Chicago, IL considers opening city-owned grocery stores

Ideation

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.

Citizen Services Citizen Engagement Health & Human Services Public Private Partnership (PPP)

Chicago, IL

Municipality in Illinois

United States

Newsworthy

City-owned grocery in Chicago is 'necessary,' study finds

The report suggests the city not attempt to operate a supermarket itself, but rather partner with a for-profit operator, a non-profit operator or a co-op.

City-owned grocery stores could be oasis for Chicago's 'food deserts' on South, West Sides - Chicago Sun-Times

The new report could serve as a road map for Mayor Brandon Johnson to make Chicago the first big city in the nation to enter a competitive and volatile grocery market with razor-thin profit margins. So far, only St. Paul, Kansas and Baldwin, Fla. have done so.

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