Transforming Places
Transforming Places is a pilot program focused on place-based, community-driven, sustainable economic development in Cook County municipalities and addresses the need for increased investment in historically excluded communities.
Cook County partners with United Way of Metro Chicago on the program, which launched in 2023 and supports United Way's Neighborhood Networks Initiative.
Cook County and United Way collaborate with a "community quarterback" organization in each community, developing a vision focused on affordable housing, family wraparound services, business ownership, arts and culture, and more.
Locations
Transforming Places has supported the creation or expansion of United Way Neighborhood Networks in:
- Blue Island/Robbins
- Community quarterback: Metropolitan Family Services
- Ford Heights/Chicago Heights
- Community quarterback: Cornerstone Community Development Corporation
- Harvey
- Community quarterback: Restoration Ministries
- Park Forest/Richton Park
- Community quarterback: OAI, Inc.
- Summit
- Community quarterback: SGA Youth and Family Services
For more information, visit United Way's Neighborhood Networks page.
Questions?
For more information, please email Cook County Bureau of Economic Development project director Dena Al-Khatib at dena.al-khatib2@cookcountyil.gov.
For media inquiries, email:
Maria Phelan, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development deputy director of communications
maria.phelan2@cookcountyil.gov
Kyle Garmes, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development public relations specialist