We Will Chicago

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Hello Members:

​This summer Mayor Lightfoot released the draft We Will Chicago plan, the first comprehensive municipal plan since 1966. As a 10-year framework to enhance citywide equity and resiliency, the draft plan includes approximately 40 goals and 150 objectives to improve Chicagoans’ lives, especially individuals impacted by inequities in health, economic stability, neighborhood livability, and other systemic issues.

Arts & Culture is one of the plan’s eight thematic pillars, and goals for the creative sector weave through the document, connecting with: Civic & Community Engagement; Economic Development; Environment, Climate & Energy; Housing & Neighborhoods; Lifelong Learning; Public Health & Safety; and Transportation & Infrastructure.

Led by the Department of Planning and Development, the City is seeking feedback on the draft to ensure that the vision presented within champions the future Chicagoans want for our city.

There are several ways to engage with We Will Chicago to shape the draft plan before November:

  1. Publicize We Will Chicago on your social media channels using the attached toolkit, and encourage your networks to take the Arts & Culture pillar survey and surveys for other pillars.
  1. Include staff from the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) in an upcoming meeting. To coordinate a DPD-led briefing for your large group, all-staff, or membership meeting, email Gabriela Jirasek at gabriela.jirasek@cityofchicago.org.
  1. Attend a DCASE-hosted info session and workshop for the arts community about We Will Chicago:
    1. A virtual session will be held on Wednesday, October 19th from 12-1:30pm – RSVP
    2. An in-person session will be held on Tuesday, October 25th from 6pm-7:30pm at the Chicago Cultural Center – RSVP