Mayor Brandon Johnson Launches “A Day in the Ward” to Strengthen Community Engagement, Underscore City Investments
Initiative will showcase City investments in local communities.
CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson joined elected officials, community partners, clergy, and the Little Village community today in launching “A Day in the Ward,” the first in a series of community engagement events aimed at fostering deeper collaboration between the City of Chicago and neighborhoods across Chicago. This initiative will showcase the City’s investments in local communities, providing a platform for residents to connect directly with City leaders and experience the breadth of resources the City has to offer.
Through “A Day in the Ward,” Mayor Johnson, deputy mayors, and local alderpersons will meet with community organizations, businesses, faith leaders, and residents. These engagements are designed not only to highlight ongoing efforts to improve public safety, youth programs and economic development, but also to ensure communities are actively involved in shaping their future.
“These events allow us to demonstrate the impact of our investments and hear directly from residents about what is working and where we need to do more,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said, emphasizing the importance of ‘A Day in the Ward.’ “Chicago’s neighborhoods are the heart of our city, and we are committed to ensuring every community feels the full support of City Hall.”
The inaugural event in the 22nd Ward will bring together a cross-section of community leaders, elected officials and business owners. The program will feature a range of engagements, including:
-
Conversations with local business owners on how City resources, such as grants and small business support, have strengthened the neighborhood economy
-
Roundtable discussions with faith leaders to address pressing issues like community safety and public trust
-
Collaborative forums with youth and violence prevention advocates, exploring how the City’s investments in programs like One Summer Chicago are making a meaningful difference for young people
-
Public remarks from Mayor Johnson, local leaders and community members, highlighting the transformative impact of investments in public infrastructure, transportation, and green spaces
“This initiative is a powerful way to engage the community and ensure that the investments being made reflect our residents’ priorities,” said 22nd Ward Alderman Mike Rodriguez. “I am proud to host the first ‘A Day in the Ward’ and look forward to continuing to work with Mayor Johnson to uplift every resident and family of the 22nd Ward.”
‘A Day in the Ward’ marks a new chapter in the Johnson Administration’s efforts to make government more accessible, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves. Among 22nd Ward investments since the start of the Administration:
-
Nearly 800 youth hired through One Summer Chicago in 2024 – a 42% increase from 2023
-
$22 million in investments in sidewalks, alleyways, streets, ADA ramps, street resurfacing, traffic signal upgrades, and biking infrastructure through the Chicago Department of Transportation
-
$65,000 Climate Infrastructure Fund grant awarded to the Little Village community’s Malinalli Garden
-
$85,000 grant from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Good Food Fund awarded to Los Candiles Restaurant
Much like “A Day in the Ward,” over the summer Mayor Johnson and Mayor’s Office of Community Safety Deputy Mayor Garien Gatewood launched the “Take Back the Block” initiative to bring together community organizations, faith-based groups, businesses, alderpersons and the full force of city government, all united in the mission to support communities impacted by summer violence. Through the “Take Back the Block” initiative, six community safety activations were held throughout the summer across the city on the Near West Side and in Austin, Greater Grand Crossing, Auburn Gresham, Humboldt Park and South Shore.
Each activation was aimed at reducing and preventing violence, creating safe spaces for kids and families, connecting residents to critical mental and physical health resources, and sharing information with the public about workforce development and job opportunities. In addition, the Johnson Administration deployed infrastructure departments to complete critical repairs and maintenance at each activation, involving pothole repairs, street signs and crosswalk refreshing, repairing street and alley lights, graffiti removal, cleaning vacant lots and trimming trees.
The Johnson Administration is fully committed to continued efforts to uplift and invest in underserved communities throughout the City of Chicago.
###