As part of our work to make the organization, and by extension the Loop, a better place for everyone, Chicago Loop Alliance’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Committee (or IDEA Committee) intentionally addressed Ensuring Everyone’s Neighborhood within the 2023-2028 organizational strategic plan.
The IDEA Committee built partnerships with organizations dedicated to advancing the diversity and inclusion of Chicago’s communities in the Loop, including My Block, My Hood, My City; Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Center for Native Futures. Throughout the strategic planning process, the principles of IDEA were intentionally distributed within each program area for an authentic approach.
A successful partnership and support of My Block, My Hood, My City’s first Downtown Day initiative connected 13 CLA member businesses with 856 participants to systemically address the divide between Chicago’s youth on the South and West sides and the seemingly siloed central business district.
As the only Native-led art gallery in Chicago, Center for Native Futures (CfNF)’s recent opening in the Loop provides a unique opportunity to authentically engage with the Native population of Chicago to address systemic failures. Chicago Loop Alliance provided marketing support for the gallery opening; enlisted the organization’s expertise on a thoughtful and appropriate land acknowledgement; and met with the CfNF team to explore future collaboration.
2023 Chicago Loop Alliance Board of Directors Demographics: Ethnicity or Race
2023 Chicago Loop Alliance Board of Directors Demographics: Gender
