The South Shore Compact today announced the release of the South Shore Quality-of-Life Plan (QLP), an informative strategy to achieve the South Shore community’s shared goals of revitalization and renewal of the neighborhood and the advocacy required to achieve them. The plan reflects insights of all stakeholders: neighbors, business owners, community and faith-based institutions, educators, elected officials and the many allies in government, foundations and social service based in the South Shore community. In partnership with LISC Chicago, the South Shore Compact members is the co-convenor for the QLP process in the South Shore and is made up of three convening agencies including the Neighborhood Network Alliance, South Shore Chamber of Commerce and South Shore Works Planning and Preservation Coalition.
The information, insights and recommendations contained in the South Shore QLP represents the efforts of literally hundreds of residents, business owners, organizers and other stakeholders committed to making South Shore a viable, vibrant community. The process of transforming the South Shore into a Center for Black Excellence is inclusive and welcoming of all who wish to participate and craft this vision.
Focusing on the eight primary areas-of-concern outlined — resident engagement, economic development, education, housing, community stewardship & beautification, health & wellness, arts/culture & entertainment, and public safety — the QLP provides a comprehensive analysis and blueprint for specific measures that can be employed to meet the present challenges South Shore faces, along with building the foundation for future revitalization and sustainability. In addition, the plan describes the framework, strategies and resources required to implement and sustain the quality of life envisioned by a large portion of the South Shore community. Rather than a proposal cast in stone, it is a dynamic, ongoing process to expand and improve once various aspects of the plan are implemented and come to fruition.
“This plan is truly a labor of love that is the product of two years of research, fact-finding and discussions involving stakeholders from all across the community,” said Jaime Arteaga, Program Office of the Neighborhood Network at LISC Chicago. “The South Shore community is resilient and when this plan is implemented it will provide lasting impact for generations to come. LISC is honored to be a part of it.”
“Given the arrival of the Obama Presidential Center and subsequent investment and development activity in surrounding areas, now is the time to build on South Shore’s momentum, harness its strengths and pursue opportunities for equitable, inclusive growth,” said Tonya Trice, Executive Director of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. “We can now leverage our Quality of Life plan to attract public, private and philanthropic investment to cure broader economic challenges South Shore has faced in the past.”
“The completion of the Quality-of-Life Plan creates the building blocks for South Shore residents and businesses to grow, develop and thrive for decades to come,” said Val Free, CEO-President of The Neighborhood Network Alliance. “Our residents are entitled to a safe neighborhood with quality housing at reasonable cost whether they are owners or renters. With stable residents, the area can attract businesses that offer quality goods, services, employment and robust community engagement. By investing in our housing stock, local businesses and residents, we will become the embodiment of South Shore Strong.”
QLPs are comprehensive visions focused on issues identified and chosen by local stakeholders after extensive community engagement and assessment of local assets specific to the community. Each plan is supported by a neighborhood-based convening agency that leads the planning process and typically continues the convening role into implementation.
Since 2000, LISC’s New Communities Program has helped create 29 Quality of Life Plans, garnering more than $1B in new investments aligned in support of community visions in neighborhoods across Chicago.