CHICAGO – On Friday, May 3^rd, 2024, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago Department of Public Health, and the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) to fund a network of community conveners for neighborhood safety as part of The People’s Plan for Community Safety.

“I am thrilled to announce this critical investment in community safety,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By providing much needed resources and support to neighborhood groups dedicated to the well-being of our residents, we empower them to become community anchors that will work with City agencies to help create a better, stronger and safer Chicago.”

In December 2023, Mayor Brandon Johnson launched the People’s Plan for Community Safety (PPCS), a community-led initiative working in concert with the full force of government to make all of Chicago safe by providing much needed resources to the communities most impacted by economic disinvestment, violence, and systemic racism. The PPSC’s work aims to harness the full force of government, community organizations, businesses, philanthropy, faith leaders, and others to interrupt and address acute violence while also investing to prevent crime in the future by addressing the root drivers of neighborhood safety.

“Directing resources into disinvested communities is a key component of addressing the root causes of violence,” said Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood. “Revitalization starts with building upon the foundational elements that already exist within a community and supplying the resources communities need to carry out this important work.”

Four communities were selected for the first round of PPCS implementation (Austin, Englewood, South Lawndale/Little Village, West Garfield Park) based on data related to community safety and crime, social determinants of health, and histories of disinvestment. Many communities disproportionately affected by incarceration and other impacts of the war on drugs also experience high levels of poverty and unemployment due to historical disinvestment in those communities. In consultation with alderpeople, specific U.S census block groups were then identified for prioritization within those communities. The key to the success of this plan in reducing and preventing crime and violence is the hyperlocal approach to stacking resources and investments that rely on community input to guide the work.

“This initiative is another step in the right direction towards addressing decades of disinvestment in our neighborhoods,” said Alderman Jason Ervin. “Community-based organizations are vital agents of peace and require intentional investments so they can continue this important work on the ground.”

The City of Chicago, acting through the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), seeks to fund a total of four qualified community-based organizations, one qualified community-based organization in each of the initial PPSC priority community areas of Austin, Englewood, South Lawndale/Little Village, and West Garfield Park.  These community-based organizations will function as PPSC community conveners working to both provide services and coordinate activities in partnership with other community stakeholders in line with PPCS priorities.

“Investing in people and leaders within communities is necessary for future prosperity and an enhanced quality of life for our residents,” said Alderwoman Stephanie Coleman. “Together, we can bring about a transformative chapter for our city by uplifting the vital and ongoing work that serves to create safe and secure neighborhoods.”

Organizations will receive funding to perform a range of convening activities including but not limited to the following:

• Work with other community-based organizations, local faith and business leaders, and residents to provide services and programming in line with PPCS priorities and existing/new quality of life plans such as workforce development efforts to create alternative economic opportunities to limit participation in the illegal cannabis market and supporting youth and adults of highest promise (youth and adults who are at the highest risk of gun violence and disconnected from basic resources) within the community including returning residents.
• Work with the City and other community stakeholders to implement programming, events, and projects within the community area for which they are the convenor and for particular block groups of highest priority for the City within this community area. 
• Coordinate and facilitate regular meetings between community leaders and the City, including managing follow-up and requests for support arising from these conversations.
• Collect community concerns and feedback related to community safety and crime including concerns related to the distribution of illegal drugs, escalating to the appropriate City staff/department/agency, and supporting response.
• Assess and compile information on community assets and needs to serve as a liaison between community members and the City.

“I’m proud to support this continued investment into holistic solutions to address the root causes of violence,” said Alderperson Michael D. Rodriguez. “Our continued commitment of resources and support to community-based organizations will ensure we can have a meaningful impact on decreasing violence in our communities.”

A total of $1,000,000 will be available through this RFP for the initial contract period beginning June 1, 2024, through August 31, 2025. It is anticipated that up to four contracts valued at $250,000 per year will be awarded through this RFP, one in each of the priority community areas of Austin, Englewood, South Lawndale/Little Village, and West Garfield Park. 

Respondents may download the RFP and any future addenda from the City’s Department of Procurement Services (DPS) website at the following URL:

• https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dps/isupplier/current-bids.html. 

For more information on The People’s Plan for Community Safety, please visit https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/community-safety/home.html.

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