Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) have announced four Requests for Proposals (RFPs) as part of the Neighborhood Retail Activation Program. The initiative aims to support businesses affected by the 2023 and 2024 summer storms and address vacancies in commercial corridors in Austin, Belmont Cragin, and West Garfield Park.

"The Neighborhood Retail Activation Program will help rebuild the communities impacted by the devastating 2023 and 2024 summer storms by bringing new businesses into the corridors,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “For our city’s current and aspiring business owners, this program is an opportunity to have business exposure through a dedicated storefront while receiving technical assistance for long-term success.”

Four Delegate Agencies will be chosen, each responsible for a specific corridor:

- Austin: Chicago Ave. between Austin Blvd. and Cicero Ave.

- Austin: Madison St. between Austin Blvd. and Laramie Ave.

- Belmont Cragin: Belmont Ave./Central Ave. Commercial Corridor

- West Garfield Park: Madison St. between Kostner Ave. and Hamlin Blvd.

The selected agencies will identify vacant storefronts that are ready for immediate use, negotiate short-term leases, and organize at least five pop-up activations per corridor, such as community markets or other events. They will also provide technical assistance to small businesses in areas like marketing, business development, operational planning, and securing long-term leases.

"By partnering with local economic development organizations, we are committed to revitalizing commercial corridors and supporting businesses affected by the 2023 and 2024 storms,” said BACP Commissioner Ivan Capifali. “This program will offer entrepreneurs the support they need through a combination of immediate pop-up activations and comprehensive technical assistance. These efforts are designed to ensure the strong recovery and preservation of our City's commercial and cultural fabric."

Each RFP award may grant up to $1,250,000 over an anticipated two-year contract term with an option for a one-year renewal. Activations could begin as early as January 2026.

Interested organizations must submit their proposals by October 31, 2025 before noon CDT. A virtual pre-submittal conference is scheduled for October 14, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., offering clarification on the RFP process.

More information about the RFPs can be found on the City’s eProcurement website at http://www.cityofchicago.org/eProcurement or by visiting Chicago.gov/BACPRetail.