Planning & Advocacy

Chicago Loop Alliance reviews projects and advocates for Loop issues like landmark architecture, transportation, investment, and revitalization opportunities.

Value of Downtown Study

Chicago Loop Alliance commissioned an in-depth Value of Downtowns report, created by the International Downtown Association (IDA), analyzing key principles of downtown success for the Chicago Loop compared to 54 other downtowns and center cities across the U.S., with the Chicago Loop surpassing other U.S. downtowns studied by most value metrics and denoting the Loop as the most significant and vital of Chicago’s neighborhoods.

Government Affairs

Our newly formed government affairs committee advocated for nearly 20 issues at the local, county, state, and federal level with ten favorable outcomes, including:

Securing legislation in Springfield to allow for business improvement districts (BIDs) in Chicago
Supporting the landmark status and halting demolition of the GSA buildings on State Street
Championing the city’s commitment to four proposed LaSalle Street TIF projects
Supporting the revision of the special sign ordinance for State Street

Other planning and advocacy projects and initiatives included:

Advocating for legislation on Capitol Hill with other downtown districts on topics of homelessness, police resources, and office conversions
Serving as a delegate for economic development and downtown place management internationally

Planning and Advocacy photos courtesy of The Real Estate Center at DePaul University

Chicago Loop Alliance staff spoke on panels regarding the best practices for the future of downtowns across the globe, marketing and communications, social media strategy for downtown place management organizations, successful placemaking initiatives, and more.

Staff also participated in conversations on the state of downtowns with various cities and countries around the world, including Paris, Shanghai, Beijing, Liverpool, Singapore, and Seattle.

Big City in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler for a historic and unprecedented eighth year in a row

design and signage packages reviewed

panels or presentations by staff to local, national, and international audiences