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Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation is a 501(c)(3) affiliate organization that pushes the limits of what a downtown can be for its residents, workers, and visitors
The Foundation seeks to enrich the Loop’s public spaces through artistic expression and free cultural programing. By building a connection between people and the places they share, the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation hopes to create an inclusive downtown environment that fosters creativity and enhances the Loop’s appeal to the people and businesses that are a part of it.
Initiatives
Through support from the Foundation’s Annual Meeting, Gala, and corporate sponsorships for public events like Los domingos en State and ACTIVATE, the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation funds strategic initiatives that enhance the vibrancy of the Loop’s public spaces. Explore the history of our past initiatives below.
A new beginning
The State Street Council forms to promote the business interests of State Street from Wacker Drive to Van Buren Street, following The Great Depression.
State Street closes to vehicles
In an effort to encourage more pedestrian traffic and increased revenues for stores, the State Street Council initiates planning, construction and marketing for the State Street pedestrian mall, closing State Street to vehicular traffic excluding buses and taxis.
Stakeholders realize their mistake
The State Street pedestrian mall opens to pedestrians, buses and taxis, and permanently closes to vehicular traffic.
“That Great Street” Expansion
Renamed the Greater State Street Council (GSSC), the area of representation expands beyond State Street to encompass Chicago’s central business district.
State Street reopens to cars
Criticism and reassessment of the State Street pedestrian mall lead to its redevelopment in and the reopening of the street to vehicular traffic.
Merger creates Chicago Loop Alliance
The Greater State Street Council merges with the Central Michigan Avenue Association, becoming the Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA). This same year, CLA launches their 501(c)(3) affiliate organization, Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation, seeking to enrich the Loop’s public spaces through artistic expression and free cultural programming.
Students create deep impact for Loop
CLA conducts and releases data on higher education in the Loop, detailing the impact of over 64,000 students in the Loop.
Pop-Up Art Loop reenergizes the Loop
Pop-Up Art Loop, reenvisions the Loop’s vacant storefronts during the height of the Great Recession.
Cleaning ambassadors hit the street
CLA initiates a Street Cleaning program on State Street, hiring previously incarcerated people via the Clean Slate and CTA Second Chance programs.
ACTIVATE illuminates Loop alleys
The iconic,ACTIVATE, an alley activation series launches, meant to encourage Loop workers and visitors to experience hidden spaces in new ways.
Ambassador program expands to clean and safe
CLA expands their suite of services provided to the SSA, with a full service Clean and Safe program composed of Clean Team and Street Team ambassadors.
CLA launches series on downtown issues
Downtown Future Series (DFS) features urban professionals, thought leaders across business industries discussing trends that will affect the next era of downtowns globally.
International leaders learn from the Loop
CLA hosts a GBD Innovation Club Learning Expedition, inviting global cities to experience the programming and economic development opportunities that make the Loop an innovative urban district.
Sundays on State unites Chicagoans and beyond
Award-winning event series, Los domingos en State, transforms State Street into a shared space reflecting the city’s unity, diversity and spirit; and encouraging economic recovery post-pandemic.
Reimagined LaSalle plan takes off
In partnership with the Chicago Department of Planning and Development and other area entities, CLA, supports a report by the Urban Land Institute reimagining the use of LaSalle Street into affordable housing, shops, and vibrant public spaces.
New plan reimagines State Street’s future
As part of Chicago’s Central Area Recovery Plan, Chicago Loop Alliance and other partners unveil final recommendations for Elevate State, a forward-thinking vision for the State Street corridor, initiated in 2020 and placed on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Downtown group association sets attendance record
CLA cohosts the 2023 International Downtown Association’s (IDA) Annual Conference and Marketplace, attracting over 1,000 downtown leaders from international urban districts.
100+ arts organizations join together
Chicago Loop Alliance leverages the power of the Loop’s arts and culture in the new Loop Arts District Caucus, a group of over 90 arts organizations with physical space or residencies in the Loop.
How to Support
In Chicago, the Loop is everyone’s neighborhood. It is the place where workers, residents and visitors share space and experiences. Supporting Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation’s efforts to advance the Loop as a high-performing urban environment is possible through a variety of giving and sponsorship opportunities, including Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation’s Annual Meeting, Annual Gala and project sponsorship.
Annual Gala
Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation’s Annual Gala gathers nearly 500 supporters for a celebration of the Loop’s rich cultural amenities and its continued transformation due to the work of the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation and its supporters.
Annual Meeting
Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation’s Annual Meeting brings together members and stakeholders for a presentation over breakfast of the Foundation’s accomplishments over the past year.
Want More?
Loop Mural Walk
Embark on a free downtown adventure through alleys and other off-the-beaten-path locations on this self-guided Loop Mural Walk!
Support + Sponsorships
Take your place in the heart of Chicago! Explore tailored sponsorship options that help your business connect, grow, and stand out with Chicago Loop Alliance.
Projects + Programs
Four program areas provide overall structure and direction for Chicago Loop Alliance as the organization strives to advance its service delivery and realize its vision.
Defendiendo el bucle
For decades, the Chicago Loop Alliance has supported people, businesses, and culture to keep downtown Chicago thriving.
Support + Sponsorships
Take your place in the heart of Chicago! Explore tailored sponsorship options that help your business connect, grow, and stand out with Chicago Loop Alliance.
SSA #1-2015
State Street Special Service Area #1-2015 is a taxing district that funds enhanced services in Chicago’s downtown.