Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces Request For Proposals For Neighborhood Retail Activation Program
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) have announced a new initiative aimed at revitalizing local businesses and communities impacted by the 2023 and 2024 summer storms. The Neighborhood Retail Activation Program will partner with local community and economic development organizations to bring new vitality to vacant storefronts along commercial corridors in Austin, Belmont Cragin, and West Garfield Park.

According to Mayor Johnson, this program will not only help rebuild the affected communities but also provide opportunities for current and aspiring business owners. "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 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."

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The program will select four Delegate Agencies, one for each RFP representing a different community area and commercial corridor. These agencies will be responsible for identifying move-in ready vacant storefronts, negotiating short-term leases, and facilitating five pop-up activations per commercial corridor with community markets or other commercial activities. They will also provide comprehensive technical assistance to participating small businesses, including support in marketing, business development, operational planning, and securing long-term leases.

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

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Four awards of up to $1,250,000 each will be granted through these RFPs. The contract term is expected to be up to two years with an option for a one-year renewal. Activations are set to begin as early as January 2026.

Interested parties must submit their proposals by October 31, 2025, before 12:00 p.m CDT (NOON). An optional virtual pre-submittal conference will be held on October 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m to clarify the RFP process and scope of services. For more information and to register for the conference, interested parties can visit the City's eProcurement website at http://www.cityofchicago.org/eProcurement and search by the designated RFP number. Additional information can also be found at Chicago.gov/BACPRetail.

The Neighborhood Retail Activation Program is a crucial step towards rebuilding and revitalizing communities impacted by the devastating summer storms of 2023 and 2024. By partnering with local organizations and providing support to small businesses, this program aims to bring new life to commercial corridors in Austin, Belmont Cragin, and West Garfield Park. With its focus on both immediate exposure and long-term stability for entrepreneurs, this program is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its commercial and cultural fabric.

Filed Under: Government, City

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