Garfield Park A Village Going Forward

Create safe pathways linking education, training, and inclusive jobs to sustainable economic opportunities in Garfield Park

To build a thriving Garfield Park, we will create safe spaces and pathways that connect education, training, and inclusive jobs to sustainable economic opportunity. This starts by acknowledging the shadow economy and offering real pathways into legitimate markets. We’ll establish safe, family-friendly zones along commercial corridors and invest in future-focused education that prepares youth for careers beyond the 8am-4pm model. We’ll advocate for flexible hiring practices that welcome those with records or trauma, and strengthen pipelines between workforce organizations, schools, and businesses. Legal opportunities tied to existing skills and trauma-informed job supports will ensure every resident can build a dignified future.

Provide residents with resources, funding, and support to repair and maintain safe, healthy buildings in Garfield Park

To ensure Garfield Park’s buildings reflect the strength and safety of its people, we will provide residents with the resources, funding, and support needed to repair and maintain healthy spaces. We’ll advocate to reform grant and financing structures—so small and local businesses can access front-loaded or bridge funding without delay. Property owners will be held accountable for upkeep, and we’ll push to reduce tax incentives that reward vacancy. For long-term abandoned or dangerous sites, we’ll explore eminent domain. Finally, we’ll incentivize the rehabilitation of existing commercial buildings to support local business growth and community-serving development.

Empower Garfield Park residents to guide development

To make sure development in Garfield Park reflects the vision and values of its residents, we will empower community members to guide the process directly. We’ll promote the existing land use advisory committee with real influence over decisions that shape the neighborhood. Knowledge-sharing workshops will equip residents with tools to understand and engage in development processes. We’ll advocate for policies that prioritize local ownership and meaningful participation in development deals. Finally, we’ll push for Special Service Area (SSA) funds or similar mechanisms to support corridor improvements—so Garfield Park’s growth is driven by community voice, not outside interests.

Grow transparent planning to build lasting wealth and shared prosperity in Garfield Park

To build lasting wealth and shared prosperity in Garfield Park, we will grow transparent planning rooted in community voice and collaboration. We’ll promote cooperative economics and shared ownership models—like co-ops, land trusts, and community investment vehicles—that keep assets in community hands. Strengthening networks of resident-owned businesses and incubators will support local talent and entrepreneurship. We’ll encourage long-term, flexible capital strategies that build generational wealth. By deepening connections between community-based organizations, we’ll align efforts and amplify impact. We will also engage trusted safety leaders to connect with the shadow workforce, offering pathways toward stability, dignity, and economic participation.

Our community will strengthen its future by fostering collaboration among residents, organizations, and institutions. This strategy encourages neighbors, nonprofits, schools, and faith-based partners to move beyond working in silos and come together around shared goals. By creating spaces for open dialogue, joint planning, and resource sharing, the community can build trust and align efforts that support education, workforce development, and neighborhood well-being. Anchors such as Erie Family Health Centers, Rush, and the CTA Workforce Training Center can help model collaboration and expand opportunities for residents. Promoting civic awareness, intergenerational leadership, and mutual encouragement will ensure that everyone has a role in shaping Garfield Park’s vision. Unity and cooperation will transform individual efforts into collective impact, making progress a shared achievement.

We will build neighborhood-based learning hubs that connect elders, educators, and professionals with youth and families to share knowledge, skills, and support. These hubs will serve as safe, welcoming spaces where residents can access tutoring, career guidance, digital literacy, and creative learning opportunities close to home. Intergenerational mentorship will bridge experience and innovation—allowing elders to pass on wisdom while youth bring new perspectives and energy. Partnerships with local schools, churches, industry focused hands on opportunities will provide resources and mentorship pathways leading to education and employment. By nurturing relationships across generations, Garfield Park will cultivate a culture of lifelong learning, mutual respect, and community pride—ensuring every resident has the chance to learn, teach, and lead.

Our young adults deserve to see, access, and believe in their future. We’re building a network of internships and apprenticeships that put our youth directly into growing fields—clean energy, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and skilled trades. These aren’t distant dreams; they’re hands‑on opportunities right here, shaped by partnerships with colleges, unions, and local businesses. Step by step, clear pathways will connect school to certifications, trades, and higher education. And to make sure opportunities are easy to find, we’ll share them through community spaces and online platforms like MyChiMyFuture, so no one is left out.

This is about connecting ambition with real opportunity. Garfield Park’s 18–24‑year‑olds will be inspired to pursue meaningful careers, lead the next generation of growth, and strengthen our community across education, transportation, manufacturing, professional services, and construction. When our young people thrive, Garfield Park thrives.

Restore hands-on career programs, expand mentorship, and build skills, focus, and accountability to help residents achieve goals

This strategy empowers our residents to achieve their goals by combining practical skills training with mentorship, support, and accountability. Community progress circles will allow residents to share challenges and successes, celebrate milestones, and build a culture of mutual encouragement. Micro-grants and scholarships will provide access to certifications, trade schools, and small business startup support, removing financial barriers to advancement. After-school and weekend academies led by local professionals will teach trades, entrepreneurship, and essential life skills such as financial literacy, cooking, and home maintenance. Dedicated programs will also support our returning citizens and youth reentering school, ensuring they have pathways to education, employment, and being a community stakeholder . By connecting skill-building, mentorship, and structured support, Garfield Park can cultivate motivated, capable residents ready to pursue meaningful careers and strengthen the neighborhood’s future.

Garfield Park has the chance to build a stronger alliance by ensuring residents have the tools and support they need to take proactive steps in housing and economic stability. This strategy emphasizes access—workshops on home and commercial ownership, savings, and credit-building will give families practical knowledge, while trusted communication networks through churches, schools, and block clubs will ensure information reaches everyone. Digital outreach and aldermanic involvement will strengthen accountability, aligning policy with community priorities. By restoring broken relationships and creating spaces to learn and contribute, residents can move from isolation to collective action, turning shared vision into tangible progress.

Strengthen community bonds by encouraging teamwork, shared learning, and collective action for equity and family success

Garfield Park’s strength lies in its people, and this strategy builds on that by fostering teamwork and intergenerational learning. Youth will be engaged directly in housing and real estate processes, gaining hands-on experience in property and community stewardship. Transparency between generations will be prioritized, encouraging mutual understanding and shared accountability. Block clubs will be supported and expanded, giving residents spaces to organize and collaborate. Community gardens and energy-saving initiatives will not only improve sustainability but also create opportunities for neighbors to work side by side. These actions strengthen trust, pride, and unity, ensuring families are equipped to contribute meaningfully to Garfield Park’s long-term vitality.

Empower residents in building businesses, owning property, and creating lasting wealth that benefits current and future generations

This strategy equips Garfield Park residents with the knowledge and resources to build lasting economic power. We will work with our schools to integrate real estate and economic training, teaching youth about renting, ownership, and taxes, while life skills programs prepare them for independence. Residents will gain access to consumer business education and financial literacy tools, ensuring they can navigate markets confidently. A central resource hub will provide workshops on real estate readiness, budgeting, and investing, making support accessible to all. Incentives will encourage youth to invest in their community, fostering ownership and long-term commitment. By combining education, mentorship, and practical resources, Garfield Park can cultivate a culture of empowerment and wealth that benefits generations to come.

Preserve and clean our public spaces

Our youth and young adults will work together to maintain and revitalize Garfield Park’s public spaces to improve quality of life, safety, and community pride. Investments will support daily street cleaning and the hiring of additional staff to maintain parks and public areas. Residents will have access to workforce development and training programs focused on preserving local streets, green spaces, and community infrastructure. Advocacy efforts will push for time limits on unoccupied public buildings to ensure spaces are actively used and maintained. The community will organize support for ordinances requiring that real estate be owned by residents of the neighborhood, promoting local stewardship and investment. By combining practical maintenance, workforce opportunities, and policy advocacy with our young adults, Garfield Park can preserve its green spaces and public areas while strengthening local accountability, pride, and community engagement. Preserve and clean our public spaces.

This begins by bringing together parent groups and family support organizations from across the community to build shared goals and coordinated action. Through a structured strategic planning process, the community will examine how long-ignored priorities have contributed to family dysfunction, while also naming and understanding the subcultural norms that shape daily life. This collaborative approach ensures that solutions are grounded in real experiences and guided by the people most impacted.

Promote creativity and opportunity through programs that strengthen family bonds

Garfield Park’s families thrive when creativity and opportunity are woven into everyday life. This strategy focuses on strengthening family bonds by centering education and community connection. This is done by producing a community‑created family‑first curriculum, ensuring that schools reflect the values, traditions, and lived experiences of local families. This blueprint empowers parents, elders, and youth to shape learning environments that honor culture and build resilience. This also includes places of worship with schools, creating partnerships that extend support beyond the classroom. By linking spiritual leaders and educators, families gain access to networks of care, mentorship, and shared resources. Together, these efforts foster unity, nurture creativity, and build a foundation where Garfield Park families can grow stronger across generations.

This strategy recognizes that safety and vitality depend on neighbors knowing, trusting, and supporting one another. Through focused community‑building actions, it will create programs to develop community leaders—including youth—strengthen block clubs and local leadership structures, and establish opportunities for residents to communicate even in the absence of formal leaders.

By improving trust between residents and between the community and officials, and by building on strong block clubs, youth leadership programs, and regular gathering spaces, Garfield Park can cultivate the informal networks that make neighborhoods resilient. When neighbors know each other, they look out for one another, organize together, and create leadership pipelines that ensure community organizing continues into the future.

Improve street safety through environmental design

The physical environment profoundly shapes community safety and quality of life, yet Garfield Park's streets often reflect decades of neglect rather than intentional design for community well-being. This strategy recognizes that safety requires more than policing—it demands thoughtful environmental interventions that make the neighborhood more livable while building the "eyes on the street" that naturally deter crime. Through resident-centered environmental improvements, this strategy will add speed calming tactics and better lighting, enhance seating, greenery, and play areas to encourage safe gatherings, and link parks, schools, and businesses with safe walking paths. Inviting residents to help care for streets and public spaces through cleanups and neighborhood patrols. 

Resident stewardship of these improvements ensures ongoing maintenance while building neighborhood pride and ownership.

Upgrade physical areas where neighbors can gather, connect, and build a stronger sense of community

We will transform Garfield Park’s shared spaces into welcoming places that promote connection, safety, and belonging. Revitalizing parks, plazas, and community hubs will help residents gather, host events, and build stronger ties. Many want to connect but fear crime and unsafe conditions. By improving these areas and offering low-barrier activities—like meetups, pop-ups, and youth-led cleanups—we can shift from caution to engagement. Partnering with local groups to celebrate culture and pride, and engaging those who create tension through dialogue and collaboration, will strengthen accountability, shared ownership, and community care, turning once-avoided spaces into trusted neighborhood assets.

 Develop and expand community-owned spaces that can grow with resident needs

We will develop and expand community-owned spaces that reflect resident pride, ownership, and inclusion. Many feel disconnected, saying, “We don’t own our community” and “It’s not ready to receive us.” To rebuild trust and belonging, residents must help shape and manage spaces that welcome them. We’ll promote gatherings for joy and connection, not just problems; create a shared community calendar of spaces and events for residents to use and host; and identify assets and activities already under community control. These actions strengthen collective responsibility for upkeep and restoration, ensuring Garfield Park feels open, cared for, and truly ours. 

Build inclusive programs that actively listen to and involve all community voices

We will build inclusive programs that actively listen to and involve all community voices, especially youth, elders, and marginalized residents. Many feel unheard or disconnected due to red tape, shifting resources, and limited access to creative or entrepreneurial spaces. To bridge these gaps, we will host intergenerational conversations that elevate diverse perspectives; use intentional marketing to reach non-stakeholders ; and over-communicate events through flyers, social media, texts, emails, word of mouth, and trusted community spaces. These efforts ensure everyone—especially those often overlooked—can participate, create, and lead, balancing care for Garfield Park’s natural spaces with the cultivation of human growth.

Empower residents to act as community developers to create spaces for recreation and entertainment businesses

The Garfield Park Quality of Life Plan will empower residents to become community developers by providing them with the tools, resources, and partnerships needed to identify opportunities and lead the creation of vibrant spaces for recreation, entertainment, and community gathering. Residents will be encouraged to assess neighborhood assets and needs, develop ideas for activating vacant or underutilized spaces, connect with local businesses and investors, and help shape projects that reflect the community's vision.

Support judgement free local youth leadership development and career exploration opportunities

Garfield Park youth will explore leadership and career opportunities in spaces where they feel safe, valued, and respected. By leveraging existing program spaces and expanding partnerships with mentorship initiatives, youth will gain access to hands-on experiences that build skills, confidence, and professional readiness. Digital tools, including the MyChiMyFuture app and social media campaigns, will keep youth and families informed of programs, services, and opportunities in real time. A youth-driven marketing team will ensure programming reflects their voice and priorities, making engagement relevant and appealing. To remove barriers, stipends, transportation, and essential resources will be provided, enabling all youth to participate fully in internships, training, and apprenticeships. By combining accessible opportunities, mentorship, and youth-led engagement, Garfield Park can foster leadership, career readiness, and long-term empowerment for its young residents.

Harmonize around the shared community vision with our youth and young adults

Garfield Park youth and young adults are active participants in shaping our neighborhood’s future. By advocating for their needs and interests, the community ensures that young people have a voice in decision-making and feel supported in their growth. Programs will expose youth to opportunities for exploring adulthood with guidance, thoughtful boundaries, and real-world experiences that build responsibility and confidence. Importantly, youth will be empowered to take the lead in initiatives, programs, and projects, fostering leadership, creativity, and accountability. By aligning community efforts around a shared vision that includes the perspectives and contributions of young residents, Garfield Park can strengthen intergenerational collaboration, nurture emerging leaders, and create a neighborhood culture where youth feel valued, capable, and invested in the long-term well-being of their community.

Eliminate unchecked police-and-community relationships to maintain accountability and community trust

The West Side is rebuilding trust between Garfield Park residents, youth, and law enforcement by ensuring accountability and fostering collaborative relationships. The community will create pipelines to inspire residents to be the change in Chicago Police Department and other service agencies, bringing local perspectives into public safety. Youth will receive education on brain development and decision-making, while age-appropriate programs will provide training in responsible safety practices. Skill-building camps will support both the physical and mental development of young people, equipping them with tools for leadership and resilience. Emphasis will be placed on community-led law enforcement initiatives and youth leadership development to ensure that public safety is guided by local voices. Additionally, police officers will be encouraged to complete mandatory certifications and psychological training to improve interactions and accountability. By combining education, mentorship, and structured accountability, Garfield Park can create safer, more trusting community-police relationships.

Coordinate consistent community investment

Garfield Park will organize to ensure sustained investment in Garfield Park that benefits residents, strengthens local institutions, and empowers youth as active stakeholders. By building Black-owned healthcare systems and creating community investment vehicles, resources can be reinvested locally to drive economic growth and opportunity. Frequent youth symposiums will provide platforms for young residents to share their perspectives, shaping programs and policies that reflect their needs. Shared spaces will foster trust, collaboration, and mutual learning across generations. Vacant school buildings will be explored as hubs for community programming, including Black culture empowerment initiatives. Programs will expand to support youth transitioning into adulthood, connecting them to experiences and networks gained through After School Matters, church programs, and other local initiatives. By centering youth leadership, community-driven investment, and intergenerational collaboration, Garfield Park can build a foundation for long-term growth, equity, and empowerment.