Quality-of-Life planning is back...

Fueled by resources raised through its recently completed Campaign for Stronger Neighborhoods, LISC Chicago is gearing up for a new round of neighborhood planning. Auburn Gresham, Chicago Lawn, and Englewood will update and re-write their plans. And Belmont Cragin is embarking on an original plan. Here are the details....

LISC hopes deep Divvy discount leads to much more

Through Chicago’s new Divvy for Everyone (D4E) program, eligible riders can join Divvy for just $5 by signing up at one of five neighborhood Financial Opportunity Centers. “We have people in these neighborhoods who are turning down jobs simply because they have no way to get there,” said a Center staffer. “So this isn’t so much about exercise or fresh air. It’s about gaining personal empowerment and financial stability.” Check it out...

Inaugural class of business district leaders graduates

They were the first commercial district managers to complete LISC Chicago’s Business District Leadership (BDL) program, which is designed to promote professional development and networking opportunities for commercial district practitioners. It’s inspired by the Coro New York Neighborhood Leadership program. Here's their story...

Social Innovation Fund proposals

LISC is now accepting proposals for new Social Innovation Fund grants that will allow community-based organizations in 13 cities, including Chicago, to implement contextualized bridge training programs and provide financial, employment and income support services to neighborhood residents. Get all the details...

Meanwhile, check out the LISC Chicago video series about its Financial Opportunity Centers.

Save the CNDA date!

The 22nd annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards ceremony will be on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at the Chicago Hilton. Look forward to seeing you there...

In the news

Earlier this summer, WTTW Channel 11's "Chicago Tonight" profiled Illinois State University's Teacher Education Pipeline program, in which student teachers live with families in Chicago neighborhoods while completing their training. Check it out...

New Civic Leadership Academy applications due Oct. 10

Nominate a fellow or apply today to the 2016 Civic Leadership Academy at the University of Chicago, which is designed for high-performing nonprofit and government leaders who seek rigorous leadership development. The six-month program incorporates courses taught by faculty from the five UChicago professional schools - Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, Chicago Booth School of Business, the School of Social Service Administration, the University of Chicago Law School, and the Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies - with practical experience through a capstone project and global practicum, as well as coaching. Applications are available online until October 10, 2015.