CHICAGO - As Summer 2025 officially comes to a close, Mayor Johnson is celebrating the community-centered investments which helped make this summer one of the safest on record.

Due to the combined work of Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers, our Community Violence Intervention (CVI) partners, community-based organizations, and the Johnson administration's strategic, targeted investments, Chicago experienced the fewest summer homicides since 1965.

"The highlight of my summer was getting out and meeting so many fellow Chicagoans while safely celebrating our city's vibrant and diverse culture at parades, special celebrations, and ballgames," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "We're driving down violence by continuing to make the critical investments which are building healthy, whole, and safe communities throughout Chicago. While we still have a long way to go, the historic reductions in violence this summer are proof positive that our investments are working. When we bring the full force of government and the community together, we can make real, lasting, transformational change in our city."

This summer, the Johnson administration made community-focused investments that created summer jobs for 31,119 young people, finished 422 new affordable housing units, and continued construction on an additional 1,600 units. At the same time, the administration connected residents across all 77 community areas with vital resources and expanded support for Chicago's most vulnerable populations.

As a result,Summer 2025 saw across-the-board decreases in violent crime from 2024. The overall declines in major violent categories from June through August 2025 to the same period in 2024 were:

• Overall Violent Crime: -23%

• Homicides: -46.7%

• Shootings: -42.6%

• Robberies: -33.7%
• Vehicular Hijackings: -45.6%

SAFETY: BUILDING HEALTHY, WHOLE, AND SAFE COMMUNITIES

Youth Summer Employment:

This year, One Summer Chicago (OSC), Mayor Johnson's youth employment initiative, shattered the goal the Mayor set to hire 29,000 young people for summer jobs. In total, 31,199 Chicagoans between the ages of 14 and 24 were hired through the program-a 55.6% increase since Mayor Johnson took office. This growth follows last summer's expansion of 2,400 positionsand the 4,000 position increase the program saw in 2023.

"A job is about a lot more than a paycheck. By expanding youth employment opportunities we're setting up our young people for future success while building personal stability and community pride in the present," said Mayor Johnson. "One Summer Chicago participants spent their summer gaining workplace experience, developing new skills, building out their resumes, and working towards finding their purpose. I am endlessly grateful to all the City departments and agencies, as well as our non-profit partners, who opened their doors to so many bright young minds this summer. Together we made 2025 a historic year for One Summer Chicago."

In the five community areas where the greatest number of OSC participants were hired-Austin, Auburn Gresham, Roseland, South Shore and North Lawndale-the City tracked double-digit declines in shootings and homicides from last summer. See additional information below:

Community Area	# of Hires	Shooting Percentage Decrease - from Summer 2024 to Summer 2025	Homicide Percentage Decrease - from Summer 2024 to Summer 2025
AUSTIN	1,829	-30.8%	-30.4%
AUBURN GRESHAM	976	-28.6%	-66.7%
ROSELAND	966	-39.3%	-100%
SOUTH SHORE	892	-25.5%	-37.5%
NORTH LAWNDALE	867	-50.6%	-66.7%

OSC is made possible through partnerships with City departments, sister agencies, community-based organizations, and corporate partners. Critical partnerships for OSC include: After School Matters, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools (CPD), Chicago Transit Authority, and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), as well as additional partnerships across the city.

In consort with sister agencies, the City hired 15,088 young people for the summer while the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) funded an additional 19,086 positions with community organizations.

Six City Departments hired a total of 49 interns using their own department budgets while the Mayor's Office welcomed seven summer fellows aged 16-22. 29 wards hired interns through the Aldermanic Summer Internship Program and the City Clerk's Office hired 18 interns.

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) welcomed a record-breaking 273 participants to their Navigating Your Future Internship program in which 16-18 year-olds are provided with career exploration, work experience, professional development, community service and mentorship opportunities.

"I gained a deeper understanding of how public transportation works-and why equity in transit matters," a CTA summer intern said in a survey response after completing the program. "I saw how data, community needs and policy shape the systems we use every day. This experience showed me the power of public service and the need for youth voices in shaping our city."

City Colleges hired 132current CCC students with on-campus job opportunities in addition those made possible through external partnerships.

47 CPS students completed City Colleges' Career Launch Chicago Program-a workforce development initiative creating diverse pathways for CPS students to explore and enter high-demand careers. Each student earned $1,000 for education-related expenses and a minimum of 6 college credits towards their degrees.

In partnership with Chicago Public Schools, Hire360, and LiUNA Laborers' Local 1001, the Department of Streets and Sanitation provided hands-on training, experience and mentorship for young adults interested in trades careers through the General Laborers Trainee Program. Upon completion, participants acquired their union card and became eligible to apply for full time trades roles with the City. Building on last year's pilot, 107 CPS graduates signed up for the program.

"The program provided hands-on training and experience on the basic duties of a general laborer," said Aiden Rayside, a DSS general labor trainee program participant. "We cleaned countless locations throughout the city and developed valuable skills through hard work and exposure to public service. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have gone through the program."

In partnership with the Chicago Police and Fire Training Academy (CPFTA), the Office for Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC) hosted four rising high school seniors in a hands-on internship that combined classroom learning and field experience. Interns rotated through 9-1-1, 3-1-1, and emergency preparedness units for a behind-the-scenes look at public safety careers and operations.

This summer, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), in partnership with the University of Illinois Chicago, expanded its ChiPHI Summer Academy, a paid learning and leadership experience that empowered high school students to explore careers in public health while tackling real-world challenges in their own communities.

"The ChiPHI Summer Academy reflects our commitment to preparing the next generation of public health leaders," said CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo 'Simbo' Ige. "By engaging high school students in hands-on learning, mentorship, and community-centered problem-solving, we're not only investing in their future-we're investing in the long-term health of our city."

Additional Articles:

WTTW Chicago: Chicago Program Put 30,000 Young People to Work This Summer [Aug. 13, 2025]

The Triibe: 'I just wanted to see a change,' Chicago youth reflect on their experience as peacekeepers [Aug. 6, 2025]

Block Club Chicago: One Summer Chicago A 'Huge Help' For Local Businesses - And The Young People They Employ [Aug. 1, 2025]

The Triibe: Chicago surpasses its youth jobs goal by 1,000, Mayor Brandon Johnson says [July 29, 2025]

Chicago Defender: Nearly 29,000 Youth Hired Through One Summer Chicago in 2025, Mayor Johnson Confirms [July 15, 2025]

Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago's summer jobs program sees another year of growth following pandemic-era dip [July 6, 2025]

Violence Prevention Outreach

CDPH built upon the success of its violence prevention efforts, including programs such as Victim Services and Street Outreach. CDPH focused its effort on 21 priority communities most impacted by the effects of crime. As a result, those communities saw a 22% reduction in summer violence compared to 2024.

CDPH's trauma informed Victim Services program works in partnership with Street Outreach organizations in communities that are most impacted by gun violence to support shooting and domestic violence victims with post-incident coping, finding counseling, recovery support, and legal guidance.

"Our investments in victims' services along with our boots-on-the-ground efforts to help heal survivors has been incredibly effective at driving down violence this summer," said Mayor Johnson. "This is further proof that holistic approaches to community violence are necessary and impactful. I thank all our community partners and leaders who were part of our efforts this summer and look forward to continuing this programming."

CDPH helped drive violence reductions by teaming violence prevention and overdose staff, saving millions in duplicative costs. These outcomes reflect the results that are possible when the city works with community leaders and organizations.

"Our Peacekeepers and outreach ambassadors are on the front lines of prevention," said CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo 'Simbo' Ige. "By deploying hundreds of trusted messengers into neighborhoods this summer, we were able to mediate conflicts, de-escalate tensions, and help families feel safer during some of the most challenging times, including the Fourth of July holiday."

Additional Articles:

WBEZ Chicago: Why is Chicago violence plummeting? Some credit street outreach workers [June 6, 2025]

South Side Weekly: Jobs. Block Clubs. Investment: How Chicagoans Are Interrupting Violence at its Roots [May 27, 2025]

Take Back the Block

Building off the success of previous years, this summer the Mayor's Office of Community Safety(MOCS) put on four Take Back the Blockactivations which reached more than 500 Chicagoans with support and resources in neighborhoods where violence is most prevalent.

The Take Back the Blockprogram is a series of activations held on select Fridays to create pro-social opportunities that help prevent violence, demonstrate the City's commitment to community, and connect people with vital City services.

"Our Take Back the Block series is proof that building safer communities begins with building connections," said Mayor Johnson. "Through these activations, we formed and solidified the partnerships that are leading to safer communities as well as empowered our residents with necessary resources. I enjoyed being part of these joyful safe spaces, connecting with residents and calling for peace as a city."

The initiative is designed to respond directly to the needs of residents through a full-force-of-government approach, linking communities to City services and community-based organizations. Each event featured a resource fair and interactive engagement activities, in addition to remarks from the Mayor, City officials, community partners, and local organizations.

This year, the City took a targeted approach to the activations by holding them in response to shootings, large fires, and hate crime incidents which occurred in the impacted communities.

"Take Back the Block is about empowering residents to take back their own neighborhoods after incidents of violence," said Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood."We will continue to bring resources and services to those who need them most as we work to drive down violence across the city."

For the summer's last activation, held in the Chatham and Greater Grand Crossing communities, the Department of Aviation unveiled its new community outreach bus, "Papa Blu." The bus offers resources tailored to high school and college students including information about job openings at O'Hare and Midway, internship opportunities, and aviation training programs.

Late Night Basketball

This summer, the Mayor's Office hosted 13 Late Night Basketball events in communities most impacted violence. Over 750 residents attended at least one event which were run in partnership with City departments, sister agencies, community-based organizations, and corporate partners.

The "Late Night Ball" summer series kicked off Memorial Day weekend and continued on Father's Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day.

By opening local gyms after hours, the events created safe and welcoming public spaces for Chicago residents during holiday weekends when violence historically spikes. In addition to offering recreational opportunities, "Late Night Ball" helped connect young people with vital resources and positive adult role models, reinforcing the City's commitment to violence prevention, healing, and community-building.

"As a parent, I understand the fear that comes with not knowing where your children are and whether they're safe-it's a reality too many families in our city face," said Mayor Johnson. "Creating safe, supportive spaces for young people is essential to building safer communities across Chicago. Programs like Late Night Ball not only give our youth a safe space to go, they bring communities together. And you know I'll be getting some shots up this winter to make sure I'm ready for next year."

For this first-time the City hosted a Late-Night Wheelchair Basketball event to promote inclusivity and provide disabled young adults with a safe space for recreation and community building. The event, which welcomed 38 participants, was made possible through partnership between MOCS, the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, and the Chicago Park District.

In surveys participants shared that Late Night Basketball gave them something safe and positive to do on a weekend night and reported feeling safer in their neighborhood due to the events. The overwhelming majority of participants expressed strong interest in seeing the program continue and expand.

Additional Articles:

CBS2 Chicago: Late-night basketball program brings brotherhood and personal growth to young men in Chicago [July 22, 2025]

Block Club Chicago: Midnight Softball, Park Pop-Ups Planned As City Looks To Prevent Summer Violence [May 22, 2025]

Chicago Crusader: City Launches Summer Sports Series to provide safe spaces [May 30, 2025]

Gun Safety Awareness Workshops

In partnership with CDPH, Chicago Public Libraries (CPL), local hospitals, trauma experts, and community-based organizations, MOCS hosted a series of seven Gun Safety Awareness Workshops throughout Summer 2025.

210 community members participated in the workshops which were designed to promote safe firearm storage, distribute free gun locks and lock boxes, teach life-saving trauma response skills, and provide information on firearm turn-in resources.

Held in communities most impacted by violence, the initiative reflects the City's commitment to reducing accidental shootings-especially among youth-while fostering collaboration between residents, health professionals, and public safety partners. The workshops successfully reached youth, parents, and community members from across the city.

"Every life lost to gun violence is a tragedy we work tirelessly to prevent," said CDPH Comissioner Dr. Olusimbo 'Simbo' Ige. "This summer, our collaboration with community partners helped empower families with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to store firearms safely and respond in emergencies. Together, we're turning awareness into action-and action into safer homes and neighborhoods."

Participants engaged in gun safety education, hands on Stop the Bleed training, and received departmental guidance from the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC).

In line with the City's goal of equipping residents with resources that prevent accidental shootings and promote safer homes, the program provided 1,400-gun locks, more than 80 gun-safes, and 50 Stop the Bleed kits during the events.

In surveys participants overwhelmingly shared the workshops provided valuable information and practical tools to help keep their families safe, while reporting feeling more confident in their ability to safely store firearms and respond to emergencies.

Additional Articles:

The Trace: Chicago Hopes Safe Storage Workshops Can Save Kids [Aug. 5, 2025]

Chicago Citizen: CDPH Focuses On Summer Safety [June 16, 2025]

My CHI. My Future. Safe Spaces for Youth

Between June and August, 224 young Chicagoans were employed through the My CHI. My Future. (MCMF) Safe Spaces for Youth program, which hosted over 70 kickback events welcoming over 6,000 attendees.

Managed by the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), the Safe Spaces for Youth currently serves 14 community areas across the South and West Sides. DFSS continues to work in partnership with the Mayor's Office to grow the MCMF initiative.

The Safe Spaces for Youth program includes both community events-called "Kickbacks"-and year-round youth employment. Kickback events strengthen healthy community ecosystems for young people (ages 13-19) and their families across the city through enriching, community-based out-of-school time activities.

"The Safe Spaces program is an incredible opportunity for our youth participants," said DFSS Commissioner Angela Green. "They bring the critical perspective of their lived experiences and interests to this work. We hear from them about the importance of providing free, safe events for Chicago's youth; about how this programming creates hope within their communities; and about how planning and coordinating these events helps amplify their voices on an issue they are passionate about."

The youth employment component provides youth an opportunity to gain work experience and increase self-efficacy while planning and implementing enriching community-centered events in their neighborhoods including open-mics, a neighborhood peace march, movie nights, a fashion show featuring youth designers, a wellness fair, basketball tournaments, and a glow-in-the-dark dance party.

In August Mayor Johnson attended MCMF End of Summer Celebration during which he met with youth who participated in the event and viewed participants poster-presentations which detailed their experiences this summer.

"Everyone has a role to play in creating safer communities, including our young people," said Mayor Johnson. "MCMF's Safe Spaces for Youth Program taps into our youth's leadership skills, not just engaging them as part of the solution, but empowering them to be the solution to community violence. Furthermore, this is a program that teaches our young people skills that will benefit them throughout their lives while supporting them with paychecks as they learn and grow."

MCMF ran a summer outreach campaign including digital billboards, a Lollapalooza giveaway, and direct outreach at all Chicago Public Library locations beginning in June that encouraged young people of all ages and from across the city to engage in programs listed by hundreds of MCMF partners. Between June 1 and August 31, the app saw over 3,500 new users-up 65% from preceding 3-month period, and 14.2% from Summer 2024.

Opioid Overdose Prevention

Throughout the summer CDPH has continued to build out its overdose prevention efforts, including the establishment of a Narcan newsstandin the Uptown community in August.

CDPH Opioid-related EMS responses dropped 24% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024.

"One of those boxes saved my life," saidresident Al Walkerat the Uptown Narcan newsstand launch. Walker now mentors others in recovery-living proof of the power of public health.

By leveraging state programs that provide naloxone, medication that reverses opioid overdoses at no cost, CDPH has expanded access to naloxone via citywide canvassing, Narcan newsstands, vending machines, and partnerships with Chicago Public Libraries.

"Every life saved is a reminder of why access matters," said Dr. Olusimbo 'Simbo' Ige, CDPH Commissioner. "By installing Narcan Free Boxes across our city, we equipped residents with the tools to reverse overdoses in real time. These simple but powerful resources turned bystanders into lifesavers and brought hope to families affected by the opioid crisis."

Additional Articles:

WTTW Chicago: Chicago Launches Narcan Newsstands in Uptown to Distribute Opioid Overdose Reversal Medication [Aug. 27, 2025]

ABC7 Chicago: City unveils free Narcan Newsstands program ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day [Aug. 27, 2025]

Sun-Times: 'Lifesaving' Narcan newsstands aim to combat overdoses in Uptown [Aug. 27, 2025]

Chicago Reporter: Chicago's new approach to preventing drug overdoses [April 17, 2025]

Protecting Chicago's Immigrant Communities

Amid ramped up federal immigration enforcement, Mayor Johnson and the Mayor's Office for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (IMRR) took multiple proactive steps to ensure Chicago residents are protected including streamlining access to Know Your Rights (KYR) resources and offering guidance to help families stay informed and prepared.

"My administration is doing everything in our power to ensure Chicago residents are not made to live in fear and uncertainty," said Mayor Johnson. "The Know Your Rights campaign is a crucial piece of our work to ensure families are receiving the resources and support they need in this moment of federal overreach."

This summer IMMR launched Family Preparedness Campaign which provides immigrant, refugee, and mixed-status families with tools and resources to prepare in case of family separation due to federal immigration enforcement.

"We are proud of the Know Your Rights campaign and the hands-on work our team is doing in our city's neighborhoods, helping communities be prepared, informed and connected with vital information and resources," said Deputy Mayor for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Beatriz Ponce De Leon. "We will continue to stand with our communities who have been targeted. Our message is one of empowerment-You Belong."

As part of the effort the City relaunched its KYR ad campaign, with informational resources being displayed on more than 400 screens across the CTA system in addition to information kiosks in the Loop.

The City also launched an enhanced IMRR website at https://www.chicago.gov/IMRR, which offers easy-to-follow guidance for immigrant families and individuals and user-friendly resources tailored to immigrant and refugee communities which highlight community-led services.

Additional Articles:

Daily Line: Mayor, city immigrant rights office announce expanded 'know your rights' and 'family preparedness' campaign to prepare for immigration raids [Sept. 5, 2025]

The Hill: Chicago unveils tools for immigrants ahead of potential Trump crackdown [Sept. 4, 2025]
WTTW: Chicago to Relaunch 'Know Your Rights' Ad Campaign After Trump Vows to Expand Immigration Raids [June 17, 2025]

AFFORDABILTY AND ECONOMIC VITALITY

Affordable Housing:

Mayor Johnson has put the construction of affordable homes at the center of his strategy to make Chicago more affordable for working people. This summer the City made significant progress in this effort, opening 422 new affordable units while moving forward on the construction of 1,600 additional units.

"Every development and unit of affordable housing we celebrated this summer is an affirmation of our community-centered and collaborative investments," said Mayor Johnson. "I am grateful to all the developers, financers, and community leaders who share in my administration's belief that housing is a human right. With over 4,600 new affordable housing units in the pipeline heading toward construction-and many already launched-we're making real progress toward becoming the safest and most affordable big city in America."

Throughout the summer, Mayor Johnson took part in several affordable housing grand openings and groundbreakings. Marking another milestone, for the first time this summer multiple projects got off the ground after receiving funding support from Mayor Johnson's $1.25 billion Housing and Economic Development (HED) Bond.

"Each affordable housing development we support strengthens the foundation of a more inclusive and economically thriving Chicago," said Department of Housing (DOH) Commissioner Lissette Castañeda. "These projects are about more than housing; they create stability for working families and generate momentum for long-term community investment. Under Mayor Johnson's leadership, we're turning bold goals into real progress for neighborhoods across the city."

In May, Mayor Johnson came together with community partners to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Humboldt Park Passive Living project, a four-story affordable, mixed-use development which when completed will introduce 60 affordable homes to the West Humboldt Park community, with 13 units reserved for people with disabilities.

The 750 N. Avers project was supported by $8.2M from DOH,and $18.7M in Tax Increment Financing. The city also provided four lot spaces at $1 each.

In July, Mayor Johnson joined City Officials, Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33rd), Full Circle Communities, Visionary Ventures, and leaders of Chicago's Native American community for the groundbreaking of the Jigzibik affordable housing complex. The project will bring 45 units of 100% affordable housing to the Northwest Side, with an emphasis on serving the Native American community.

The 2909 W. Irving Park project was supported by DOH who contributed $6 million through Mayor Johnson's HED Bond, $950,000 in permanent supportive housing funds, $465,000 in donation supportive tax credits, and $2.5 million in low-income housing tax credits.

Later in the month, Johnson joined Alderwoman Pat Dowell (3rd), community leaders, and residents to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Legends South A3 affordable housing complex, which will bring 42 new affordable units and 10 additional market rate units to the former site of the Robert Taylor Homes in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood.

The project was supported by $10 million in TIF funds, and DOH contributed $2.9 million in HOME funds and $1.5 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. The Legends South A3 development represents a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the former Robert Taylor Homes site at 4520 S. State St.

Just last week Mayor Johnson joined Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th), City leaders, and The Resurrection Project in Pilsen to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Casa Yucatán affordable housing project. The transformative eight-story development will include 98 new affordable homes in addition to ground-floor community space.

The project received $15.8 million in financing and capital support from DOH. The funds were made available by Mayor Johnson's HED Bond. Casa Yucatán was the first of many affordable housing projects which closed and moved ahead thanks to HED support.

Additional Articles:

ABC7 Chicago: Construction begins for affordable housing Casa Yucatán in Pilsen [Sept. 19, 2025]

CBS2 Chicago: Ribbon cutting held for Thrive Englewood affordable housing development on Chicago's South Side [Sept. 10, 2025]

Chicago Sun-Times: Johnson breaks ground on $40 million affordable housing complex at former Robert Taylor Homes [July 23, 2025]

Axios Chicago: Chicago's first Native American affordable housing complex breaks ground [July 21, 2025]

CBS2 Chicago: Chicago officials break ground on SACRED Apartments affordable housing complex[May 31, 2025]

Block Club Chicago: 60-Unit 'Passive Living' Affordable Housing Breaks Ground In West Humboldt Park [May 30, 2025]

Tourism and Hospitality Growth

Once again this summer proved that Chicago is a world-class destination. O'Hare International Airport broke multiple all-time passenger recordswhile hotel occupancy returned to pre-pandemic rates and Chicago's economy continued to grow.

Chicago continued to attract visitors from across the globe for marquee events including Lollapalooza, the Premier League Summer Series, the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, and many more, including Riot Fest just this past weekend.

"Visitors from around the globe are drawn to Chicago's premier and iconic summer events as well as our vibrant, dynamic neighborhoods," said Mayor Johnson. "What truly puts our city on the map is our people, who fuel our tourism and hospitality industries and make up the Soul of Chicago. This summer's tourism metrics proved yet again that Chicago is the greatest city in the world."

O'Hare International Airport welcomed more passengers in July 2025 than in any month in its nearly 70-year history, with 8.26 million passengers passing through its gates-an average of more than 266,000 daily passengers.

In the first seven months of 2025, O'Hare welcomed more than 48.3 million passengers, a 6.4% increase over the same period last year. This record-setting summer has been fueled by both connecting travelers and passengers beginning their journeys in Chicago. All ten of the busiest days ever for TSA screenings at O'Hare occurred this summer, capped by an all-time high on Monday, Aug. 4-the day after Lollapalooza-when 117,871 passengers cleared security at O'Hare.

"With more than 266,000 travelers passing through O'Hare each day this July, our record traffic highlights the strength of the city's aviation industry and the need for continued investment in our terminals," said Department of Aviation Commissioner Michael McMurray. "I am grateful to our airline partners for their commitment to Chicago and the ORDNext program, and I remain dedicated to strengthening the dual-hub ecosystem that has helped our airline partners thrive at O'Hare."

As Chicago's economy continues to grow the City has tracked increased hotel occupancy rates while hotel demand has increased to 5.4 million rooms while revenue is up 5.6% from 2024, reaching $1.24 billion through July.

Chicago broke records over Memorial Day weekend when 46,450 hotel rooms were filled on Saturday, May 17-an all-time single day Chicago record. The historic holiday weekend saw $84.7 million in hotel revenue and generated $14.7 million in hotel taxes.

Choose Chicago, the city's official destination marketing organization, announced the launch of a new initiative to take back the narrative around Chicago. "All for the Love of Chicago" invites everyone who loves Chicago-locals and visitors alike-to speak up and share why they love the city, what Chicago means to them, and the lasting effect it leaves behind.

The new initiative includes a new website and dedicated social media handles to provide a platform for those living, visiting, and thriving in Chicago to share why Chicago has been named "Best Big City" in the US for eight consecutive years.

Additional Articles:

Secret Chicago: O'Hare Just Set a Record For its Busiest Month Ever [Sept. 18, 2025]

CBS News: More travelers passed through O'Hare in July 2025 than any month before, city says [Sept. 17, 2025]

ABC7 Chicago: Lollapalooza 2025: Sabrina Carpenter headlines final night; Olivia Rodrigo's performance sets record [Aug. 3, 2025]

WGN9: TSA sets new record for busiest day ever at O'Hare [July 19, 2025]

Chicago Star: Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' concert is a record-breaker for Chicago [May 25, 2025]

Supporting Small Businesses and Community Development

The Johnson administration continued to build upon its work of ensuring small businesses receive equitable support while making critical investments in key economic corridors, building out bustling community centers in every part of our city.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the heart of our communities," said Mayor Johnson. "Whether we are investing in a mixed-use, mixed income housing development or issuing grants for the renovation of a local business, we are committed to fueling opportunities and hope in our neighborhoods. Our efforts to invest in community development and support small businesses are central to our mission of building safer, more affordable communities."

In May, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) awarded $20 millionin Community Development Grants (CDG) and Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) grants to support 28 community development projects including a South Shore birthing center, a Chinatown commercial complex and a Woodlawn ballroom.

In August Mayor Johnson announced an additional $1.9 million in NOF grantsto support 14 community development projects including a Lower West Side bakery, a Greater Grand Crossing urban farm, and an Austin print shop.

CDG and NOF awards are funded through Mayor Johnson's Housing and Economic Development bond, Tax Increment Financing and the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund.

Ongoing community development projects which have received grant support from the Johnson administration include, but are not limited to:

• Chicago Systems & Signals, 121 E. 115th St.

• DixiePura Kitchen, 325 E. Pershing Rd/

• DLV Printing Service, Inc., 5825 W. Corcoran Pl.

• GCYC Food Sovereignty Hub, 7230 S. South Chicago Ave.

• Host Mart Inc., 235 E. 35th St.

• Loncar's Chico, 3201 E. 92nd St.

• Nova Driving School, 3811 W. 26th St.

• Pink Hats Construction & Development Inc., 11004 S. Halsted Ave.

• ReStore South, 6057 S. Western Ave.

• Rosnogaizi Beauty Salon, 4147 W. North Ave.

• Universal Travel Service Inc., 4310 W. 26th St.

• Wagner's Bakery Inc., 2148 W. Cermak Rd.

• Xpress Auto Repair Inc., 7820 S. Ashland Ave.

• 5050 Prairie, 5040-56 S. Prairie Ave.

• Chicago Architectural Center, 111 E. Wacker Dr.

• Chicago South Side Birth Center, 8301 S. South Shore Dr.

• The Lev Avigayil Libenu Respite Center, 2827-39 W. Touhy Ave.

• Maplewood Brewing and Distillery, 2717-19 N. Maplewood Ave.

• Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave.

• Neighbors Helping Neighbors, 4111-13 N. Pulaski Rd.

• Onward House CARES, 2644 N. Central Ave.

• The Pavilion at Chinatown, 2312-14 S. Wentworth Ave.

• The Workshop Arts Collaborative, 3741 W. Lawrence Ave.

• EMRH West, 5147-59 W. Division St.

• Floreciendo La Villita Community Hub, 2653-59 S. Kildare Ave.

• Optimum Joy, P.C., 3059 W. Augusta Blvd.

• Linda's Sport Shoes, 3236 W. 26th St.

• Preserve - Breakfast Bar & Luncheonette, 312-14 E. 51st St.

• Shawn Brown Enterprises, Inc., 8750-54 S. Stony Island Ave.

• K.C. Body Shop Supply Inc., 6033 S. Kedzie Ave.

• Soul Veg City, 201-09 E. 75th St.

• CMB Catering, 7247 S. South Chicago Ave.

• Red Clay Dance Company, 816 E. 63rd St.

• The Grand Ballroom, 6531 S. Cottage Grove

• Los Alamos Inc., 2416-24 W. Cermak Rd.

• FeOM Expressions, 2650 E. 83rd St.

• Eiffel Waffle, 10321 S. Halsted St.

• Global Tax & Bookkeeping, 4037 W. 26th St.

• Trophy Room Cigar Café, 2520 W. Madison St.

• Greeneville's Venue/Greenes Floral, 9108-12 S. Ashland Ave.

• Harold's Chicken #4, 9151 S. Ashland Ave.

• Austin Community Health Hub, 4800 W. Chicago Ave.

• Growing Home Urban Farm Enterprise Expansion Project, 5814 S. Wood St.

• Mayfair Arts Center Repair, Renovation, Expansion Phase 2, 8701 S. Bennet Ave.

• Sunshine Community Center, 6000 S. King Dr.

• TCA Health's Nutrition Innovation Center, 1110 E. 130th St

• Ujima Hive, 6529-6533 S. Stewart Ave.

• Community Desk Chicago, 25 E. Washington St.

• Definition Theatre, 1160 E. 55th St.

• JGMA Architects, 372 W. Ontario St.

• Cara Collective, 237 S. Desplaines St.

• CTRL Kitchen 4551,4551 W. Fulton St.

• Garden To Table Farm, 1433 S. Harding Ave.
• The Englewood Emerald, 6855 S. Emerald Ave.

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