Cities comprised of healthy neighborhoods, filled with residents, job opportunities, and culture, are more attractive to people and investment. What would stronger, more engaged Chicago neighborhoods mean for the Loop? Find out at the next Downtown Futures Series event, "Strong Neighborhoods, Strong Downtown."
This event has ended.
A commonly accepted notion in urban and economic development is that a strong central business district will “trickle down” to strengthen a city’s neighborhoods. But what if that concept were flipped?
Chicago is already investing in underserved neighborhoods through equitable-development programs that use funds generated from downtown construction projects. This strategy allows downtown projects to obtain additional square footage in exchange for financial payments that support commercial and cultural projects in neighborhoods lacking private investment. How is this investment benefiting not only those neighborhoods, but also the Loop?
In addition to investment, neighborhoods and downtown can both flourish with stronger connections. This can mean physical connectedness, including robust public transit and infrastructure, or figurative connectedness, including ensuring Chicagoans from all 77 neighborhoods feel a sense of belonging in the Loop. This interdependence can bring more residents from pockets of the city to the Loop, a place they can call home for both work and leisure.
Cities comprised of healthy neighborhoods, filled with residents, job opportunities, and culture, are more attractive to people and investment. What would stronger, more engaged Chicago neighborhoods mean for the Loop? Find out at the next Downtown Futures Series event, "Strong Neighborhoods, Strong Downtown."
Speaker/Panelist Information: Keynote
David Reifman, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Planning and Development
Panelists
Karin Norington-Reaves, Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership
Jahmal Cole, Founder, My Block, My Hood, My City
