Second annual event to promote community-led initiatives involving vacant land, healthy food, public transit, public art, economic development and related neighborhood resources

On Saturday, Nov. 9, Chicagoans can learn how to lead and support neighborhood improvement strategies during the second annual City Civics Day, a free, day-long educational event focused on community engagement and public-private partnerships.

Co-hosted by the Chicago Departments of Planning & Development (DPD) and Cultural Affairs & Special Events (DCASE), City Civics Day will feature a series of panel discussions and presentations on effective collaborations involving vacant land, food security, public transit, arts and culture, economic development and other community resources.

“City Civics Day is designed to empower Chicagoans that are interested in asserting themselves as community leaders and as engaged participants in neighborhood goals,” DPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright said. “It’s all about public engagement, which is essential for equitable outcomes that serve local needs.”

“This initiative reinforces that art and community are intertwined. Utilizing vacant spaces inspires creativity that supports and enhances our vibrant neighborhoods," added DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “Together, we can transform the Chicago landscape into a canvas of collaboration, where art and culture remain at the center of shaping a brighter future."

City Civics Day will run from 9:30am to 4:30pm at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. Attendees can attend more than a dozen presentations, panels and breakout sessions with subject matter experts involving:

• Repurposing vacant land for active uses
• Community violence intervention strategies
• Improving access to healthy food
• Equitable transit-oriented development and the CTA Red Line Extension
• Community programming at Chicago Public Library
• The process behind creating public art
• Local artists working in community mental health centers
• The City Clerk's role in government transparency
• Small businesses and neighborhood vibrancy

The program includes showcases from local artists, including movement performances from Chicago Poet Laureate avery r. young and storytelling organization 2nd Story.

The program also includes movement workshops, arts activities, and free breakfast and lunch.

City Civics Day attendees are encouraged to register in advance through Eventbrite. More information, including a detailed schedule and presenter biographies, is available at Chicago.gov/CityCivicsDay.

###