10/02/2026
“Last week, I had the privilege of representing the North River Commission as a member of the local host committee for Next City’s 2026 Vanguard Conference, an immersive gathering that brought emerging civic and community leaders from across the country to Chicago to learn from our neighborhoods, organizations, and local leaders.
As part of the conference, I moderated an immigration panel at Restoried Bookshop in Albany Park featuring State Representative Miguel Alvelo-Rivera, State Senator Graciela Guzmán, and Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vásquez.
The conversation explored immigration through the lens of Albany Park and Chicago’s Northwest Side…from the impact of federal policies at the neighborhood level and access to essential services, to the role of government, community organizations, and mutual-aid networks in supporting immigrant families.
This conversation reflects so much of NRC’s work. Albany Park has long been shaped by immigrants and refugees who have built businesses, raised families, strengthened our schools, and contributed to the cultural and economic vitality of our community. Our role is not only to serve that community, but also to ensure its experiences and lessons are represented in larger conversations about the future of our cities.
It was especially meaningful to welcome Vanguard participants from across the country to our neighborhood and share lessons from Chicago that they can take back to their own communities.
One takeaway continues to resonate with me: welcoming communities don’t simply happen—they are intentionally built. And NRC is proud to be part of that work every day.”
Kay Villamin, Executive Director
