In May 2016, Great Cities Institute was approached by the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council and the 47th Street Special Service Area #10 (SSA) to develop a plan to strengthen the commercial corridor as a backbone of the community. However, it quickly became apparent, through the input of community stakeholders, that there was a need to address larger issues in the community. The planning process was expanded to include all aspects of a neighborhood plan that would address education; economic development and employment; health and wellbeing; youth, safety, and recreation; housing and beautification; civic engagement and community relations; and arts and culture. This plan was developed through a larger planning committee made up of stakeholders, and subcommittees formed around each issue area listed above. The process was a “bottomup” approach that involved the input of many community residents and stakeholders.
