To mark two years in office, the Mayor is asking Chicago residents and community-based organization to submit ideas for publicly funded renovations/improvements to City-owned properties located in their neighborhood.

Download a PDF of the application to preview before applying. Please note, all submissions must be submitted via the online form on the homepage to be considered.

All residents of the City of Chicago are eligible to submit applications. In addition, community-based organizations and non-profits are encouraged to submit proposals as well.

The community investment challenge will fund public infrastructure projects, including:

• Renovations / site improvements to:
  • Chicago Park District facilities, including Playground and Athletic Field Improvements
  • Chicago Public Schools (must be targeted towards exterior facility improvements, such as new playgrounds or turf fields)
  • Chicago Public Libraries
  • City of Chicago Community Centers
• Residentially zoned, City-owned vacant lots for restoration (e.g., the development of community gardens, plazas and/or green space)

Seven projects will win funding – one in each of the City's planning districts. However, all feasible submissions received through the community challenge will be considered as investment ideas for the broader 5 year Chicago Works capital planning program

Applications will be accepted starting on from June 1, 2021. Applications will close on August 30, 2021 at 11:59PM.

Awardees will be selected through a multi-phase process. First, eligibility will be determined by a prescreening process that will confirm if the land or facility proposed can receive funding under Chicago Works capital plan guidelines. After the initial screening, the proposals will be subject to deep community engagement and an evaluation process based on feasibility, design, community input, and impact.

All applicants will be notified of their status by December, 2021.

Each project will receive up to $1.5M in funding. Exact amounts will be determined based on project scope and projected costs.

Submit questions  to DPD@cityofchicago.org