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A new mayoral administration gives Chicago a critical opportunity to bridge the gap between communities most harmed by inequity and a government with a long history of neglect. We believe that the way our government has functioned in the past is insufficient for the type of tide change that we deserve as residents of the beautiful city we call home. That change begins with building a new expectation of how government and community engage with one another; a relationship grounded in mutual respect, honesty, transparency, and the type of collaboration that only moves at the speed of trust. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration has the vision for this kind of government; a Chicago for the people that’s centered around the Black and Brown neighborhoods of this city that have long been told their voices do not matter. If we want to make this vision a reality, we have to get real about the inherent challenges of the work. What will it take to generate the political will and people power necessary to combat centuries of systemic racism and injustice and sow the seeds for a new future? Exploring Co-Governance in Chicago & Beyond is an opportunity to convene for something much larger and more impactful than policy change. Together, we can build an expectation that our collective work—as community leaders, public servants, and neighbors—is how we find effective solutions to the problems we face in Chicago. Shared responsibility creates change for us all. Chicago United for Equity, the Office for Equity & Racial Justice, Local Progress, and Partners for Dignity & Rights invite you to a frank conversation about what our communities expect, what is reasonable to expect, and the challenges sure to come as we create this new way of co-governance. Are you a city government employee or community member interested in attending this event on September 25? Contact Rachel Pate , Director of Civic Programming, to register.

Exploring Co-Governance , a convening for Chicagoans in government and community to reimagine leadership, on September 25, 2023. Defining Co-Governance The event kicked off with opening remarks by Niketa Brar, Executive Director and Co-founder of CUE, who welcomed 100 city government and community leaders to the conversation. “We all know the difference between leadership for policy change and leadership for government transformation…it’s about civic love.” — Niketa Brar Above: Niketa Brar gives the opening remarks at Exploring Co-Governance in Chicago & Beyond in Washington Hall at Harold Washington College. Co-Governance is NOT bringing ideas to the people pre-baked asking them to put sprinkles on top. Co-Governance is treating communities like they are a part of the solution. It uses the creativity and innovation that comes from lived experience. — Mayor Brandon Johnson , Chicago Right: Mayor Brandon Johnson addresses the participants, many of whom served on his transition team. Photo by City of Chicago/ Patrick Pyszka. Team members from the Office of Equity & Racial Justice led an exercise on defining co-governance, inviting participants to discuss how these definitions met or fell short of their expectations. One participant recommended adding the idea of “kinship” to the official definition of co-governance. We know we’re going to encounter disagreements, “vehemently”, and kinship becomes the foundation to come back together and return to the issue at hand. In the past, Chicago has barely been able to inform communities. We want to move towards true co-governance. — Lauren Burdette , Office of Equity & Racial Justice Lyric Griffin (left), Project Manager, and Lauren Burdette (right), Deputy Chief Equity Officer, hold up the defining co-governance worksheet. Burdette serves on CUE’s Board of Directors . Photo by City of Chicago/ Patrick Pyszka. Watch the highlights from Exploring Co-Governance , including special interviews with Niketa Brar (CUE), Candace Moore (OERJ), Renaldo Hudson (Illinois Prison Project), and Kesi Foster (Partners for Dignity and Rights). Case Studies Exploring Co-Governance in Action Thanks to our partners with OERJ, Local Progress, and Partners for Dignity & Rights, participants got to hear from leaders in three different major cities and learn from their approaches to co-governance at the local level. DIGITAL EQUITY COALITION Chicago, Office of Equity & Racial justice Chicago Housing Authority has families throughout the city. This is a extra resource. In one phone call I was able to help connect a senior to everything she needed to cross the digital divide. — Patricia Steward , Chicago Housing Authority Right: Patricia Steward, Chicago Housing Authority, and Devon Braunstein, Digital Equity, answer questions about the Digital Equity Council. Photo by CUE staff. Problem: Broadband policy is complex, and decisions being made in Springfield perpetuate a vast disparity in internet access in Chicago, primarily its South and Southwest sides. Action: OERJ launched the Digital Equity Council and community conversations. A partnership with Circle Roots Collaborative made sure the people most impacted by the digital divide were at the center of the conversations. They created a monthly coalition for collaboration and provided community leaders with a stipend and all participants with a gift card. Outcome: OERJ held 17 community conversations over 6 months to understand the biggest barriers to digital equity, brainstormed solutions, and assigned small groups to focus on individual solutions. These insights were published in their Digital Equity Plan. WORKER POWERED CO-ENFORCEMENT San Francisco, Chinese Progressive Association (CPA) and Chicago, Arise CPA's work with the City and County of San Francisco, along with a similar effort in Seattle, helped inspire Chicago to help launch the Chicago Office of Labor Standards and develop a strong collaborative relationship between the worker's center and the agency. Left to Right: Adam Kader, Public Policy Director at Arise Chicago Worker Center, Kesi Foster, Co-Executive Director of Partners for Dignity and Rights, listen to Ben Palmquist, New Social Contract Initiative for Partners for Dignity and Rights, discuss the history of CPA. Photo by City of Chicago/ Patrick Pyszka. Problem: Labor rights were unenforced and unrealized, leading to stolen wages and dangerous working conditions. There was a lack of political will to change these conditions. Action: Since the 1930’s, CPA has been organizing the low wage workforce, launching outreach strategies to educate workers, advocate for rights, electoral organizing and document responses from public agencies. City enforcement to recover $20 mil in stolen back pay and $1.7 mil in fines. Outcome: CPA’s efforts built worker and organizational power (including shifting norms), strengthened an institution (OLSE), strengthened workers’ rights ecosystem through partnerships and coalitions, recovered millions ($20 mil) in back wages and created a national model: “co-enforcement” – to monitor and enforce labor rights. EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE Seattle, Office of Planning & Community Development This case study was brought to you by Local Progress. LP is a network of elected leaders who build power with underrepresented communities and fight to reshape what is possible in our localities all across the country. To me, there is a difference between neighborhood and community planning. Long term relationships were built through community planning, which creates opportunities for capacity building and long range neighborhood planning. — Patrice Thomas , Equitable Development Initiative Right: Patrice Thomas, Project Manager for OPCD's Equitable Development Initiative, listens to opening remarks at Exploring Co-Governance. Photo by City of Chicago/ Patrick Pyszka. Problem : Historical disinvestment via policy that redlined Black, Brown, and immigrant communities in Seattle. Action: OPCD hosted 6 community-led demonstrations across the city’s redline. They launched an Equity Analysis and used those findings to create a Equitable Development Framework which became the foundation for the Equitable Development Initiative, providing $100M in anti-racist development grants to community applicants. Outcome: The Equitable Development Initiative now has a permanent advisory board to ensure funding decisions are made by the community. OPCD ensures grantees not only receive their check but all the administrative information needed to manage their project. This inside/outside strategy has allowed the city to shift the power dynamic in local real estate and development practices. Principles & Values OF CO-GOVERNANCE Above: Participants share their core principles and values of co-governance in small groups and with the entire room. Photos by City of Chicago/ Patrick Pyszka and CUE staff. Over the course of the afternoon, we heard that Proactive Relationship Building means not leaving anyone behind. The People are involved at every level. There is no financial barrier to being part of the process. Together we move at the speed of trust and invest beyond Implementation. Community cohesion is the foundation for all co-design initiatives. Now it's your turn to define co-governance. We've compiled the principles and values of co-governance discussed at the convening for a public vote. Share what you think are the core principles and values of co-governance for the city of Chicago.

Chicago United for Equity welcomes a new Director of Communications and Narrative Strategy to share CUE's impact with stories that resonate with our community. We are thrilled to announce a pivotal addition to our CUE team. Please join me in welcoming Christina Córdova-Herrera as our new Director of Communications and Narrative Strategy. As Director of Communications and Narrative Strategy, Christina will lead the development and implementation of our narrative strategy, as we grow CUE’s impact by sharing the stories of Fellows’ work and elevating the lessons you’ve learned to be shared with wider audiences, here in Chicago and across the country. She will be a crucial player in the outreach related to our new Strategic Plan. "I’m looking forward to making meaningful connections and shaping a narrative strategy that resonates with our community." — Christina Córdova-Herrera Christina brings a wealth of experience in communications and narrative work, spanning 17 years. Her most recent position was as the public relations director at Purple Group , and before that, she served as the director of communications for both the Chicago Foundation for Women and Benefit Chicago . In those roles, Christina brilliantly handled complex organizational situations and dynamics, elevating the voice of network partners and the missions of each organization. We are so excited about Christina's leadership and look forward to witnessing how her work will enhance CUE's impact through a cohesive narrative strategy. Join us at the State of the CUE-nion on Thursday, November 30, to learn more about what Christina’s got up her sleeve for CUE’s future narrative strategy. In the meantime, read her full bio and send her a warm welcome .

The following article was published in The Citizen Newspaper on February 25, 2026. By Tia Carol Jones Jerry L. Hawkins has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Chicago United for Equity (CUE). Hawkins, a Chicago native, previously worked for the Chicago Urban League and Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation, and has been grounded in doing racial equity work throughout his career. Chicago United for Equity was founded in 2016 by Niketa Brar and Elisabeth Greer, with the goal to connect and amplify the power of individual people across sectors to build an equitable and inclusive city. In his role with the Chicago Urban League, Hawkins worked with the male involvement program, a fatherhood program. He also consulted for Chicago Public Schools, doing violence prevention work. He said that violence prevention work was really impactful and powerful, and because of that work, he was recruited to work in Dallas. There, he served as the Founding Executive Director of Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and was the Founding Project Director of the Bachman Lake Together for the Dallas Foundation. Hawkins said that the varies work with those organization helped to make Dallas one of the most equitable cities in the South and that work brought him back to Chicago to do racial equity and justice work. “CUE’s staff, board and community partners have built a great reputation of doing racial equity work in the community,” he said. Hawkins said his goal in his new role as Executive Director of Chicago United for Equity is to expand and deepen the impact of the organization’s programs, including the equity fellowship and the co-governance efforts with the city of Chicago. He said he also hopes that CUE will work to change more of the negative stereotypes that exist about some of Chicago’s most under resourced communities. He said that he also wants to break down some of the visible and invisible walls of segregation in the city. Hawkins said that while the city has changed since he was young, it still remains deeply segregated. He said that by building power, and partnering with community members, that can change. He said his work in Dallas helped him build narrative power. “I believe that all of us, as people who live, work, play, go to school, go to church in place, have the ability to drive narratives that will create a better future for ourselves and that means, more expansive stories about who we are, but that also means thinking about a more equitable future,” he said. He added that thinking about a more equitable future means being proactive and creating that equitable future and not just letting the future happen. Hawkins said he wants to bring his ability to dream and do to Chicago. He believes that the community and non-profit organizations can work hand-in-hand because they share a common goal and vision. He said that in order for community members to be engaged they want to see people fighting for them and see themselves represented. He said that as CUE’s visibility expands, people will see the organization fighting for the issues the people in the community want them to fight for and it will create pathways for people in the community to join them. For more information about Chicago United for Equity, visit www.chicagounitedforequity.org.

Dynamic Leader Set to Propel Nonprofit Forward   After a thoughtful and thorough process, Chicago United for Equity (CUE) is excited to announce the appointment of Jerry L. Hawkins as its new Executive Director, effective immediately. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, Jerry is committed to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable change. He will spearhead the vision to advance CUE's mission to transform Chicagoans' relationship to power. Jerry L. Hawkins is a dedicated advocate for social justice, an educator, a historian, and a futurist. He is also a Presidential Leadership Scholar and Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer and Narrator for the "Recovering The Stories: Exploring the History and Resilience in Dallas Communities" PBS/KERA Documentary Series. Jerry has previously served as the Founding Executive Director of Dallas Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation, an initiative of W.K. Kellogg Foundation & Communities Foundation of Texas, and the Founding Project Director of Bachman Lake Together, an initiative of The Dallas Foundation & Zero To Five Funders Collaborative. Jerry is a 2025 Dr. Harry Robinson, Jr. Legacy Award winner and was selected as one of the "Dallas 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders in North Texas" in 2021 and 2022 by D CEO/D Magazine. Born and raised in Chicago, Jerry has previously served at the Chicago Urban League and Chicago Public Schools. Read Jerry's full bio here . Jerry L. Hawkins, CUE Executive Director "My excitement to join Chicago United for Equity (CUE) is rooted in the belief that CUE has already built a locally impactful and nationally significant example of racial equity in action, and I am grateful for the opportunity to add to the legacy of the founders, board members, staff, and community," said Jerry L. Hawkins, Executive Director of Chicago United for Equity. "Growing up on the Southside of Chicago, it did not take long for me to notice, feel, and experience the personal and societal impacts of segregation and lack of accountability the city had with its Black and Brown residents, working-class people, and people with limited income. This time we live in has cast Chicago, the city I so love and cherish, in a negative national spotlight, so I return home ready to work and build collective power, to share a different narrative of the people who made and make this city great, and to help bring forth a more equitable future Chicagoans desire and deserve." CUE's Staff and Board of Directors express deep gratitude to Candace Williams for her steadfast leadership during the transition. Her commitment ensured CUE remained strong in its mission and positioned the organization for continued impact. CUE also thanks the Search Committee for their diligent work in identifying the right leader to guide the organization forward. "This is a pivotal moment for CUE as we move into our next chapter, and Jerry understands that," said Terri A. Johnson, Board of Directors Co-Chair. "He's not coming in with all the answers - he's coming in ready to learn this organization, honor what's been built, and work alongside our community to shape what comes next. That's the kind of leadership we need." "CUE is proud to welcome Jerry home to Chicago as our new Executive Director," said Tamela Meehan, Board of Directors Co-Chair. "He is a proven visionary leader and a committed advocate for social justice. As he returns home to lead, we are energized for what lies ahead and excited to collectively continue building a more just and equitable future for our city." Terri Johnson and Tamela Meehan, CUE Board of Directors Co-Chairs.

The following opinion was published in The Triibe on December 15, 2025. Authors: Rachel Pate, Candace Williams, Christina Cordova-Herrera, Lyric Griffin and Cynthia Avila In Chicago, the relationship between community members and their local government is often strained by challenges such as a lack of coordination among city departments, perceived ineffectiveness of services like 311, and insufficient authentic community engagement. Many community members feel their local alderpersons are unresponsive, leading to a breakdown of trust and hindering positive change. These challenges, highlighted through community conversations hosted by Chicago United for Equity (CUE), the Mayor’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice (OERJ), and the Co-Governance Steering Committee, stem from community members’ diverse experiences across neighborhoods, demographic variations, and differing levels of familiarity with city systems. Co-governance has emerged as a vital solution to these challenges. The partnership between CUE and OERJ represents a significant step toward redefining how our communities engage with local government and vice versa. This collaboration aims to establish a definition and framework for co-governance in Chicago, emphasizing power sharing and shared decision-making, ensuring that those most impacted by government decisions are centered. The importance of co-governance Co-governance is not just a buzzword; it represents a fundamental shift in local government interactions with constituents. Traditionally, governance has been top-down, often excluding historically marginalized communities from decision-making. Embracing co-governance in Chicago fosters an inclusive environment where community members actively shape the policies, programs, and practices that affect their lives. This approach also helps create policies that address the material conditions and needs of community members. In turn, community members gain a better understanding of how their local government operates and how to effectively participate in the decision-making process. Building trust and relationships When communities feel heard and valued, they’re more likely to influence decisions affecting their lives, thereby strengthening our democracy. This requires the government to engage equitably, shift power to communities, and transform policy to support those who need it most. These shifts build trust that real decision-making demands. This is why OERJ has been advocating for new engagement models and tools that move beyond compliance to reduce harm and co-create solutions with those most impacted by systemic inequities. OERJ’s foundational work is the seed of a larger vision embedded in the co-governance framework: a future where community assemblies flourish, outdated structures are dismantled, civic trust is restored, and a more equitable, responsive, and resilient city becomes possible. Defining co-governance for Chicago Launched in the fall of 2023, CUE and OERJ have approached defining co-governance for Chicago as if launching a new product. The ideation phase involved early conversations with local and national partners to examine their approaches, successes, values, and challenges related to co-governance. In June 2024, nine Chicagoans from diverse backgrounds and walks of life were selected to form a steering committee. Steering committee members hosted 18 community conversations across the city, where over 200 community members shared their thoughts on what a co-governance definition and framework should include for Chicago. Many community members expressed that their previous experiences with local government had not been fruitful, yet they hoped that this time would be different. Indeed, the goal is for this time to be different. A framework for action CUE and OERJ are currently testing the co-governance definition and framework, which includes key values like transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, as a guide for city officials, departments, and community leaders, outlining how they can work together more effectively. Key components of this framework include: Shared Decision-Making: Structures for community member participation related to policy development and implementation. Civic Education: Resources and training to empower community members to engage meaningfully in governance processes, alongside training for government members in authentic community engagement. Community Collaboration Engagement: Regular communication channels to ensure ongoing dialogue between city officials and community members. Proof of concept Three pilot initiatives have been selected to test the co-governance definition and framework. These focus on Equitable Decarbonization, Reentry Services, and Urban Agriculture. Each pilot presents unique challenges that will impact their individual approaches. CUE and OERJ hope the framework will provide guidance on methods to address these challenges and ensure all parties are invested in their success. The road ahead It is critical to recognize that co-governance is not a one-time project but an ongoing commitment to equity and justice. In a time of growing mistrust in government and rampant misinformation, the success of this model will depend on the willingness of all parties to engage in honest conversations, confront systemic inequities, and work collaboratively toward shared goals. These co-governance efforts are especially crucial now, as the current federal government has taken steps back regarding human rights and safety, cornerstones of a more equitable society, where every voice matters and every community thrives.

If you are considering applying for the CUE Fellowship but aren’t quite sure how to articulate your Equity Project, here are some ideas to help you prepare your proposal. What is an Equity Project? An Equity Project addresses systemic inequities and fosters change by reimagining programs, policies, processes, or practices through a racial equity lens. These projects focus not only on public policies (like ordinances) but also on addressing racial equity issues within programs, internal organizational processes, and/or institutional practices. Successful proposals clearly demonstrate the connection between the project and systemic change within decision-making and narrative-shaping institutions. For examples of previous successful projects, take a look at The Equity Playbook . Project Details Your application will require specific information about your project. Consider the following components: Partnership Identify an Organization: Determine the organization (or institution) you will partner with. Strong applications leverage existing relationships and confirm collaboration with organizations where you are currently employed or have a long-term connection, such as being a board member, volunteer, or collaborator. Project Completion: Applicant's ability to move the project to completion, through their organizational/institutional partnership, position, influence, and expertise.  Equity Challenge Core Challenge: Clearly describe the racial equity challenge your project aims to address. Detail how equity principles are integrated into the project’s goals. Embedded Initiatives: Your project does not need to be entirely new. Applicants tend to succeed when focusing on projects that are already a part of their daily responsibilities. Impacting Systems: Clearly state how your project will drive systemic change, shift power dynamics, and advance your sector. Measurable Impact Building Power: Explain how your project will help build power and move Chicago toward justice. Define the tangible impact you seek and how it contributes to systems change. Reimagining Practices: How will you approach reimagining the specific policy, program, process, or practice? Community Engagement: Identify the key groups, individuals, or organizations essential to the success of your project. Replication Potential: Assess the possibility of replicating your project model in other contexts. Application Considerations When you prepare your application, keep these suggestions in mind: Describing the Challenge: Articulate the current reality and its effects on Chicago. Aim for depth and clarity—there’s no need for extensive research or data tables. Engage with Partners: It’s highly recommended to have preliminary discussions with your partner organization prior to applying. Project Plan Flexibility: While a complete project plan isn’t required, outline meaningful deliverables that advance your issue. Refer to the Equity Playbooks [LINK] for insights on potential project types. Support Throughout the Fellowship: You will work on your Equity Project throughout the Fellowship, receiving guidance from partners, CUE staff, and Peer Coaches to develop and adapt your project as needed. Showcase Requirement: At the end of the program, you will present your projects during the CUE Showcase, which typically takes place in May. Evaluation & Selection Applications will be evaluated based on: Criteria Description Commitment to Racial Equity The applicant demonstrated commitment to advancing racial equity through their work, activism, or leadership. Impact Potential The potential for the applicant’s participation in the Fellowship to lead to significant contributions to racial equity in their community or sector. Leadership Skills Evidence of leadership qualities, including the ability to inspire, collaborate, and drive change. Project Feasibility The viability and potential impact of the proposed project, including its alignment with the Fellowship’s objectives and the applicant’s capacity and positionality to implement it. Diversity of Perspectives Consideration of how the applicant’s unique background, experiences, and perspectives will contribute to the Fellowship cohort and the broader work of racial equity. Applicants will also be assessed on their understanding of the core challenge and their ability to impact the project or sector. Through the Fellowship, you’ll gain new skills and develop valuable relationships while implementing your project. The application serves as an opportunity to express your interests, identify collaborators, and outline your approach to addressing the systemic inequities facing our communities. If you have additional questions, please join us at our next information session . Ready to apply?

Chicago, IL – Chicago United for Equity (CUE) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $380,000 grant by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation over the next two years to support its mission, which includes advancing power-sharing structures in government (or co-governance) in Chicago. This funding will build the foundation necessary for government and community to collaboratively work on solutions to our city’s most critical challenges. The grant will specifically support the organization’s Co-Governance Pilot Initiative and yearlong Equity Fellowship, both of which are rooted in civic love and aim to shift power to those most impacted in institutional decision-making processes. Through this work, CUE seeks to create a more equitable and just city for all. “We are incredibly grateful to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for this opportunity to continue our vital work in acknowledging history, shifting power, and building accountability in Chicago,” said Candace Williams, Interim Executive Director at Chicago United for Equity. “This grant will support the empowerment of community members and ensure that decision-making processes reflect the diverse voices of the most impacted in our city.” CUE believes in the power of community voices and collective action to achieve audacious goals, including systems change and policy reform. To transform Chicagoans' relationship to power, CUE invites community members, stakeholders, and supporters to join in this important work through its Co-Governance Initiative and Equity Fellowship, among other programs. CUE Co-Governance Initiative in Chicago, a partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice, is currently in the process of implementation through its Co-Governance Pilot Initiatives. CUE’s Equity Fellowship, which now includes more than 200 Fellows, is a yearlong program that brings together 15-20 leaders across diverse identities, neighborhoods, and perspectives in government, media, research, philanthropy, storytelling, organizing, and advocacy to strengthen their racial equity practices. About Chicago United for Equity Chicago United for Equity (CUE) is a network of racial justice advocates working across diverse types of civic power as organizers, researchers, artists, storytellers, policymakers, lawyers, and more to redesign Chicago’s civic institutions and transform Chicagoans’ relationship to power. Since 2018, CUE has garnered national recognition for developing people-powered voter guides, participatory budgets, and community-led policymaking strategies. CUE equips leaders across various sectors with the tools to drive transformational change, ignite civic imagination, and meaningfully engage with the most impacted communities across the Chicago region. CUE, its Fellows, and its partners harness their collective power and civic love in pursuit of a Chicago that works for all of us. Learn more at www.chicagounitedforequity.org .

In the wake of Election Day, you may be feeling a range of emotions—frustration, sadness, disappointment, or even anger. We want to reassure you that we’re still here, and our commitment to racial equity hasn’t wavered. As a community, we must support and take care of each other, now more than ever. At Chicago United for Equity, we're committed to “ Civic Love in Action ,” which means facing the future with courage and dedication. No matter the challenges, we’ll keep up the fight against false narratives, lift the voices of our most impacted communities, and collectively work toward a just Chicago. Collectively, we will continue to embody Civic Love in Action in pursuit of a Chicago that is responsive and accountable to communities of color.  Let’s keep moving forward, together.

The following opinion was published in Crain's Chicago Business on October 7, 2025. Authors: Rachel Pate, Director of Civic Programming, Chicago United for Equity; Christina Cordova-Herrera, Director of Communications and Narrative Strategy, Chicago United for Equity; Sarah Tang, Director of Programs, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community The recent announcement to transition part of The 78 development into a privately funded soccer stadium raises significant questions about urban development priorities in Chicago. While the $7 billion mixed-use project by Related Midwest  aimed to revitalize a long-vacant site along the South Branch of the Chicago River, allocating 10 acres for a soccer stadium warrants closer examination of its potential community impacts and alignment with the original goals. In February 2021, Chicago United for Equity (CUE) and its partners released a Racial Equity Impact Assessment (REIA) conducted on the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the Lincoln Yards and The 78 developments. The REIA found  that participants viewed the city’s substantial financial commitments to these TIF projects as a poor use of public funds that primarily benefit affluent areas. Over the past twenty-three years, these TIFs have captured $2.4 billion in tax revenue—approximately $100 million annually. This spending now seems unjustifiable given the pandemic and budget shortfalls. Since the REIA's release, major developments have stalled, leaving neighboring communities in uncertainty. Despite renewed interest in The 78 due to the soccer stadium, not much has changed since the REIA was conducted. The Vision for The 78 The original vision for The 78 was transformative, intending to create a vibrant community with up to 13 million square feet of commercial, residential, and institutional space, along with 12 acres of open space and 10,000 residential units. This was not only about structures but about fostering community and providing essential amenities for the residents of the South Loop and Chinatown. The city's use of TIFs to spur this development is justifiable, given the site's history of vacancy and neglect. However, allocating a significant portion of this development to a soccer stadium raises concerns about whether it aligns with The 78's original vision. Will the stadium meet community needs, or will it prioritize profit over public interests? Gentrification, Housing, and Public Infrastructure The 78 has been marketed as a new neighborhood, joining Chicago's 77 defined community areas, but is deeply rooted in the Near South Side. This area has undergone significant demographic shifts, with the inflation-adjusted median income rising from $11,000 to $124,967, and the racial composition changing from 5% to 50.2% white as of 2023.  These changes illustrate the gentrification affecting the Near South Side, particularly as it encroaches into the South Loop. Nearby Pilsen, with a majority-Latinx population, Chinatown, predominantly Asian, and Bronzeville, majority Black, are most vulnerable to displacement, as noted by the DePaul Institute for Housing Studies , including their culturally significant local businesses and nonprofits. The Roosevelt/Clark TIF District, with a maximum expenditure of $1.1 billion, was primarily aimed at funding public infrastructure improvements. These included a new CTA Red Line subway station at 15th and Clark, as well as realigning the Metra tracks on Clark to enhance pedestrian and car access. However, the new soccer stadium plan has diverted attention and resources away from these critical infrastructure projects, as it does not incorporate the promised infrastructure improvements. It is unclear whether the removal of these critical infrastructure projects from the plan is due to cost increases since the initial plan approval. At this juncture, Related Midwest is pushing new plans through city council, without addressing how the existing Roosevelt/Clark TIF will be amended. When community members and concerned Alders raised the question at the Chicago Plan Commission meeting, the Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Boatright said it was too soon to discuss. How can private development be discussed without addressing how public dollars will be used? Since the Roosevelt/Clark mega TIF was approved in 2019, it has generated $76 million as of 2024, yet there has been no transparency on how these funds will be spent now that transit infrastructure has been rolled back. The Affordable Requirements Ordinance mandates that 20% of housing units in The 78 must be affordable. The potential presence of a soccer stadium raises concerns about balancing entertainment with housing needs. Could the stadium lead to increased property values and rents, exacerbating the housing crisis in an already vulnerable area? Community Engagement is Essential As the city looks to move forward with this plan, community voices must be included in the planning and decision-making processes. The development of a stadium should not be a unilateral decision made by developers and city officials without meaningful input from residents. Engaging the community in discussions about the stadium’s design, accessibility, and potential benefits is essential to ensure it serves as a true asset rather than a burden.  The survey responses presented by Related Midwest may not accurately capture the input of residents in Chinatown, Pilsen, and Bronzeville, who would be most significantly impacted by increased property costs and changes in traffic patterns . Additionally, Alderman Pat Dowell has hosted two public town halls to date, both of which were held as Zoom webinars, where residents' questions were filtered and reworded. This type of limited engagement doesn’t allow for full community representation regarding the updated plan.  Moreover, the city must ensure the stadium does not detract from the original goals of The 78. The soccer stadium should complement the outlined goals focused on creating a mixed-use environment that prioritizes affordable housing, public infrastructure, and community spaces. Conclusion Converting part of The 78 into a soccer stadium offers both opportunities and challenges. While this development has the potential to generate excitement and boost economic activity, it is essential to ensure that it meets the community's needs. Prioritizing and centering the voices of those most impacted and striking a balance between entertainment and essential services will be key to the overall success of The 78.

Image created by Indivisible . Chicago United for Equity stands firmly against the recent escalation of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in our city and across the region. These actions are not merely law enforcement operations -  they are direct attacks on vulnerable communities, particularly those of Latine, Black, and immigrant backgrounds. The raids instill fear and increase uncertainty, impacting not only the individuals directly affected but also entire communities, thereby exacerbating the trust issues that residents have in local and federal institutions. Many individuals who have lived and contributed to the cultural fabric of our city for years are now facing the threat of unlawful kidnapping and deportation simply for striving for a secure and stable future. The recent escalations are not just a legal issue, but a humanitarian crisis that demands our immediate attention and action. We urge local and state officials to take a stand against these raids. It is vital that we protect our immigrant communities and uphold the values of equity and justice that Chicago strives to maintain. We call for: Legal Protections: Support for legislation that safeguards the rights of immigrants and provides them with access to legal representation. Community Support: Increased funding for community organizations that assist those affected by these raids, ensuring they have the necessary support and resources during these challenging times, such as the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and The Resurrection Project . Public Awareness: A concerted effort to educate the public about their rights and the resources available to them. Chicago United for Equity remains committed to advocating for racial equity and justice for all residents. We will continue to work alongside our partners and community leaders to resist these unjust actions and to foster a city where everyone can thrive without fear. Together, we can and will build a more inclusive and equitable Chicago.

Representatives from across the city will work toward defining what co-governance means for Chicago! CHICAGO –   In response to growing calls for collaborative governance from community leaders, elected officials, and public servants, the City of Chicago, Office of Equity and Racial Justice, and Chicago United for Equity are proud to announce the launch of its first Co-Governance Steering Committee. This initiative, championed by Mayor Johnson's Administration, aims to build the foundation necessary for government and community to collaboratively work on solutions to our city’s most critical challenges.  “This initiative marks a significant step towards a more just and vibrant Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “An opportunity for community and government to work hand-in-hand to create policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of all residents.”   Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that “co-governance is a way to increase accountability for policy issues that affect people’s lives by involving community members and organizations in decision-making.” This vision is further detailed in the 2023 blueprint, "Building Bridges and Growing the Soul of Chicago: A Blueprint for Creating a More Just and Vibrant City for All." While widely supported, the concept of co-governance varies in interpretation among its proponents. Some view it as an avenue for increased democratic participation, while others see it as a means for shared decision-making power between the government and the community. To develop racially equitable co-governance models, the City recognizes the need for a unified operational definition to guide its implementation and impact. To achieve this, the Office of Equity and Racial Justice (OERJ) and Chicago United for Equity (CUE) have partnered to establish a Co-Governance Steering Committee. This committee consists of diverse, cross-sectored, community-connected individuals who will design and facilitate community conversations to create a shared definition as well as supporting values and principles for Chicago through community conversations and reflection. They will also identify opportunities to model this framework in key government-community partnerships. “This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of governance in Chicago,” said Rachel Pate, Director of Civic Programming at Chicago United for Equity. “It’s a step toward institutionalizing Chicagoans' ability to clearly and directly inform decision-making alongside government staff.” The Co-Governance Steering Committee members were selected after the staff of OERJ, CUE, and members of the Equity Advisory Council reviewed nearly 100 submissions, working diligently to select the final nine members. Priority was focused on ensuring representation from across the city with members of all walks of life, emphasizing diversity in geographic location, lived experience, and work background.  The Committee members are tasked with attending bi-monthly planning meetings, convening community conversations with priority populations who have been historically excluded from government-level decision-making, connecting with existing initiatives aligned with co-governance principles and values, and learning from other cities and municipalities that have established co-governance models. Additionally, the Committee will collectively draft the definition, values, and principles of co-governance for Chicago, identify opportunities to apply this governance model in the city, and attend a final convening early next year. Members are committed to participating from June 2024 to January 2025 and are compensated for their time and expertise. Meet the Co-Governance Steering Committee Members: Catherina Collins, Black Mental Health Guide Mike Tekh Strode, The Kola Nut Collaborative  ángela munguía, AMPT Chicago Rosazlia Grillier, Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI)  Adam Kader, Arise Chicago  Andrea Ortiz, Brighton Park Neighborhood Council  Dixon Romeo, Not Me We Mark Anthony Florido, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation  For more information about the Co-Governance Steering Committee and to learn more about this work, visit City of Chicago, Understanding Co-Governance, chi.gov/co-governance . ### About The Office of Equity and Racial Justice   The Office of Equity and Racial Justice (OERJ) seeks to advance institutional change that results in an equitable transformation of how we do business across the City of Chicago enterprise. This includes the City’s service delivery, resource distribution, policy creation, and decision-making. OERJ will do this by supporting City departments in normalizing concepts of racial equity, organizing staff to work together for transformational change, and operationalizing new practices, policies, and procedures that result in more fair and just outcomes. Visit  chicago.gov/equity .   About Chicago United for Equity Chicago United for Equity (CUE) is a network of racial justice advocates working across diverse types of civic power as organizers, researchers, artists, storytellers, policymakers, and lawyers to redesign Chicago’s civic institutions and transform Chicagoans’ relationship to power. Since 2018, CUE has garnered national recognition for developing people-powered voter guides, participatory budgets, and community-led policymaking strategies. CUE equips leaders across various sectors with the tools to drive transformational change, ignite civic imagination, and meaningfully engage with impacted communities across Chicago. CUE, its Fellows, and its partners harness their collective power and civic love in pursuit of a Chicago that works for all of us. Learn more at www.chicagounitedforequity.org .