About Us

    One Community: Near South 

Statement of purpose  

1. We are working to organize residents and a network of organizations throughout the broader Near South region in order to positively influence major projects and policies that impact our communities. Our goal is to serve as a resource to help establish strategy and messages that advance the interests of residents and raise the voices of each of us for the good of all of us.
2. Why form this organization:  Our greater Near South area stretches from Printer’s Row to Chinatown; from Lake Michigan to the Chicago River. With the new 34th ward boundaries that took effect in 2023, our constituents are now tied to loop and West loop residents in addition to the existing 28th, 11th, 3rd, and 4th wards. Political representation for this greater region has been broken up into too many wards and too many districts for state representatives and senators. As a result, our voices and views are diminished and the region is subject to a hodgepodge of developments and decisions that fail to best serve residents overall. 
3. Who we are: We are a network of individuals who stay connected with the public governance process and monitor policies that impact our community as they are being made. All are welcome to join. We currently include advocates, activists, researchers, and conveners with a mix of experience working in and with government.  We are motivated by civic duty and understand the balance between the needs of the city and those of this neighborhood.
4. How we’ll work: We’ll identify major policies, develop applicable background research and subject matter experts, and amplify our findings for the broader community. We’ll develop and expand relationships with elected officials and identify and/or create opportunities for area residents to be heard on policies that impact our region.
5. Our partners: We stand ready to serve as allies with other civic organizations within the greater Near South area on issues they identify as critical to the region and we will invite them to join us as part of a broad network of residents with growing influence over issues we identify as priorities for our region.  
6. Our focus: Our work will primarily center on projects and policies that have the potential to reshape the region. These mega-developments are generally major capital projects under consideration, with a priority on those to be funded with public dollars. They can include, but not be limited to: The 78 (Roosevelt/Clark TIF), One Central, a new S. Loop High School, and extension of the CTA Red Line (RLE Transit TIF).
7. What we’ll do: We will serve as a resource for community residents and organizations, with activities aimed at raising awareness among residents of major projects and the facts related to them as well as raising awareness among elected officials of the views of area residents. Our activities may include

                a. Informational “white papers” on     major policies and initiatives   

               b. Town halls to share info, amplify   voices, work with partners

        c.   A political scorecard to help     residents evaluate candidates.