Chicago, IL
Municipality in Illinois
United States
Chicago, IL considers opening city-owned grocery stores
Chicago conducted a study to address the impact of recent closures of city-owned grocery stores on local communities. The study recommends the city pursue some version of a municipally owned store or stores — and finds such stores could even turn a profit. It also suggests the city not attempt to operate a supermarket itself, but rather partner with a for-profit operator, a nonprofit operator or a co-op.
Chicago, IL
United States
Chicago, IL expands its overdose prevention efforts with a Public Health Vending Machine Pilot
Five vending machines provide free overdose prevention and hygiene kits at public locations. Every machine contains Narcan with items ranging from menstrual hygiene products to xylazine tests stocked based on local demand. Community members can request PIN numbers for the machines through participating organizations or an online request form. Chicago received CDC grant funding for the pilot as part of the agency's Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) initiative.
Chicago, IL
United States
Chicago, IL SPRING Forward initiative provides re-entry paths into community life after prison
Chicago partners with Cara Collective and Lawndale Christian Legal Center in support of residents recently released from prison. Eligible residents register for employment services through Cara Collective including career coaching, digital training, and job placements. Lawndale Christian Legal Center navigates SPRING Forward participants toward long-term, affordable housing. The program lowers common barriers to community reintegration for recently incarcerated residents.
Chicago, IL
United States
Chicago, IL Arts & Health Pilot for Creative Workers addresses community health staff shortages
The pilot trains 10 local creatives for careers as community health workers during one-year apprenticeships. Participants are placed at one of five participating clinics for up to 20 hours per week of client contact. Malcolm X College's Community Health Worker Program prepares artists for certification through courses on public health, nutrition, and art in community health. This program will serve vulnerable communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chicago, IL
United States
Chicago, IL DiverseTech apprenticeship initiative creates talent pipeline for city IT roles
Chicago is working with the University of Illinois and SDI Presence to select a 25-member cohort. Project leaders will recruit community college students from underrepresented communities for the program. Apprentices spend 15 months on a combination of hands-on work experiences, mentoring, and classroom learning. The DiverseTech curriculum responds to IT challenges facing Chicago with apprentices prepared for cybersecurity and digital services roles in city departments.
Chicago, IL
United States
Chicago, IL responds to road safety concerns with Smart Streets and Smart Loading Zone pilots
The Smart Streets Pilot Ordinance was approved in the wake of a 50% increase in traffic fatalities over a two-year period. The Smart Streets Pilot will use smart cameras on Chicago Transit Authority vehicles and light posts when issuing citations for parking in bus lanes or unsafe driving. Citations are sent by mail to registered owners after a 30-day warning window. The Smart Loading Zone Pilot supports virtual payments and zone management, thus reducing double-parking incidents.
Chicago, IL
United States
Chicago, IL and Thierer Family Foundation lead food delivery pilot for residents with disabilities
The Vivery Idea Lab pilot aims for 2,000 food deliveries to 150 residents of the Austin neighborhood. Participants will communicate with food banks and pantries through Vivery. This platform supports online ordering, text alerts, and inventory updates. Monthly deliveries from project partner Delivery First include shelf-stable and perishable items. This six-month pilot evaluates how city departments can leverage Vivery for expanded access to healthy food.
Chicago, IL
United States