronts. Struggling businesses. Lifeless commercial corridors. I'll change that with a clear plan to help business owners succeed, bring energy back to our neighborhoods, and make the 45th Ward a place where local entrepreneurs can thrive.What I'll do…<ul><li>Listen first — Host community conversations to hear what business owners actually need</li><li>Cut red tape — Guide owners through the overly complicated permit process&nbsp;</li><li>Match businesses to neighborhoods — Lead thoughtful development that brings the right businesses to the right locations</li><li>Fix parking bottlenecks — Improve parking in critical commercial areas so customers can actually shop local</li><li>Restore the Portage Theater — Make this historic spot the jewel of the 45th Ward</li></ul>

Vibrant neighborhoods are the heartbeat of the 45th Ward. Our business corridors do not get the support they need.

Boost small businesses

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Our property taxes keep going up, but our streets are full of potholes, our basements flood when it rains, and our neighborhoods aren't safe to navigate on foot. That's unacceptable. You're paying for basic services — you should get them. Leah will fight for the funding and accountability we need to make the 45th Ward safer, more walkable, and easier to get through every day. It starts with us.What I'll do…<ul><li>Stop the flooding — Create smart and responsive weather-related plans that will help keep our streets — and basements — dry</li><li>Fix streets faster — Ensure rapid response teams are in place from day one to tackle potholes and street repairs</li><li>Make our streets walkable — Invest in sidewalks, crosswalks, and infrastructure that makes it safer — and easier — to get around with or without a car</li><li>Address problems before they happen —Prioritize proactive maintenance over crisis reaction</li><li>[Make investments that protect infrastructure to head off the worst of unpredictable weather and make our communities more resilient.]</li></ul>

Property taxes keep going up, but the streets are full of potholes. You're paying for basic services — you should get them.

Improve infrastructure

Chicagoans are getting squeezed from every direction. Our neighbors are resourceful, but it's all too much. Three generations might live under one roof. People work 2-3 jobs just to get by. Families struggle to find quality public schools. Friends put off essential medical screenings and care. Leah knows how city government works, and will use that knowledge to help put money back in your pocket.&nbsp;What I'll do…<ul><li>Help families that are stretched thin — I'll make sure 45th Ward residents can access every dollar and resource they're owed, without having to figure it out alone</li><li>Open doors for every kid — Ensure families can access quality school options, regardless of their ZIP code</li><li>Provide care for caregivers — Home health aides, nurses, and family caregivers deserve living wages — and the support to match</li><li>Address the housing crisis — Push for&nbsp; housing so people of all incomes can live stably and independently in their communities. </li></ul>

Chicagoans are getting squeezed from every direction. It's all too much. Three generations live under one roof. People work 2-3 jobs to get by. Families struggle to find quality public schools. Friends put off critical medical care. Leah knows the ins and outs of city government, and will use that knowledge to connect you to supports and help put money back in your pocket.&nbsp;

Increase affordability

You don't build trust with secret, closed-door meetings. Leah will make decision-making open, accessible, and responsive to your needs, closing the gap between the working people in the 45th Ward and the city government that's supposed to serve them.What I’ll do…<ul><li>Bring government to you — Hold regular town halls and coffee hours so you can ask questions, raise concerns…and actually get answers</li><li>Make 311 work — Simplify how residents request city services and track their requests</li><li>Track my promises — Post a public dashboard on my website showing projects promised, status updates and what is done</li><li>Give you a say in spending — Let residents have real input on how aldermanic funds are spent</li></ul>

Division and disrespect to constituents has gone on for too long. I'll make decision-making open, accessible, and responsive without fear or favor.

Restore civility and trust

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Local nonprofit leader, fourth-generation Chicagoan, and mother of two enters the race to become the new voice for the 45th WardCHICAGO — Leah Cunningham Pouw, a Wildwood resident with more than 25 years of experience advocating for children and families in government and nonprofits, today announced her candidacy for 45th Ward alderperson in the upcoming 2027 Chicago election.“The 45th Ward offers everything families want in the city — great neighborhoods, quality schools, resilient people, and a culture and diversity that is uniquely Chicago,” Pouw said. “What we need now is an alderperson who will listen to all of its residents, be a strong voice for them in City Hall, and tackle the issues we face in our ward every day.”Pouw comes from a blue-collar Northwest Side family — both her grandfathers were Chicago police officers, and other family members were teachers, nurses, truck drivers, and tradespeople. Her family instilled in her the value of hard work and a quality education, and she attended the University of Wisconsin. Pouw helped pay her way through school as a McDonald’s fry cook, bartender, waitress, and house cleaner. While raising two small children, she later earned a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago on a full scholarship.From City Hall to Springfield, Pouw has seen firsthand how government can work for people — and how it can fail them. Now she’s bringing that experience home to the 45th Ward.One of Pouw’s key priorities will be to boost small businesses in the ward, particularly along Milwaukee Avenue — where a recent city-sponsored study found 34% of ground-floor storefronts sat empty. She will fight to reverse that trend, improve the ward’s deteriorating infrastructure, increase public safety, and restore trust between residents and City Hall.“I’ve spent my entire career fighting to make the system work for families and those in need. But too often it falls short — and we need to do better,” Pouw said. “The 45th Ward deserves an alderperson who will put the people first and make sure every voice is heard. From day one, my door will always be open.”The next Chicago municipal elections are scheduled for February 23, 2027.For more information, visit <a href="http://leah45.com">leah45.com</a> or contact and <a href="mailto:info@neighborleah.com">info@neighborleah.com</a>.###

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LEAH CUNNINGHAM POUW ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR 45TH WARD ALDERPERSON

Property taxes keep going up. Streets are full of potholes, basements flood when it rains, and neighborhoods don't always feel safe to navigate. That's unacceptable. You're paying for basic services — you should get them. Leah will fight for the funding and accountability we need to make the 45th Ward safer, more walkable, and easier to get through every day. It starts with us.

Improve Infrastructure

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My grandfather was a Chicago cop, so I know how important police are to our city. But real safety means more than officers on the street — it means making sure those officers have the tools, training, and support they need, while also addressing the conditions that lead to crime in the first place. I'll fight for an approach that makes the 45th Ward safer for everyone.What I'll do…<ul><li>[Good training is good for officer safety. It strengthens community trust and save taxpayers money.Work with police — and demand accountability. Support clear, transparent accountability systems and better training so officers can do their jobs well and safely.&nbsp;More people living in and enjoying our neighborhoods creates more safety - people are more likely to report crime and neighborhood blight]</li><li>Right responder, right situation — Expand mental health first-responders and violence interrupters so police can focus on violent crime</li><li>Support our officers — Advocate for better mental health resources and training for police dealing with trauma and stress&nbsp;</li><li>Demand accountability —Push for transparent oversight systems that hold officers to high standards while giving them the tools to succeed</li><li>Prevent violence at the root — Invest in housing stability, job programs, and social services that address why violence happens in the first place</li><li>Strengthen neighborhood bonds — Support block clubs, community events, and the everyday connections that make neighbors look out for each other</li></ul>

Investing in both training, prevention and rapid response creates real results. I'll fight for funding that make everyone safer.

Make neighborhoods safer

For decades, the city has spent more than it brings. Here’s what this means: every dollar toward our debt&nbsp; takes money away from police, fire fighters, infrastructure, and public health and human services. The residents of the 45th Ward are public workers entitled to our pensions. We deserve a leader who is prepared to stand up and fight.&nbsp;What I’ll do…<ul><li>Push for a smarter budget — Address Chicago's fiscal challenges without balancing the books on the backs of everyday Chicagoans&nbsp;</li><li>Advocate for everyone — Pledge to work for the residents of the 45th Ward, not big businesses who will try to win my vote with donations</li><li>[Connecting you with the answers you need. Being an advocate for people who are trying to access the systems your taxes already paying for&nbsp;</li><li>Fight for constituents every time. In the budgeting process so the needs of people in the 45th ward are adequately met.</li><li>Clear the cobwebs. Get rid of (or clean up) rules and regulations that just don’t make sense anymore/build efficiently.&nbsp;</li><li>Less nickel and diming. I support state lawmakers who are trying to move Illinois to a graduated-rate structure.&nbsp;</li><li>Examine cumbersome zoning, permitting, and other regulations to create housing for people of all incomes can find a place to call home&nbsp;] </li></ul>

The city is underwater in debt. Our credit rating takes money away from funding pensions. I will prioritize pensions, and public health and human services.

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For 25 years, Leah Pouw has worked tirelessly for people who needed someone to fight for them. She is ready to bring that spirit to the 45th Ward. Leah Pouw will represent hardworking Chicagoans and make sure our ward thrives for all of our neighbors — especially those who need it most.