“Through these bold new initiatives, all of our residents can play a critical role in keeping our communities safe,” said Mayor Lightfoot. The City of Chicago on Monday announced new city-led initiatives designed to aid residents and businesses in promoting safety within their communities and the city. The initiatives include a Home and Business Protection…

“The activation of underutilized West and South side properties is a key strategy to revitalize neighborhood commercial corridors with active, people-oriented activities,” Commissioner Cox said. The City of Chicago announced on Thursday, the creation of two new public plazas located in West Garfield Park and Chatham. These projects are a part of the Department of…

How can we cut red tape for small businesses through zoning?  In the City of Chicago, every business license, location expansion and change of location application needs to be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals before a business license application can be processed. For a business owner to submit proper documentation, they…

Please join the Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce and the Community Investment Corporation (CIC) via Zoom to discuss targeted investments and working with the organization. Hear about community investment ideas. Learn about the Woodlawn – specific lending program. Understanding steps to work with CIC.     Register here: https://www.ticketfalcon.com/e/cic/     SPONSORS Fifth Third Bank Saul…

This comes after decades of disinvestment. After decades of disinvestment, two new grocery stores are being built on Chicago’s West Side – something residents have long awaited as other grocery store chains close up shop.   The SBAC and our robust collation of partners are committed to revitalizing, empowering, and connecting local business districts across…

There’s still funding bids available through the City of Chicago and the Chicago Recovery Plan. “The Chicago Recovery Plan invests over $1.2 billion in new and existing initiatives. Over the lifespan of the Chicago Recovery Plan, there will be frequent opportunities to partner with Chicago organizations and we look forward to these partnerships.”   The…

Thriving commercial corridors and neighborhood business districts can support local communities across Chicago and Cook County.  However, many commercial corridors are struggling.  We are looking for your feedback and insight on how to revitalize and empower commercial corridors.  Please take a moment to fill out this short survey so we can better understand the needs…

SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICTS BY REDUCING COMMERCIAL VACANCIES Struggling neighborhood business districts are often plagued by vacant properties. These commercial vacancies impact local economies, foster criminal activity and devastate communities. Local governments can reduce the property taxes owed by commercial property owners when their properties, or a portion of those properties, are vacant. While most…