Launched in June 2022, the Department of Planning and Development’s (DPD) Corridor Ambassador program enables community-based organizations to revitalize commercial corridors across Chicago. 

An initial round of community partners were selected to participate in the program following a Request for Proposals (RFP) in spring 2022. Partners received City funding to hire and train community members to serve as ambassadors in 12 commercial corridors.  

Ambassadors are a visible, welcoming presence in their corridors and actively engage pedestrians, address public safety concerns and share community information. 

The program has a proven impact on each corridor: Residents and businesses report higher foot traffic, increased cleanliness, a more welcoming atmosphere and feeling safer in their communities.  

The success of the program led to an expansion in 2023. Following the issuance of a second RFP, Corridor Ambassadors were present on 16 corridors, and more than 150 ambassadors were hired by 14 community partners. 

The Corridor Ambassador program is part of the Chicago Recovery Plan, which supports the City’s equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. To qualify for the program, corridors were required to be in low- or moderate-income community areas or community areas that experienced a 15% or greater decline in activity following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 

Questions may be emailed to dpd@cityofchicago.org.