Chicago City Wire

A health center in Washington Park, a nutritional facility in Riverdale, and a learning center in South Lawndale are among the projects to benefit from Community Development Grants announced by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Planning and Development (DPD). The grants aim to support $148 million worth of construction projects across the city.

"I am proud to issue this round of Community Development Grants in recognition of the local organizations, businesses, and development projects that are revitalizing our communities," stated Mayor Brandon Johnson. "These grants will help neighborhood visionaries achieve their goals for community improvements where they are needed most. We look forward to seeing their projects completed and further supporting equitable growth throughout Chicago."

The funding amounts to approximately $30 million and will aid 14 projects with construction costs, site preparation needs, and related expenses. DPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright remarked on the impact of these grants: “The grants are making dreams come true where they’re needed most: on the commercial corridors that neighborhoods depend on for convenient goods, services, cultural amenities, entertainment and jobs.”

This initiative includes first-ever pre-development grants for four additional projects covering design and engineering fees among other soft costs. Finalists were chosen from 242 proposals submitted during the second round in 2024 based on criteria such as location, neighborhood equity, readiness, community benefits, among others.

Community Development Grants draw funds from Tax Increment Financing (TIF), the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF), and Housing and Economic Development (HED) bonds. Funding is distributed incrementally as each project phase concludes.

Further details about Community Development Grants can be found at Chicago.gov/CDG.