‘WE WILL CHICAGO’ PLANNING PROCESS CULMINATES WITH ADOPTION BY THE CHICAGO PLAN COMMISSION

 ‘WE WILL CHICAGO’ PLANNING PROCESS CULMINATES WITH ADOPTION BY THE CHICAGO PLAN COMMISSION

A 10-year framework to promote equity and resiliency
throughout Chicago was formalized with the Chicago Plan Commission’s unanimous adoption of the first citywide plan in more than 50 years. Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot also announced that she will issue an Executive Order to ensure the plan’s implementation at all levels of City government.

“We Will Chicago” consists of more than 40 goals and
150 objectives to guide the City’s governance across eight “planning pillars” for the next decade. The pillars include Housing & Neighborhoods; Arts & Culture; Environment, Climate & Energy; Lifelong Learning; Public Health & Safety; Transportation & Infrastructure; Civic & Community Engagement; and Economic Development.

Pillar goals and objectives were created by research
teams that identified Chicago’s most pressing needs since the last citywide plan of 1966, including the challenges of urban renewal, loss of public housing, school closures, vacant lots and more. Each goal includes multiple objectives to realize progress over time, as well as baseline data on social, health, and economic inequities to monitor throughout implementation.
Example goals and objectives include:

The Civic & Community Engagement goal to “Build
more robust and effective civic infrastructure to enable Chicagoans to improve their lives and neighborhoods” is supported by three objectives, including the need to “Create stronger, proactive, long-term partnerships with community organizations, block clubs, and other coalitions to increase engagement.”

The Economic Development goal to “Support business
growth throughout Chicago, especially businesses owned by Black, Latino, and Native American people” is supported by four objectives, including the need to “Prioritize resources and investment in small businesses and entrepreneurship programs.”

The Housing & Neighborhoods goal to “Prevent Chicagoans from being involuntarily displaced, especially those that have been historically marginalized” is supported by three objectives, including the need to “Increase community ownership opportunities and options for Black, Latino, Native American, Asian, and immigrant residents to collectively own land and properties.”

Implementation will occur through several actions. With
adoption by the Chicago Plan Commission, future projects considered by the commission will be required to align with the goals and objectives in We Will Chicago.

“We Will in Action” details ways the City and sister
agencies have already made significant strides to realize
the We Will Chicago vision alongside cross-sector partners
throughout the three-year planning process.
For more information on We Will Chicago, visit: wewillchicago.
com

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