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Vol. 37 No. 48

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November 29, 2023 ■ Also serving Garfield Park ■ austinweeklynews.com

CTA expands homeless outreach to Blue Line’s Forest Park branch

Outreach workers will ride trains, visit stations on the West Side, Oak Park, Forest Park

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Outreach workers will be riding the trains and hanging out at stations on the section of the Blue L line that serves the Chicago West Side, Oak Park and Forest Park.

The Chicago Transit Board extended the existing contract with Chicago Department of Family and Support Services in November, doubling the amount of money nonprofits get to provide services to people sheltering on the trains.

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ACT special section INSIDE

Austin company offers to build 100 ‘micro homes’ to house asylum-seekers PROVIDED

The tiny homes are expected to be a temporary solution.

L3C, an Austin-based modu- company’s mission to build environDiscussions with the city larInherent home builder, is offering to build 100 mentally sustainable, quick-to-assemble to help house asylum- working-class homes in communities are in early stages, Burnett “MicroHomes” seekers bused into Chicago and home- facing shortage of modern housing. Doless individuals – but it wants buy-in ing so, he said, also provides jobs for resexpressed support from the City of Chicago first.

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Founder Tim Swanson saw the microhomes as a natural extension of the

WS !

NEF H S A L

idents of the South and West sides. In See MICRO HOMES on page 4

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2 Austin Weekly News, November 29, 2023

Austin Weekly News, November 29, 2023

As winter nears, West Side asylum-seekers see few options Misinformation and fear fill the camps outside police stations

By AMINA SERGAZINA

news

Editor Erika Hobbs Staff Reporters Amina Sergazina, Igor Studenkov, Amaris Rodriguez Special projects reporter Delaney Nelson

Contributing reporter

When a call from a Facetime call with his wife and two sons in Venezuela ends, Santiago Indriago cries standing in the November air near Chicago’s 25th police district.

Indriago grew cold not only from the distance between him and his family, but also because he was standing amid just less than an inch of snow and in 28-degree temperatures.

Venezuela is located near the equator, where the sun’s rays hit the Earth at a nearly direct angle, which results in warm winters. For many of the migrants who have come to Chicago this year, it’s the first winter in their lives.

Indriago, like many other migrants from Central and South America, came to the U.S. for a better life. So far, they’ve been greeted with the kindness of volunteers, promises from the city and criticism from those who don’t want them here.

“We’re here out of necessity not because we want to,” Indriago said. “We don’t want to come here and cause damage, we want to work and provide for our family.”

The Austin Weekly News spent Sunday afternoon with migrants and asylum-seekers as temperatures dropped into the 20s. Officials and volunteers have feared what would happen when Chicago’s cold arrived.

Many claimed that for a week the station had the bathroom closed and opened it only three days ago. During that week people had to use portable potties outside, which were dirty.

A couple of donated bikes were parked in front of the station, but since the winter came, migrants have not even use them to get around, in part because they lack the proper clothes to travel in the cold.

But it appeared that one of the biggest problems that plagued them is a lack of information and misinformation. Indriago, for example, said that he was told they are being moved to shelters before Dec. 1 and have to get a work permit in 60 days or else face deportation. Many other people we spoke to did not know anything about the

AUSTIN WEEKLY

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman Reporting Partners Block Club, Austin Talks Columnists Arlene Jones, Aisha Oliver Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales & Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley shelter and were frightened that they were being kicked out onto the streets.

One of the migrants, who gave only his first name, Luis, said that thanks to the kindness of people, he has some warm clothes for his first winter. He also said that around five or six kids stay there in tents outside.

Luis and other people sitting around him in the small, cramped room said they don’t know where they are going to or when they are supposed to receive this information.

Luis said he believed he was going out to the streets, saying he is angry and frustrated. He said he doesn’t know who they will reach out on their own, and police keep saying they have nothing to do with it, he added.

“Why aren’t they helping us to find a place?” Luis said.

Celine Woznica, a member of police station response team for the 15th police district, addressed the misinformation.

“People are desperate, they come from desperate situations and they fear being thrown out onto the street, but no, they will be placed into a shelter. Where the shelter will be, I don’t know,” she said.

Although the move has already started citywide and near Oak Park, Woznica said that all the migrants from 15th police district were moved to shelters. The last group of migrants arrived at the station this week and have been placed into shelters,

as well. Woznica said she understands the frustration because the deadline to move migrants into shelters has been set before and missed.

Woznica said she became involved with the migrant issue in May and organized a place where migrants could take a shower.

But with the arrival of winter, the needs shifted. She said that although 250 people arrived this Thanksgiving Eve, only 25 took a shower and the rest needed warm clothes and shoes.

As for work permits, Woznica said that there is no 60-day time limit on a work permit, however those who arrived before August of this year are eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status, a status provided to nationals of certain countries experiencing problems that make it difficult or unsafe for their nationals to be deported there.

Those who arrived after can apply for asylum and 150 days later can start an application for the work permit.

For those who are seeking legal help with documents, Community of Congregations in Oak Park, an interfaith organization, has free legal and other assistance for the migrants. Learn more at: https:// www.communityofcongregations.org/ migrant-response/

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 773-626-6332 • FAX 708-467-9066 CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE www.AustinWeeklyNews.com Austin Weekly News is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. It is distributed free of charge at locations across Austin and Garfield Park. Our hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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3

4 Austin Weekly News, November 29, 2023

MICRO HOMES

‘Tent city’ alternative from page 1 an interview with Austin Weekly News, he explained that unlike their usual modular homes, they are not meant to be long-term housing. Rather, they mean to provide temporary shelter in “something a bit more dignified” than tents and cots on police stations’ floor, something that “looks like a home.” After the families find permanent housing, the homes would be turned over to another individual or family in need.

With philanthropic donations, Inherent was able to build one of his MicroHomes as a proof of concept. To show that he means business, Swanson had the house placed in the parking lot of West Loop’s Chicago Children’s Theater, near the corner of Racine Avenue and Monroe Street, and he stayed there with his 8-year-old daughter over the weekend of Nov. 17. He got support from support from several aldermen across the city, including vice mayor and long-time West Side alderman Walter Burnett (27th). But negotiations with the city

are in the early stages, and Swanson said it was too early to talk about any timetables.

Inherent operates out of a rented space at Will Group’s K-Town Business Centre, a 60,000-square-foot warehouse on the 4600 block of Polk Street. The building falls within the 15th police district, the Madison Street station that has been a major destination for asylum-seekers from Central and South American countries who have been bused in from Texas.

The 80-square-foot-house, which Swanson said is a bit smaller on the inside because of the insulation, cost about $20,000 to build and install in the West Loop parking lot. He said if they were able to build 100 homes, that economy of scale would be able to bring the cost down to $17,000 to $18,000 per home. The total would range from $1.7 million to $1.8 million.

If the city agrees to finance the 100home concept, Swanson said it would build “community hubs” with four bathrooms, four showers, two kitchens and a laundry facility. Each would be able to serve up to 20 homes. He said that he hopes that either the city itself or the social service agencies it works with would provide on-site support to migrants who need it.

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Inherent l3c founder Tim Swanson sits in the corner of his company’s microhomes.

In contrast, the city’s existing $29 million-contract with GardeWorld includes building a tent city, complete with showers, restrooms and laundry facilities to house migrants.

Swanson made it clear that microhomes are not meant to be full-fledged houses, comparing them to cabins and camping sites. The building has a water tank for a compostable toilet that can be refilled with tap water, but no running water – something that he said was done to make homes easier to install. While the homes have the power outlets to support a hotplate or a kettle, they don’t come with any built-in cooking amenities. They do come with a bunk bed with a space underneath that could house a desk or a second bed, a

temperature-controlled space heater, a ceiling mounted light fixture, a fan installed in one of the walls and a fresh air circulation system. The home can be powered by solar panels or plugged into a power outlet.

Swanson described the homes as something that can shelter migrants “while they get their feet under them while they get acclimated to Chicago.”

“This is a step along the journey to more self-sufficiency,” Swanson said.

He added that his stay in the microhome was pleasant – to the point that when he woke up after the first night, he didn’t realize right away that he wasn’t home.

Swanson said that his daughter invited local kids to stop by and play, and he had conversations with elected officials and West

Austin Weekly News, November 29, 2023 “It was important for us that we lived in it for a weekend to make a statement about what that would looks like, and for me to be able to say authentically that I was able to live comfortably,” he said.

Swanson said that this month he had an “extensive conversation” with Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s chief of staff about the proposal, PROVIDED and that he expects to have Tim Swanson stayed inside a Microhome with his further conversations with daughter for three days and two nights. the city later this week.

Swanson said he got sugLoop residents who stopped by. The only gestions that he should stay in the Microsnag, he said, was that on the first night, Home until the city accepts his proposal – they had to turn down the heat a little bit. an idea that he rejected. Staying there for “I probably had over 200 conversations three days and two nights drove home how, with ordinary Chicagoans - folks that for many other Chicagoans, going to a fullwere walking by, picking up children fledged home when they felt like it wasn’t from school, high schoolers leaving Whit- an option. Swanson said he would rather ney Young, dogwalkers,” Swanson said, turn over the demonstration home to a famadding that he particularly enjoyed pol- ily in need. icy- and planning- related conversations “We’re putting back into the commuwith professors from University of Chi- nity, and we’re going to be working hard cago and University of Illinois Chicago to put a family into it,” he said. “I had a dozen of Chicagoans reach out.” who stopped by.

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8 Austin Weekly News, November 29, 2023

Battling rising food costs with turkey soup

L

ast year I purchased two Popeye’s frozen turkeys. My plan was to fry one for Thanksgiving and the other for Christmas. We fried the one for Thanksgiving and it must have been very good because there wasn’t a lot left.

The hostess for our Thanksgiving Day dinner was not familiar with saving the carcass, so she threw it out before I could stop her.

I don’t know why we didn’t do the second turkey for Christmas last year. But I still had that turkey in my deep freezer. So even though it was a year old, I defrosted it, and took it to Thanksgiving dinner. The fellas fried the turkey last year. This year I made sure that I did it. Once the oil was at cooking temperature, I carefully lowered the bird into the hot oil in stages. It bubbled,

but the oil never overflowed.

And let me tell you, that was one good-smelling turkey while it was cooking. It was as delicious as it smelled once done. And as expected, I was left with a carcass and one leg. Once dinner was over, everybody knew I was taking home the remnants.

I have several Facebook friends who also took their leftover turkey and turned it into either turkey broth or stock.

What’s the difference between the two? Stock is normally made from bones, and broth is made from meat. I opted to make the stock.

After about a half hour of cooking on a low flame, it was easy to remove the meat

and return the skin and bones back to the pot. I let that stock simmer for about six hours. All I know is that I’m going to make me a pan of dressing, and I’m going to have the most flavorful liquid to put in it.

I opted to use part of the stock to make turkey-carcass soup.

And boy, between making the stock and the soup, my house began smelling like Thanksgiving Day. Even more wonderful was the amount of meat that had came off that bird. It was literally astonishing.

Because I was raised by my mother who lived through the Great Depression, she knew how to be thrifty when it came to food

preparation and making her food budget stretch. And she passed that down to me.

But as I watch food prices spiraling out of control, I wonder how many young people know how to maximize their food budget.

Making soup is a very filling meal that does not require a lot of meat. It’s also a good way to use up a lot of different things in the refrigerator. I added noodles to my soup as a stretcher. The pasta helps make the soup a more filling meal.

As I put the soup into individual storage bags to keep in the freezer, I know that it will come in handy on days that I don’t feel like cooking.

Every household should have a deep freezer so that items when they go on sale can be stocked up. It’s the only way we’re going to beat these rising food costs.

HOMELESS OUTREACH

CTA and residents living near the stations.

The outreach workers start out simply talking to unhoused individuals, asking them if they are interested in food, hygiene supplies, or harm reduction materials such as drug testing strips. From there, the conversations may progress to connecting them to medical services and shelters.

The goal is to try to get unsheltered individuals into stable housing. But McKone’s presentation to the board showed that it’s easier said than done. According to the 2023 Point in Time Count, the annual survey of homeless people conducted in Chicago in January, 546 unhoused people were sheltering on the CTA. Threshold and Haymarket outreach workers report that 80 people were placed in shelters. Out of 236 people who signed up to get more permanent housing through the city’s Coordinated Entry System, only 24 have been placed, and five people were in the midst of the placement process in October.

Last fall, the Chicago Transit Board, CTA’s governing board, approved a $2 million intergovernmental agreement with the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services. This allowed the department to, among other things, contract Haymarket to send out outreach workers to the Blue Line. But their service never went as far as the Forest Park branch, the section of the line that mostly runs in the median of or alongside Eisenhower Expressway, between UIC-Halsted and Forest Park stations.

The transit board’s decision will permit Haymarket to send outreach workers along

the entire line effective early January 2024, as well as boost funding for Thresholds, which provides similar service along the entire Red Line. While past experience shows that the solutions take time and are limited by capacity, Haymarket believes that any concrete results they can produce are well worth the effort.

The Blue Line is one of the two L lines that runs at night, so it’s not unusual for homeless individuals to shelter on the trains. Many unsheltered riders disembark at the Forest Park terminal and use the nearby Forest Park Public Library and Mohr Community Center.

The Forest Park branch runs through West Side community areas that have the highest rates of overdoses in Chicago.

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart has told the Review that isn’t unusual for riders to buy drugs on the West Side, use them on the trains or in the areas near the ‘L’ stations. According to Sheila Haennicke, who co-chairs the West Side Heroin Opioid Taskforce’s Narcan committee, Kedzie-Homan, Pulaski/Eisenhower and Forest Park stations in particular are overdose hotspots.

Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins has long complained that responding to those sometimes-overlapping issues has strained the village resources. He has lobbied CTA to do more “to provide services to unhoused persons and those with opioid addiction.”

“Our police and fire personnel have been responding to steeply increasing call volumes originating from [the Forest

Park terminal, Harlem/Lake Green Line L station and Harlem/Eisenhower Blue Line L station],” Hoskins said in a recent interview, adding that the fire department responded to seven CTA-related calls overnight on Nov. 20 to 21.

Forest Park has been working with Housing Forward, ShowerUp Chicago, the Night Ministry and Loyola Street Medicine team to provide services for individuals using the Forest Park terminal, but much of that outreach only one day a week.

Collord said that he was happy to see their outreach expand.

“Haymarket CTA outreach teams are some of our most passionate staff and we’re fortunate to partner with the passionate staff of Thresholds, and the passionate staff of DFSS and the passionate staff of the CTA,” he said.

Haennicke, who attended the Nov. 15 meeting, said that she welcomed Haymarket’s service expansion, saying that the more service providers are trying to tackle the issues the better.

“I think it’s sort of leading toward the same goal of making the CTA safer and more attractive and just really fulfilling its potential as a positive force in the city,” she said.

Hoskins said that he will have to wait and see if the expansion bears fruit.

“We appreciate the CTA taking steps to better serve the unhoused and those suffering from addiction,” he said. “Unfortunately, we do not see any indication that the number of emergency calls to CTA locations is trending downward.”

Night riders from page 1

Tom McKone, CTA’s chief administrative officer, told the transit board that workers from the Haymarket Center substance use disorder and mental health treatment services organization works in two shifts – a 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. day shift and an 11 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. night shift. Both shifts operate seven days a week as of November. Under the current contract, they only serve the section of the Blue Line between O’Hare Airport and UIC-Halsted stations. The extra funding will allow it to cover the entire line effective the start of 2024.

Jeffrey Collord, Haymarket’s vice president of operations, told the transit board that while his organization specialized in treating addiction and mental health issues, it was only natural that they help homeless individuals as well.

“We serve 12,000 [clients] a year, the majority of whom are experiencing or have experienced homelessness,” he said. “Almost all of them have no resources or are on Medicaid.”

McCone said that the workers travel in teams of 4 to 5, so they could engage with several people at once, if necessary. The teams ride the trains, get off at certain stations, and engage with people experiencing homelessness. Collord said that they focus on “hot spots” based on what they heard from the

ARLENE JONES

Austin Weekly News, November 29, 2023

9

Aldermen push for Amundsen Park fieldhouse to reopen in full Negotiations on alternative site to house migrants continue

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

The Amundsen Park fieldhouse programs remain suspended as negotiations continue over the city’s proposal to use parts of the 1900 North Ausin industrial building to house asylum-seekers, and as community members remain on edge about Chicago’s plans.

The fieldhouse reopened in October, but none of the programs have returned, prompting concerns from residents, community activists and West Side elected officials.

Black residents of Galewood and Austin have said they are angry because they feel city officials focus more on assistance to migrants than on fixing the historic disinvestment in Black communities.

“I’m always for helping people, but we

don’t want [the migrants] coming here and taking away the things that kids have here,” Austin resident Nikki Powell told the Austin Weekly News in early October. “I believe this park is a jewel for this community.”

Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th), whose ward includes both the park and the industrial building, said that he’s been pushing the Chicago Park District to reopen the facility to full service as soon as possible. Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) previously said that while the park is a fair distance from her ward, her family knew the park pretty well and wanted the activities to return.

On Nov. 27, the fieldhouse was open, but the staff inside confirmed that all the activities and amenities such as open gym are still on hold. They indicated that the building is only open for restrooms, and that they had no information about when the activities might resume. The park district didn’t respond to the request for comment by the deadline.

The city began exploring using the industrial building after the original plan to house up to 200 migrants from Central and

IGOR STUDENKOV

A sign placed on the fence by the closest entrance to the Amundsen Park fieldhouse.

IGOR STUDENKOV

Amundsen Park fieldhouse South American countries at the fieldhouse justice” to take away a facility that “where faced massive community backlash. Much the programs are being housed.”

“This community is trying to build, of that was driven by concerns about what would happen to the park programs, but we’re trying to do better than we used to there are also concerns about safety and have,” Mitts said. “We’re trying to have security. The city never entirely abandoned hope, a little pride, a little dignity about our neighborhood.” those plans, but it paused them Oct. 9.

The plan to house miTaliaferro has told Austin grants in the fieldhouse Weekly News that he tries to was announced Sept. 29. update constituents on the Taliaferro maintained that Amundsen Park-related mithe parks weren’t a good fit, grant shelter negotiations every Monday via email and whether it’s using a fieldsocial media. In a Nov. 20 house as shelter or using update, he wrote that 1900 the park grounds for a tent North Austin owner Peter city. Following the heavAnerson was reviewing the ily attended Oct. 3 meeting, lease “and will either subwhere the majority of atmit amendments or sign the tendees expressed opposilease as written.” Taliaferro tion, and rallies outside the added that because he was park grounds later that week “optimistic that the agreeand the following Monday, NIKKI POWELL ment was imminent,” he the plan was “put on hold.”

Austin resident has been urging the mayor’s Taliaferro said that the plan office to return the park to was never completely taken full staffing. off the table.

While Mitts’ ward doesn’t More than 21,700 asyluminclude any part of Austin west of Cen- seekers and migrants from Central and tral Avenue, during her October com- South America have arrived in Chicago munity meeting, she said that she cared since August 2022, when Texas Gov. Greg about Amundsen Park because her used Abbott bussed them to the city. It has to attend programs there when there were placed a strain on social services and left growing up, and her grandchildren were people scrambling to find them housing as now following suit. She said it was an “in- winter approaches.

“I’m always for helping people, but we don’t want [the migrants] coming here and taking away the things that kids have here.”

10 Austin Weekly News, November 29, 2023

Free2Move coalition demands end to racially driven traffic stops Free2Move Coalition advocates for fairer traffic enforcement, aiming to reduce racial disparity in traffic stops.

By AMINA SERGAZINA Staff reporter

The Free2Move Coalition, a coalition that advocates for fairer and safer traffic management in Chicago, is seeking to reduce police involvement in traffic enforcement and end the targeting of people of color and low-income communities – an issue all-too familiar with West Side residents.

The numbers illustrate a stark picture.

According to Free2Move’s research from 2015 through 2022, Black drivers in the 15th police district are 2.3 times more likely to get stopped than a white driver, and Latino drivers are 1.2 times more likely than white ones.

That contrasts with that the estimated

population of the 15th police district at 71.9% Black people, 18.75% Latino, 8.71% white and 0.62% Asian, the data shows.

Looking deeper, that shows that Black drivers were stopped 83.47% of the time, which is 11.54% higher than the overall Black population, while white drivers were stopped 4.41%, which is less than half of the overall white drivers’ population.

More alarmingly, the group’s updated 2022 report says that citywide traffic stops rose by 35% from 2021 to 2022, averaging more than 1,400 per day.

Representatives from Chicago Police Department could not be reached for comment.

Amy Thompson, staff counsel at Impact for Equity, a coalition member, said that the Austin area has the fourth-largest amount of traffic stops in Chicago. More than 6% of traffic stops were made in Austin, although based on the 2020 census, the neighborhood itself makes up 3.52% of Chicago’s population.

She said that Austin is targeted by police, adding that one of the main incentives for the stops is that they hope to find crime evidence without any reason. They ask to search the car, but many people, especial-

40000 35000 30000 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Number of stops CREDIT: FREE2MOVE

CREDIT: FREE2MOVE

ly Black and Latino, feel coerced to agree because of instances where traffic stops ended with police brutality toward people of color.

“When you have a police officer who is carrying a weapon, that kind of show of authority can be incredibly intimidating,” Thompson said. “We’ve seen time and again in the news where a traffic stop really escalated and resulted in the killing of a Black or Brown person.”

Free2Move has a list of specific demands that include ending pretextual and bike stops, suspicionless searches, jaywalking enforcement and transit fare evasion criminalization.

They also want to lower the fines for traffic violations and use restorative justice instead, as well as more transparency and accountability in traffic data and policies. The coalition urges the city to invest

in infrastructure and education for traffic safety and to remove police from the Vision Zero Plan, a citywide initiative aimed at completely eradicating fatalities and serious injuries from traffic accidents. They say they are underpinned by a strong commitment to human life, safety, and equitable community engagement.

According to Thompson, traffic stops are a waste of resources and officers’ work hours when they could have been solving crimes.

Free2Move wants to created three main policies to end pretextual traffic stops, limit stops for low-level offenses and eliminate consent searches during traffic stops.

Changes to the policy can be implemented either by a civilian oversight board, the City Council, or the newly appointed Chicago Police Superintendent, Larry Snelling.

AustinWeekly News, November 29, 2023 11

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

BUILDING INSPECTOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Building Inspector in the Development Services Permit Processing Division.

This position will inspect new construction, additions and alterations of residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use buildings and structures; to ensure compliance with applicable building codes and permits; and to perform various related technical duties. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website https://www.oak-park.us/your-government/human-resources-department.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFIFCER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Animal Control Officer in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties involved in enforcing Village ordinances governing the care and keeping of animals in the Village; and to impound, care for and assist with redemption of animals as appropriate. Applicants are encouraged to apply using the following link: https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/6141780.careers?ApplyToJob=604191951. For additional information on the position please visit the Village of Oak Park’s website https://www.oak-park.us/your-government/human-resources-department. This position is open until filled.

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SENIOR DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will be accepting applications for the following classification(s):

Senior Database Administrator (Original)

Additional information regarding salary, job description, requirements, etc. can be found on the District’s website at www.districtjobs.org or call 312-751-5100.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y2301185 on November 14, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of L + A CREATIVE CATERING with the business located at:2853 W WILCOX, CHICAGO, IL 60612.

The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: ARMANDO OSIOMITA 2853 W WILCOX CHICAGO, IL60612, USA Published in Austin Weekly News November 22, 29, December 6, 2023

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION CSMC 2022-NQM5 TRUST Plaintiff, -v.CLS SOLUTIONS IL, LLC, JUSTIN SABO, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2023 CH 04861 4038 W. ARTHINGTON STREET CHICAGO, IL 60624 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 26, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 14, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 4038 W. ARTHINGTON STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60624 Property Index No. 16-15-414-035-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $203,557.77.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the

foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 22 1289.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg. com Attorney File No. 22 1289 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2023 CH 04861 TJSC#: 43-4059 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2023 CH 04861 I3232479 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION VANGUARD LOFTS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.DAMON RITENHOUSE, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT IN IN HIS CAPACITY AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE ESTATE OF BRIDGETTE A. KOGLE, DECEASED, HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF BRIDGETTE A. KOGLE, DECEASED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2023 CH 04275 1250 W. VAN BUREN STREET, UNIT 611 AND P-63 CHICAGO, IL 60607 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 31, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 18, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1250 W. VAN BUREN STREET, UNIT 611 AND P-63, CHICAGO, IL 60607 Property Index No. 17-17-117-0361081, 17-17-117-036-1156 The real estate is improved with a condominium.

The judgment amount was $19,355.35.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest

WeConnect

HELP WANTED

bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact Vincent A. Lavieri, GARDINER KOCH WEISBURG & WRONA Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 53 W. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 950, Chicago, IL, 60604 (312) 362-0000.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

Vincent A. Lavieri GARDINER KOCH WEISBURG & WRONA 53 W. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 950 Chicago IL, 60604 312-362-0000 E-Mail: vlavieri@gkwwlaw.com Attorney Code. 58588 Case Number: 2023 CH 04275 TJSC#: 43-4124 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2023 CH 04275 I3232933

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

essential news. essential voices.

12 Austin Weekly News, November 29, 2023 Sponsored Content

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AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 4

November 29, 2023

THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY PUBLISHED ITS FIRST QUALITY-OF-LIFE PLAN CALLED AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. (AFT) IN 2018.

THIS QUARTERLY PUBLICATION DESCRIBES HOW AUSTIN COMING TOGETHER (ACT) IS SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY TO IMPLEMENT AFT AND OTHER EFFORTS.

AUSTIN LOOKS FORWARD,

TOGETHER. The future of the community’s groundbreaking plan

THE PLAN OF PLANS: REFLECTING ON THE COLLECTIVE POWER OF A COMMUNITY PAGE 3 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PLAN’S LIFETIME PAGE 4 | THE NEXT STAGE: WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR THE PLAN PAGE 7 Special thanks to these Austin Forward. Together. quality-of-life plan legacy investors:

2 Austin Weekly News • November 29, 2023

AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 4

Since 2010, Austin Coming Together (ACT) has facilitated collaboration to improve education and economic development outcomes in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

Today, we serve a network of 50+ organizations committed to improving the quality of life in the Austin community.

Our strategic plan is called Thrive 2025 and outlines how we will mobilize our resources to achieve four impact goals by the year 2025: Quality Early Learning, Safe Neighborhoods, Living Wage Careers, and Stable Housing Markets.

ACT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Reginald Little

Max Komnenich

Austin Coming Together

Business Development Specialist, Great Lakes Credit Union

Directors

Dawn Ferencak

In Memoriam

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Darnell Shields

Officers CHAIR

Senior Marketing Strategist, Chicago Parent

Sharon Morgan

Larry Williams

Director of Graduate Support & Community Outreach, Catalyst Schools

Broker, State Farm Insurance SECRETARY

Reverend Reginald E. Bachus

Bradly Johnson

Chief Community Officer, BUILD Inc. TREASURER

LaDarius Curtis

Senior Director of Community Engagement & Health, West Side United

Pastor, Friendship Baptist Church

Tenisha Jones

Vice President of Community & Government Engagement, Catholic Charities

Deborah Williams-Thurmond Community Outreach & Engagement Specialist, Habilitative Systems, Inc.

Ruth Kimble

Founder & CEO, Austin Childcare Providers Network

Strategic Initiatives

Leadership

Deirdre Bates*

Sandra Diaz*

Dearra Williams

Executive Director

Executive Operations Lead/ Assistant to the CEO

Andrew Born Senior Director of Community Impact

*Also part of the ACT Leadership Team

Join the ACT team!

Job openings at AustinComingTogether.org/Careers

A House in Austin

Because I Care

Academy of Scholastic Achievement

Bethel New Life

Austin Childcare Providers Network

BUILD Inc.

Austin Community Family Center Austin Weekly News (Growing Community Media) Be Strong Families Beat the Streets Chicago

Beyond Hunger

Emone Moore

Engagement Coordinator, Austin Community Hub

Dollie Sherman

Engagement Specialist, Austin Community Hub

Chicago Community Loan Fund City of Refuge Defy Ventures Illinois

By The Hand Club For Kids

Erikson Institute

Cara

Friendship Community Development Corp. of Austin

Catholic Charities Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures

Ethan Ramsay

Service Delivery Enhancement Manager, Austin Community Hub

ACT MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS

Friends of the Children

Greater West Town Community Development Project

Jack Macnamara 1937–2020

FOUNDING BOARD CHAIR

Mildred Wiley 1955–2019

Law Clerk, Illinois Appellate Court

Operations

Darnell Shields

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jerrod Williams

ACT STAFF

Director of Operations

Associate Principal, Lamar Johnson Collaborative

Housing Forward i.c. stars IFF Institute for Nonviolence Chicago

Planning and Investment Manager

Grace Cooper

Alicia Plomin*

Lead Organizer

Director of Marketing and Development

Natalie Goodin

Scott Prywitch

Micro Market Recovery Program Coordinator

Nicholas Galassini Micro Market Recovery Program Intern

Legal Aid Chicago (fka LAF) Manufacturing Renaissance Mary Shyrese Daycare

Jane Addams Resource Corporation

Maryville Academy

Kids First Chicago

New Moms

KRA Westside American Job Center

OAI, Inc.

Learning Edge Tutoring (fka Cluster Tutoring)

Marketing & Development

Mercy Housing Lakefront

Oak Park Regional Housing Center Open Books PCC Community

Marketing and Development Specialist

Sydni Hatley

Marketing and Development Coordinator

Wellness Center

The Catalyst Schools

Project Exploration

The Journey Forward

Renaissance Social Services, Inc.

The North Avenue District, Inc.

Sarah’s Inn

Towers of Excellence

South Austin Neighborhood Association

UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work

St. Joseph Services

Westside Health Authority

St. Leonard’s Ministries Stone Community Development Corporation

VOCEL

West Side Forward Worldvision Youth Guidance

AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 4

Austin Weekly News • November 29, 2023

3

The plan of plans: Reflecting on the collective power of a community

By Darnell Shields Executive Director, Austin Coming Together

D

eep systemic barriers and historic disinvestment have, in a multitude of ways, held our community back for decades. In recent years, things have been changing in Austin unlike ever before.

The unprecedented levels of collaboration and collective impact throughout the community were calling for something new, something different, something bigger.

Back in 2017, ACT’s efforts to create synergy among community members resulted in a steering committee of 20 community leaders. With support from LISC Chicago and ACT, the steering committee gathered over 500 local stakeholders at three Community Summits to listen to what they felt were Austin’s needs and priorities.

In December 2018, our community embarked on a journey. For the first time in the Austin community, a quality-oflife plan was unveiled. By building on Austin’s greatest assets and cultivating new expertise and investment, the Austin

Forward. Together. (AFT) plan is a catalyst for change in Austin.

The plan, which was designed by the community and for the community, is the catalyst for Austin. It addresses 23 strategies with 84 total actions across 7 issue Areas between 2019 and 2024: Community Narrative, Education, Housing, Youth Empowerment, Economic Development, Public Safety, and Civic Engagement. So this project wasn’t just about making a plan. It’s always been about building relationships and establishing the collective power needed to successfully implement the “plans” that

already existed in the community.

In the five years since the AFT plan’s inception, Austin has been at the forefront of significant changes and developments that have brought together thousands of residents with one shared vision. The success of the AFT plan has created a world of opportunity for residents and has garnered a variety of awards.

We are proud of the work that has been accomplished by way of the plan and look forward to how the plan will continue to impact our community for years to come. n

For far too long, many leaders in the community had seen each other more as competitors rather than allies. Powerful people outside of Austin, with control over resources, have pitted us against each other, forcing us to compete with one another for the scarce resources they give us access to. The idea of creating “plans” to address ongoing issues had always been a struggle. Within the community, aspirations of coming together in the hopes of collaborating on major issues always found its obstacles.

Resources to follow through on plans were commonly thin or the individuals and groups in power placed their interests elsewhere. It was time to change that.

In 2018, over 400 attendees packed Michele Clark High School for the unveiling of Austin’s first ever quality-of-life plan called Austin Forward. Together. (AFT).

4 Austin Weekly News • November 29, 2023

AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 4

Highlights from the plan’s lifetime The massive body of work that is Austin Forward. Together. (AFT) has made significant progress over the past five years. Though a lot happened for each of its seven issue areas, below is one highlight for each:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT This issue area’s goal is to create economic revitalization in Austin and by Austin, as well as support new and existing local businesses, entrepreneurs, and the workforce; improve our commercial corridors; and attract new investment to build a stronger, more dynamic local economy.

AUSTIN COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS (SOUL CITY / CENTRAL)

Two key focal projects, the Soul City and Central Avenue commercial corridors, continue to make prominent strides. The Soul City Corridor along Chicago Avenue has made improvements to pedestrian infrastructure and has added community assets including the POPCourt! Community Plaza. The Central Avenue Corridor, which will become a “unifying” vein running through Austin, has gained traction as it continues its community-based engagements and plan reporting. The intersection of Madison and Central is home to one of the most prominent development projects in the community: The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, which will repurpose the former Emmet Elementary School into an anchor for commercial revitalization and a destination for top-notch workforce training. The Center continues to make significant progress. A groundbreaking ceremony happened in 2023 and construction commenced shortly thereafter. These two projects have been pivotal for AFT’s Economic Development issue area, and have actively contributed to economic revitalization in Austin by Austin.

COMMUNITY NARRATIVE This issue area’s goal is to revitalize the image and spirit of Austin by promoting assets such as our historic housing, creating a healthy community and building a more robust environment for local arts and culture.

AUSTIN EATS Since its creation, the initiative has aimed to change the food landscape and rewrite the narrative around food in Austin by focusing on emergency food access, grocery access, culinary entrepreneurship, food education, gardens & farms, and marketing. Highlights of the initiative include the presence of fresh food farmers markets for community residents, educational food and film experiences, community-owned gardens, an increased presence and coordination among emergency food providers, and progress in bringing a full-service grocery store to Austin.

AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 4

HOUSING

Austin Weekly News • November 29, 2023

5

EDUCATION

This issue area’s goal is to create a stabilized housing market in Austin, with support for local homeowners and a wide array of affordable housing options.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR LARAMIE STATE BANK Planning for the former Laramie Bank building and approximately 20,000 square feet of adjacent land continues. The proposed $51 million project will renovate the landmark structure with commercial uses that include a bank branch, café, and business incubator. The adjacent land will be redeveloped with a mixedincome, multi-story rental building that includes a green roof, public plaza, social spaces, and outdoor art. It will have 51 units of affordable housing and 27 units of market-rate housing.

The project is expected to generate up to 150 construction jobs and 22 full-time positions.

This issue area’s goal is for local educational system and partners to provide the services, opportunities and support to help all our students stay on track, enrich their education and serve their needs, from early childhood through high school to job and career readiness.

CHILDCARE TO KINDERGARTEN (C2K) INITIATIVE In partnership with the Austin Childcare Providers Network (ACPN), the Childcare 2 Kindergarten (C2K) initiative provides year-long coaching to early education professionals so that children have a smoother transition into kindergarten.

ACPN creates and facilitates strategies to engage community members and families of students. By using a cohort model, they train about ten early childhood educators each year.

This program continues to grow and reach more education providers.

PUBLIC SAFETY

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

This issue area’s goal is for Austin to have healthier and more engaged youth who are able to reach their full potential.

This issue area’s goal is for Austin to have healthier and more engaged youth who are able to reach their full potential.

AUSTIN RESTORATIVE JUSTICE ACTION TEAM

YOUTH SUMMER JOB FAIR

The creation of the Austin Restorative Justice Action Team has been instrumental in advancing the goals of increasing public safety. They aim to increase the presence of restorative justice (RJ) activities in the Austin community. Additionally, they build relationships between RJ practitioners and facilitate an ever-growing number of RJ circles and trainings held in the community. The recent opening of the BUILD Peace and Justice Center has catalyzed these increased RJ activities.

The presence of Youth Job Fairs allows Austin youth to get exposed to professionals they have common ground with. The youth are given useful tips for resumes, cover letters, applications and get to meet directly with employers.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT This issue area’s goal is to sustain collaborative community involvement—from community campaigns to engaging elected officials—so we can bring voices and power to the efforts to improve Austin.

VOTER ENGAGEMENT AND REGISTRATION AFT’s Civic Engagement task force has provided a wealth of information and educational resources for Austin residents regarding voter registration, voter turnout, political forums with active candidates, and ward redistricting.

6 Austin Weekly News • November 29, 2023

Plan Leaders Community Narrative TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Briana Shields

Briana Janeé Arts

Kenneth Varner Healthy Schools Campaign

Dearra Williams Austin Coming Together

STRATEGY LEADS

Lasondra Kern

Community Resident

Suzanne McBride Austin Talks

AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 4

Economic Development

Education

TASK FORCE CHAIRS TASK FORCE CHAIRS

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Crystal Bell

Bradly Johnson

Ella Flagg Young Elementary School South Austin Neighborhood Association (retired)

Jerrod Williams

Heather Sattler

Charles Anderson

Community Development Michele Clark High School Consultant STRATEGY LEADS

STRATEGY LEADS

Community Stakeholder

Erica Staley

Ruth Kimble

Alicia Plomin

Emily Peters

Michael Romain

Manufacturing Renaissance Austin Childcare Providers Network

Austin Coming Together Jane Addams Resource Corporation Cindy Gray

Schneider

Spaces-n-Places

Jai Jones

PSPC, The Chicago Community Trust and Community Resident

Tina Augustus

Madelyn James

Austin Childcare Providers Network

Pam Price

Roxanne Charles

Cata Truss

Melissa O’Dell

Athena Williams West Cook Homeownership Center

Allison McGowan

Community Resident STRATEGY LEADS

Shirley Fields

Community Resident

Rosie Dawson Westside Health Authority

Athena Williams

West Cook Homeownership Chicago Public Schools Center

Chicago West Side Chamber of Commerce West Side Forward

Housing

Community Resident

Baxter Swilley

Oak Park Regional Housing Center

Public Safety

BUILD Inc.

Marilyn Pitchford Heartland Alliance

STRATEGY LEADS

Adam Alonso BUILD Inc.

Edwina Hamilton BUILD Inc.

Gina Young

Youth Empowerment

TASK FORCE CHAIRS TASK FORCE CHAIRS

D’elegance Lane

Deborah

Community Stakeholder Williams-Thurmond Habilitative STRATEGY LEADS Systems Inc.

Deonna Hart BUILD Inc.

STRATEGY LEADS

Gina Young

Arnold Bearden

Aisha Oliver

Crystal Gardner

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities

Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

Bertha Purnell

Helen Slade

Mothers OnA Mission28

Territory NFP

Jose Abonce

Dollie Sherman

The Policing Project

Austin Coming Together

Ruby Taylor

Chris Thomas

Taproots, Inc.

Civic Engagement

Community Resident Protest to the Polls

Sharif Walker Bethel New Life

YourPassion1st

Defy Ventures

Fanya Berry

Community Resident

INTERESTED IN JOINING AN IMPLEMENTATION TASK FORCE?

Contact ACT’s Lead Organizer, Ethan Ramsay at 630.474.4016 or eramsay@austincomingtogether.org for more information

AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 4

Austin Weekly News • November 29, 2023

7

The next stage: What lies ahead for the plan

By Scott Prywitch Marketing & Development Specialist, Austin Coming Together

T

hose who are familiar with the Austin Forward.

Together. (AFT) qualityof-life plan know that it is strategically outlined for five years between 2019 to 2024. In partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC Chicago), recommendations for the plan were to approach it over a five-year span. Despite this, the impact of the AFT plan was never meant to remain within five years. The plan has always been a massively ambitious effort tapping into the collective power of a community with the shared goal of creating dynamic, positive change for generations to come. This sentiment was even mentioned in the plan itself, “The work we do in this plan is the spark for a renaissance that goes beyond all we outline in the pages.” The successes that this plan has yielded for the community in the past five years have been instrumental in fueling this “spark.” Yet now, just like in its name, the plan is looking to move forward in 2024.

The annual AFT Community Summit allows for Austin residents to hear about the plan’s progress and how they can take part in it.

At this point in time, As the Austin Coming community’s first Together (ACT) quality-of-life and AFT leaders plan, AFT was the are beginning to product of tireless assess the trajectory collaboration of the plan. This among dedicated unique aspect of the community process has many partners, components that organizations, impact how the plan and residents. could evolve in years The process from to come. During conception to this assessment publicizing the FROM THE period, ACT and plan was not short AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. (AFT) AFT leaders will and came into QUALITY-OF-LIFE PLAN work to thoroughly reality by way of understand and distinct phases. review the plan’s full implementation In the hopes of carrying the plan into its landscape over five years. Narrative next “stage,” it is important to recognize and research-based materials will just how enormous the “process” was. help to provide further insights on the

The work we do in this plan is the spark for a renaissance that goes beyond all we outline in the pages

effectiveness of each part of the plan.

Assessing the plan is not only essential for its future, but could also inform how ACT and AFT leaders can begin to engage the public and community stakeholders to gain even more understanding of its pending evolution.

Wherever the plan ends up, it is important to remember that it has already proven to be a catalyst for deep change in Austin. While the scope of five years was ambitious, we believe its progress has set us on the path toward real transformation for years to come.

AFT is so much more than a plan to be executed – it is a vision made and shared by the community. A vision in which residents can reap the benefits of its impact. In the coming months, this assessment will become more clear and inform how the plan might evolve. n

To learn more about the plan’s progression and future and stay in the loop for details on the next AFT Community Summit (happening in early 2024) follow us on social media or sign up for emails at

AUSTINCOMINGTOGETHER.ORG.

Where will the AFT quality-of-life plan lead us?

FIND OUT AT THE NEXT AFT COMMUNITY SUMMIT,

HAPPENING IN EARLY 2024.

For current AFT highlights, visit AustinComingTogether.org/qlp