South Chicago's residents have launched their long-awaited quality-of-life plan, which aims to revitalize the neighborhood ahead of its transformation into a hub for quantum technology. The plan was months in the making, drawing feedback from over 1,000 community members on seven key areas: arts and culture, economic development, education, environment and infrastructure, health, housing, and safety.
Community leaders say that despite years of decline, South Chicago remains resilient and committed to growth. "The resilient nature of South Chicago is pretty impressive," said Meghan Harte, senior executive director at the Local Initiatives Support Corporation Chicago. "We are going through other challenges, politically and socially, and yet they're still growing."
The plan identifies specific goals designed to combat concerns about safety, vacant lots, youth education, and accessibility. These pillars trickle down into broader initiatives aimed at building equitable access to jobs and training, increasing access to public transportation, and creating more affordable housing.
As the quantum campus nears completion, its developers and advocates see an opportunity for South Chicago to come together and shape its future. "When suddenly IQMP came on the scene, we were like, 'This is great. We have an opportunity to help the community speak what it needs,'" said Claretian Associates CEO Angela Hurlock.
The plan's next phase kicks off with steering committees, which will be open to residents who want to join. LISC Chicago has pledged to fund the initiatives through its existing $2 billion budget. The organization is also working with local alders and elected officials to gain their support for the plan.
As South Chicago looks to the future, community members are eager to see positive change take hold. "We are on the epicenter of birthing something amazing," said Hurlock. "I've heard some folks at the table say it's like a phoenix rising again, and this is our opportunity to behold that and see that."
Community leaders say that despite years of decline, South Chicago remains resilient and committed to growth. "The resilient nature of South Chicago is pretty impressive," said Meghan Harte, senior executive director at the Local Initiatives Support Corporation Chicago. "We are going through other challenges, politically and socially, and yet they're still growing."
The plan identifies specific goals designed to combat concerns about safety, vacant lots, youth education, and accessibility. These pillars trickle down into broader initiatives aimed at building equitable access to jobs and training, increasing access to public transportation, and creating more affordable housing.
As the quantum campus nears completion, its developers and advocates see an opportunity for South Chicago to come together and shape its future. "When suddenly IQMP came on the scene, we were like, 'This is great. We have an opportunity to help the community speak what it needs,'" said Claretian Associates CEO Angela Hurlock.
The plan's next phase kicks off with steering committees, which will be open to residents who want to join. LISC Chicago has pledged to fund the initiatives through its existing $2 billion budget. The organization is also working with local alders and elected officials to gain their support for the plan.
As South Chicago looks to the future, community members are eager to see positive change take hold. "We are on the epicenter of birthing something amazing," said Hurlock. "I've heard some folks at the table say it's like a phoenix rising again, and this is our opportunity to behold that and see that."
I mean, can you even believe how South Chicago is just... thriving?! 
Like, they're not even letting all the negativity bring them down, you know? They're still pushing forward with their plans for arts and culture, economic development, education... it's like they have a secret sauce or something! 
I love how community leaders are saying that despite all the challenges, South Chicago is just so resilient. It's inspiring to see people come together and make things happen.
Like, it's not just some fancy tech thing - it's also an opportunity for South Chicago to create jobs and training programs that will really benefit the community. And let's not forget about affordable housing... that's like, super important right now.
It's like, we could all learn a thing or two from South Chicago right now.
South Chicago's resilience is everything 
. Can't wait to see quantum tech bring in new businesses and opportunities 
! 
! It's about time they got involved in shaping their own future. The fact that over 1k community members were fed into the process is a major win 
. I love how they're tackling issues like safety and vacant lots, because let's be real, those are the things that'll make or break a neighborhood.
It's like the community is getting a reboot and I am HERE FOR IT 
. Can't wait to see what the future holds for South Chicago... let's get it! 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to live in a neighborhood with a thriving arts scene and affordable housing options? 
It's like they took a page out of the movie "The Fresh Prince" where Will Smith says, "If you smell what the Rock is cookin'"... in this case, it's South Chicago smellin' like a Renaissance! 
Like, what's really going on with all these developers coming in and suddenly everyone needs a place to stay? It seems suspiciously convenient. And IQMP just happens to show up when the community needs help, huh? 
Maybe it's not a coincidence that they have a $2 billion budget available... I wouldn't put it past 'em.