Economic Development

Invest in Local Economic Development

Supporting small businesses and expanding opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs is critical to growing our local economy. Our commercial corridors in McKinley Park and Brighton Park are largely made up of immigrant small business owners seeking to provide for their families and our communities. I will work to support businesses in our main corridors along Archer Avenue and 35th Street to ensure wealth is created and circulated within our neighborhoods. 

As Alderwoman, I will:

• Advocate for the formation of a chamber of commerce specific to the McKinleyPark and Brighton Park neighborhoods to provide technical support for small business owners such as financial services, digital marketing, and assistance with grant and loan applications.

• Create a community-driven zoning and development process for the ward that guarantees transparency and the inclusion of residents' voices in the development of our ward. 

• Work with local organizations to secure local hiring and Community Benefit Agreements with developers and large businesses.

• Support the responsible redevelopment of the Central Manufacturing District according to the recommendations provided in the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning- McKinley Park neighborhood plan. These WWII era buildings once employed thousands of neighborhood residents and are ready to be repurposed for a 21st Century green economy.