illi News - Chicago: Mayor Lightfoot Announces Million in City Grants for Neighborhood Businesses, Non-Profits

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CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced today that more than 60 neighborhood businesses and nonprofit organizations are set to receive nearly $40 million in Community Development Grants as part of the Chicago Recovery Plan to provide post-pandemic relief.

"Two of my highest priorities as Mayor are funneling resources into communities that have gone far too long without and removing barriers for residents who have too often been shut out from opportunities to obtain upward mobility," said Mayor Lightfoot. "Through the Community Development Grant program, we are able to make good on both of these commitments while simultaneously driving our city's equitable economic growth. I want to congratulate each of this round's finalists, and I look forward to seeing them thrive and find long-lasting success while serving their neighborhoods."

Ranging from approximately $12,000 to $5 million, the grants will support workplace improvements, new construction, energy-system enhancements, and other eligible costs that support neighborhood vitality, economic development, community wealth-building, public health, and local planning goals.

The finalists were selected from more than 600 applications based on project readiness, viability, location, design, neighborhood needs, community impact, and other factors. Funding sources include City of Chicago bond funds and proceeds from the Department of Planning and Development's (DPD) Tax Increment Financing and Neighborhood Opportunity Fund programs.

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Total project costs for the 61 finalists are estimated at more than $93 million. The fourteen finalists selected to receive grants exceeding $250,000 include:

Bennett Place, 1900-12 E. 71st St., South Shore
Cadence, 4848 W. Madison St., Austin
Eli's Cheesecake Co. Innovation & Education Center, 6701 W. Forest Preserve Ave., Dunning
Four Star Mushrooms, 300 N. Oakley Blvd., Near West Side
Intuit, 756 N. Milwaukee Ave., West Town
KOCO Office and Silver Fox Cafe, 4242 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Grand Boulevard
Lawrence Gateway, 2919 W. Lawrence Ave., Albany Park
LUCHA New Office Phase I, 4054-56 W. North Ave., Humboldt Park
Northwest Side Housing Center, 5233 W. Diversey Ave., Belmont Cragin
Old Fashioned Donuts, 11248 S. Michigan Ave., Roseland
Pullman Hotel, 11030 S. Doty Ave., Pullman
Steep Theatre, 5300-18 N. Kenmore Ave., Edgewater
The MAAFA Center for Arts & Activism, 4241 W. Washington Blvd., West Garfield Park
Twisted Egg Roll, 657 E. 75th St., Greater Grand Crossing

Another 47 finalists were selected for grant awards up to $250,000 each.

"From restaurants to theaters to cafes, these finalists represent the future of Chicago neighborhoods and the amenities that make them so special," DPD Commissioner Maurice Cox said. "In addition to their grant awards, each recipient will receive concierge services from City staff to help make their dreams come true."

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The full list of finalists and grant amounts is available on the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) Chicago Recovery Plan website.

Each project's design and scope will be finalized in the months ahead with construction expected to be completed in the subsequent 18 to 24 months. City Council review and approval will be required for select projects. Funding will be disbursed incrementally as projects move forward, according to program guidelines.

The awards represent the third and final round of Community Development Grants in 2022. Two previous rounds allocated approximately $83 million to more than 100 finalists.

Part of the Chicago Recovery Plan, the Community Development Grant program was created to support the City's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and other forms of neighborhood disinvestment.

More information is available at Chicago.gov/ChiRecoveryGrant.

Filed Under: Government, City

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