City Civics Day 2025 Offers Expert Insights on Community Engagement

Chicagoans can learn effective strategies for improving their communities on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the third-annual City Civics Day, a free event focused on public engagement with local government.

Co-hosted by the Chicago Departments of Planning & Development (DPD) and Cultural Affairs & Special Events (DCASE), City Civics Day 2025 will feature panel discussions and workshops with community leaders and subject-matter experts on transportation, historic preservation, public art, green space, animal care and other neighborhood issues.

"This event helps residents and businesses to plug-in to effective community improvement strategies that they can take home and implement with neighbors and other like-minded individuals," DPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright said.

"City Civics Day invites Chicagoans to discover the many resources our city programs and departments offer, combining civic responsibility and creative culture," said Acting DCASE Commissioner Kenya Merritt. "We hope this event inspires residents to get involved and help shape the future of their city."

Being held on the South Side for the first time, the event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Chicago's David Rubenstein Forum, 1201 E. 60th St.

Panels include:

• Youth Voices in Transportation and Mobility: Young leaders provide insight on how younger voices can shape Chicago's spaces and transit networks.
• Civic Memory Through Public Art: Project organizers share what it takes to develop new monuments in Chicago.
• Trees as Community Infrastructure: Panelists spotlight community partnerships that are enabling a citywide tree-planting initiative.
• Preserving History Through Chicago House Museums: Representatives from Chicago's evolving network of house museums discuss their preservation work.
• Who Are the Planners in Your Neighborhood?: City officials and community leaders present strategies for planning healthy neighborhoods and vibrant corridors.
• Tails from the Windy City: Chicago Animal Care and Control discusses its collaborative work focused on humane animal care.

The program also includes art-making activities, a workshop on community safety and a free lunch.

Interested attendees can register via Eventbrite. More information, including a full schedule, is available at Chicago.gov/CityCivicsDay.