One of Chicago’s wards that will arguably see some of the most significant change once the Feb. 28 municipal election is complete is the 34th Ward. Originally a far South Side ward made up of parts of Beverly Point, Beverly, Morgan Park, Roseland and other neighborhoods, the 34th Ward is moving across the city to the Near West Side this year after a lengthy and controversial ward remapping process.

The newly redrawn ward has relative political newcomers Jim Ascot and Bill Conway both vying to become its first alder following its move from the far South Side. Incumbent Carrie Austin, who faces federal indictment charges for bribery and isn’t seeking reelection, aims to retire in March.

The new 34th Ward will be comprised of parts of Chicago’s Loop, Fulton Market and Near West Side — neighborhoods that, while cited for amenities like trendy restaurants, bars, galleries, shops and fast population growth, are home to small communities of Black people.

Much of the area now known as the 34th Ward was once a thriving meatpacking district worked by low-income city residents and was known as “Skid Row.” However, key moves to the neighborhood of major businesses such as Oprah’s Harpo Studios in the early 1990s and Google’s Chicago headquarters in 2015 have, over time, not only brought with them trendy, upscale amenities, but also higher rent that’s increasingly pushed out the few Black residents who remained.

Ahead of the election, The TRiiBE asked Black Chicagoans in the 34th Ward about their experiences in the area and how they will inform their voting decisions in the 2023 Chicago municipal election.