Good morning. If we can take a seat, those that are able to find a seat, let's take a seat so we can get started.
Again, good morning. It's wonderful to see us all here today gathered in this beautiful hall at Chicago Cultural Center.
Today, we want to thank you all for joining us so that we celebrate some amazing announcements that we have for the city of Chicago.
My name is Brian Tyler, First Deputy of Business and Neighborhood Development.
First, I also want to thank our host, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Commissioner Merritt,
for your unwavering commitment to showcasing the richness of Chicago's arts and culture in your partnership.
Commissioner Boltwright for the care and thought that she brings to our work
and incredible teams that compose the Department of Planning.
I also want to thank Ethan Lassiter, an unspoken person on the BIN team that does a lot of amazing work behind the scenes to make these events possible.
I also want to thank Sip and Savor for providing the refreshments that we're all going to enjoy, trying not to eat too many donuts like me.
But most importantly, I want to thank and also congratulate today's grantees.
I think we should give an applause.
So to the grantees, I think it's very important to know that your efforts are contributing to a growing wave of investment throughout our communities,
helping to enhance safety, increase affordability, and enrich everyday life for all Chicago residents.
So it's very important that you know that this is a very important grant that you're receiving and the work that you're doing is valued.
Soon we will hear from grantees and Commissioner Boatwright will later share an overview of this year's grantees
and highlight some of the amazing work and initiatives related to Neighborhood Opportunity Fund, Community Development Grants.
and workforce solutions.
While we listen, it is important to recognize that our celebration
extends way beyond funding of programs and initiatives.
These investments generate employment opportunities to enhance our access to health care and nutrition
and foster development of Chicago's arts and cultural sectors.
These grant recipients include small business owners, nonprofit leaders, workers,
and community builders who energize our great city of Chicago.
And their dedication and ambition is what drives progress of our neighborhoods.
Now it's an honor to introduce our next speaker, whose steadfast leadership and vision of progress
has given a path to building a better Chicago together.
Please welcome to the podium, Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Thank you for clapping as I made my way all the way up to the podium.
Good morning, everyone. Thank you, Brian, for that introduction.
And I'm so grateful and excited that we are joining as a community for this exciting day.
I do want to thank all of the alders that are present today.
We have Dow, Scott, Moore, Yancey, Talia Faro.
I think Irvin is here as well.
Oh, Ramirez is here. This is what happens.
I want anybody else. Where's Lopez at? Usually we hear him when he's in the room. All right.
Cardona is here. Let's give it up for all of our alders that are here today.
To, of course, the Cultural Center, this beautiful edifice, the Department of Planning and Development Commissioner, Sierra Boatwright.
Can you give her a round of applause? You'll hear from her in a second.
And then, of course, to the Mayor's Office of Economic and Neighborhood Development.
I appreciate everyone's hard work and commitment and dedication to grow our economy and our neighborhoods and do it in an equitable way.
That commitment brings us to today's celebration, announcing $42.5 million invested in our communities through our Neighborhood Opportunity Funds,
small and medium-sized community development grant awards, and workforce solution grants.
Chicago's small businesses are the heart of our neighborhoods, and they certainly make up the unique soul of our city.
Furthermore, they are significant job creators and economic engines.
With the grant issued today, we look forward to supporting the growth of small businesses, creating jobs, and adding to the vibrancy of our beloved communities.
This work is transformational and essential.
It's also part of the vision that I have for this city to build the safest, most affordable big city in America.
And through the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund, we award grants up to $250,000 and more
to businesses on the southwest and west sides of our city.
This is a reimbursement grant and technical assistance program that supports renovations and construction
on new and exciting commercial spaces.
It aligns with my administration's belief that development in Chicago should be equitable
and it should be distributed effectively throughout our city.
The second program we are issuing grants from today is the Community Development Grant.
This program was born out of the pandemic and then it was sustained through my administration's
$1.25 billion housing economic development bond,
which is the largest public investment for the people of this city in the history of our city.
The Community Development Grant medium-sized awards provide up to $5 million for catalytic investments in local commercial corridors,
along with grants up to $150,000 for projects receiving pre-development grant funding.
The Community Development Grant small-sized awards provide up to $250,000 in assistance to small businesses across the city,
supporting a variety of eligible business-related expenses.
And last but certainly not least, the Workforce Solution Grants.
These awards today will provide up to $250,000 in financial assistance to local businesses
that are seeking to train current employees or hire new ones.
This program is funded by TIF as well as, again, our $1.25 billion housing and economic development bond
as part of our commitment to creating jobs and opportunities for the people of Chicago.
Y'all give it up for Mike Rodriguez. He came in right on time.
He did. He is.
Mike, your hair looks great today, too.
And by helping businesses invest in their workforce, these grants create pathways to higher wages and sustainable careers
and long-term economic mobility for our residents.
And, of course, Mike is the chair of our workforce development.
We understand the way in which we drive economic vibrancy is through creating W-2s.
And altogether, the grants issued today demonstrate how we put public investments in partnership to work.
We're developing talent, supporting businesses, and creating growth in Chicago.
Doesn't it feel good to live in the greatest city in the world, the city of Chicago?
It really does.
And in closing, the part that I'm excited about is all of the innovation and the steadfastness that's in this room.
So I want to again thank all the city departments and leaders who made today a reality.
I'm grateful that together we continue to build Chicago, a city that works for everyone.
And again, congratulations to all of the recipients.
But I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge one person in particular.
Because with these grants, we reaffirm our value and honor.
And we also ensure that the contributions that you all make to our communities, it goes notice.
And hopefully we will help you continue growing and succeeding.
And so that's why I'm so proud to announce the first community development grant, Medium Awardee, today.
This is a group, it's an organization that has been unapologetic about driving economic activity through our communities
by ensuring that we are creating a pathway for individuals to find meaningful work.
and that is the Black Fire Brigade Training Academy.
Now, I know all of you in this room, I know my time is up here,
but I'm taking a little executive privilege here.
I know all of you are very familiar with the Black Fire Brigade Training Academy
in creating pathways for our young people and particularly our young black residents of this city
to find not just meaningful work, but work that contributes to building safe communities.
And CFD Lieutenant Quinton Curtis has been on this case as long as I've been black.
And I know all of the alders and other elected officials have seen and experienced the brilliance,
the love, the conviction that he brings to this work.
And he always reminds us that he has done this work without ever receiving a single dime from government.
Well, guess what? That has officially ended today under the Johnson administration.
Keep clapping. Welcome to the stage.
CFD Lieutenant Quinton Curtis to the stage.
Well, good morning.
Can we give the mayor another round of applause?
the Honorable Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Wow, I'm so excited to be here this morning with you guys.
I don't even know what to say, so I'm going to find five words.
No, I'm just kidding.
The Black Fire Brigade started June of 2018.
Since the concept of it, we put over 1,400 kids through school,
over 575 single moms and over 60 homeless kids.
To this day, we're responsible for over $65 million a year
back in the black community as first responders.
Our plight in life became, if you teach a kid to save a life,
they'll be less likely to take one.
You know, over my 40-year career,
I retired from Chicago Fire Department with 38 years,
I've seen so much tragedy in my life, and it became a plight
that what are we going to do to make a serious change, right?
It was enough about talking, and it became an action.
Our action is...
To take these kids off the street, give them an opportunity, that's all they need, access to opportunities.
Today, you're seeing more access to opportunity.
You're seeing something that the mayor has stood fast on and kept his word and made that happen today.
I want to definitely recognize my alderman, Pat Dow.
Pat has definitely stood fast with the Black Fire Brigade every step of the way,
so I just wanted to make sure that I acknowledge you 100%.
With this grant, what we're going to do with this facility is going to continue training.
As you know, we teach EMT, first responders 360, police, fire, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, anything that can save your life.
And I'm proud to say, and I want to take up a lot of time, that one of our students just saved a life two days ago at 95th and Oak Park at a working fire out there.
Our kids are responsible for over five national rescues that made the news in this short time.
This is the impact of our community.
We're the number one crime prevention workforce development program in the state of Illinois.
And we ask you, everybody in this room, to continue to help and support the Black Fire Brigade
as we help and support you as becoming your life safety individuals
because we will put our lights on the line for you every day, unconditionally.
Without no further ado, please let me introduce Sierra Boatwright.
Well, good morning.
It's an honor to formally announce the recipients for today's $42.5 million in grant awards
for new and exciting neighborhood projects citywide.
In total, these 56 projects collectively represent more than $148 million in local investments that will improve access to convenient goods and services, cultural and entertainment amenities, health and community wellness resources, and job opportunities that all neighborhoods need to thrive.
They were selected from more than 400 applications, you all, that were evaluated for their proposed locations, overall readiness, community benefits, viability, and other competitive criteria that ensure the city's resources have immediate and lasting community impacts.
This is quite the list to get through, so get comfortable.
Please listen for your name, stand up to receive your applause, and then I'll move on to the next recipient.
Then we'll take some group photos at the end.
Is everyone ready?
All right.
I'm going to start with today's largest projects, each of which was funded by a community development grant.
Let's start on the south side, in Grand Boulevard, where the Chicago Urban League, please stand, is receiving our first award.
This $490,000 grant will help build a new community center on South Michigan that includes a training kitchen, production studio, retail space, and technology training lab.
Congratulations.
Let's go on to West Pullman, where 433 Missionary NFP is our next recipient.
They're receiving a $1.8 million grant to rehab a fire-damaged building on 119th Street
with retail spaces and 10 affordable apartments.
Congratulations.
Up next, the new city is the Black Fire Brigade Project that you heard about.
Please stand and receive another round of applause.
This $3.9 million grant will support a $9 million headquarters and first responder training center on 47th Street.
Congratulations again.
Now, to the lower west side, in the host event space, please stand.
This $4.8 million award will help expand the organization's 16th Street community space
to include a kombucha production facility and bagel shop.
Congratulations.
Nearby, on 19th Street, the National Museum of Mexican Art is our next recipient.
Please stand.
The museum will be receiving a $1.4 million grant to renovate its performing art spaces.
Congratulations.
Let's go to South Lawndale for the next award.
To Floris Sillendo, the grantee will receive a $5 million award for the $21.5 million Erie House Community Center
that will include a gymnasium, classrooms, art studios, community kitchen, and green spaces.
This is actually last year's pre-development grantee, and they've advanced their project for a full grant.
Congratulations.
On to North Lawndale and the MLK East Arts, Enterprise, and Community Hub.
Please stand.
The project is receiving a $4.7 million grant to redevelop a vacant building for a variety of tenants, including a restaurant, chocolatier, and an art gallery.
Congratulations.
And now to Logan Square and the Grace's Furniture Space on Milwaukee Avenue.
Please stand.
The owner will receive a $3 million award to rehab a building as a four-story health club with ground floor restaurant and cafe.
Congratulations, graces.
The next award goes to the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance in Avondale.
Please stand.
The alliance is receiving a $1.3 million grant to expand its campus and renovate their existing building.
Congratulations.
Next up is Prime Care Hermosa in Hermosa.
The awardee is receiving $5 million to help support a $21.8 million Fullerton Avenue health center
that includes exam and procedure rooms, a pharmacy, and an infusion center.
Congratulations.
The next awardees are West Town Bikes and Ciclo Urbana in West Town.
They will be receiving a $2.5 million grant to expand their workforce development space for teen bike building programs on Division Street.
Congratulations.
And finally, let's conclude this portion of the awards in Austin, congratulating the owners of the mixed-use property at 5544 West North Avenue.
Please stand.
They'll be receiving $2.1 million to rehab a vacant building as 22 mixed-income units
and six commercial spaces for artists and art organizations.
Congratulations.
That's it for the largest projects today.
Huge congratulations to all the awardees.
Now, I'm going to announce our 20 small grant finalists that are receiving awards up to $250,000 for a variety of awards.
a variety of building and site improvements that will reinforce their roles as community anchors.
I'll be announcing each one by region and neighborhood, because that's what this is all about,
the neighborhoods that make Chicago the most livable big city in the country.
Please stand when you hear your name. Is everyone ready?
Alright, let's begin in Grand Boulevard with a pair of awardees,
starting with the Southside Sanctuary, which is adding ADA improvements to its award-winning open space on King Drive.
Congratulations.
We also have the Print Lounge on South Wabash, which is converting a former church into a light manufacturing facility.
Let's hear it for them.
Next, let's go to Kenwood, to the Little Black Pearl,
which is upgrading its workshop on East 47th Street.
Congratulations, Little Black Pearl.
Now, on to South Shore and the Salon Spice Beauty Bar and Boutique.
Please stand.
They're receiving a grant to rehab a vacant space on South Jeffrey for beauty services.
Congratulations.
Congratulations. Let's head to the southwest side in the Brighton Park area for our next award winner. It's Elegant Flowers. Please stand. They're receiving a grant to renovate a space on 47th Street for a new florist and event company. Congratulations.
Our next awardee is in Chicagoland.
It's Little Leaders Academy, which is improving its daycare space on South Kesey.
Congratulations, Little Leaders.
Now to the west side.
West side.
And for our next recipient in the Austin community.
It's known as A House in Austin, which is adding an event space to its Family Empowerment Center on Pine Avenue.
Congratulations.
Next up are a couple of food-oriented awardees in West Garfield Park.
The first is Moochie's Pizzeria, which is opening a new restaurant on Madison Street.
Congratulations.
Next is Chicago Eats, which is opening a pancake and waffle house, also on Madison.
Congratulations.
Now to West Town and two more award recipients.
The first is Avant Wellness, which is building out its health care space on Grand Avenue.
Congratulations.
The next is Soccer House.
Please stand.
Soccer House is renovating its soccer-themed bar and restaurant on Ogden Avenue.
Congratulations.
Now let's head northwest to Logan Square.
Our next awardee is appropriately named The Afterlife, which is building out a former Diversi Avenue funeral home as a bar and restaurant. Congratulations.
Our next awardee in Avondale is Tara Coffee, which is renovating a Belmont Avenue storefront as a cafe. Congratulations, Tara Coffee.
Now to Dunning for our next recipient.
It's the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame Museum,
which is establishing its new facility on Harlem Avenue.
Congratulations.
The next awardee is Chicago Playboyhood.
The grant will help build out a daycare facility for toddlers on North Elston.
Congratulations.
And on Supportage Park for our next recipient.
it's
Worthy Salon, which is expanding into a second-floor salon facility on Irving.
Congratulations.
Let's move to the north side.
Our first recipient is in Edgewater.
It's Miss Ollie's Food Market, which is performing interior upgrades to a vacant space on Berwyn Avenue.
Congratulations.
Let's head to Lakeview for our next awardee, Quantum Leap Academy,
which is performing interior and exterior upgrades to its therapeutic center on Montrose.
Congratulations.
And next, we're going to Uptown in the Haitian American Museum of Chicago,
which is establishing a permanent museum space on Clark Street.
Congratulations.
And finally, we'll return to the heart of the city, right here in the loop,
For the last CDG recipient, it's Annapurna Restaurant, which is expanding into adjacent space on Plymouth Court.
Congratulations.
Let's give a big round of applause for all of our CDG Small awardees.
Next, I'd like to announce four pre-development grant winners that are receiving $150,000 to fine-tune their very promising proposals.
These are projects that are not quite ready for construction, but are otherwise well-positioned to advance, pending some small refinements.
Please stand when I call your names.
We have Full Circle Performing Arts Center in Calumet Heights, Living Fresh Marketplace at Maple Park in West Pullman,
Phoenix Bean in Lincoln Square, and Esperanza Behavioral Health and Community Services in Westtown.
Congratulations all.
The next portion of the ceremony is our first citywide announcement of our Workforce Solution Grants
that will help 20 companies provide job training for roughly 425 incumbent workers and new hires.
To kick it off, I'm going to introduce one of our award recipients, John Griffin, Jr. from Always Giving Back Institute.
John, please join me on the stage.
My name is John Griffin, Jr. again.
I am the CEO and owner of AGB Institute as well as Unconquerable Security Solutions to the mayor.
Thank you, sir, to my alderman, David Moore, fellow Robert Taylor Holmes.
So, Mayor, this grant will help my business contribute because we all know the statistics.
For every dollar of our counterparts, the black community has less than 15 cents.
So by being awarded this grant, it allows me to train my staff in areas where we can actually compete.
So these grants will help with AI advancement for our team, cybersecurity solutions, as well as train my current team in my security services operation, which deals with all over the city of Chicago, all over the state of Illinois.
So I'm here to say that we've been gainfully employed, Mayor, gainfully employed in building our community and creating jobs.
My wife and I, for the last 25 years, have created over 32,000 jobs and have trained 5,000 people 6-20-17, and these are black and brown people.
So if awarded, when awarded, we will continue our work in the city, and thank you.
Thank you, Alderman, and thank you, Commissioner Boatwright.
Thank you, John. Congratulations, Denitra.
Now, let's acknowledge the companies that are prioritizing the people in their organizations
through Workforce Solution grants up to $250,000.
These grants pay 100% of training costs, so they reflect deep commitments by the city for employee training needs.
I'll quickly go through the recipients, so please stand when I call your names.
Are you all ready?
All right.
In Uptown, we have Million and One.
Please stand.
In Logan Square, we have Trilogy, Inc. on Armitage, Logan Parlor on Fullerton, and TXA Club also on Fullerton.
In Westtown, we have Bang Salon 4 on Milwaukee, Puerto Rican Cultural Center on Division, and Esperanza Community Services on Marshfield.
In Austin, let's hear it for Excel Community Development Corp. on Chicago.
New Moms also on Chicago.
And Clean Community on Potomac.
Congratulations.
In Chicagoland, we have Always Giving Back Institute on 71st Street, which you just heard from.
Congratulations again.
In Washington Heights, we have Genesis Construction Training Center on 100th place.
In Roseland, let's hear it for Noele Salon on 95th.
And Human Resource Development Institute on 114th.
In Hyde Park, we have Virtue Hospitality Group on 53rd.
In South Shore, we have Create Space on 71st Street.
And Empowered Construction Workers Association Local 2 on Ridgeland.
In Greater Grand Crossing, we have Lakeside Community Health on Cottage Grove.
In Englewood, we have Hostet Auto Center on Hostet.
And finally, in Chatham, we have great chicken and hoagies on Cottage Grove.
That's it for our 56 new grantees.
Let's give them one more round of applause.
Before we close, I'd like to quickly recognize our latest round of Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grantees
that were announced last month but deserve their moment in the spotlight today as well.
These 11 projects on the south and west sides are each receiving grants up to $250,000 in support of $5.5 million in neighborhood investments.
So please stand when I quickly call your names.
All Together Lovely Ink, Chantel's Hair Emporium, Karaoke on the Ave,
Shawn Michelle's Homemade Ice Cream, The Community Theater slash Joseph's Place,
Lawndale Christian Health Center, Gonzalez Liquors, Wolf Village, GK Group LLC.
Golard Travel, and last but not least, Sacred Memories Funeral Home.
I want to thank each and every one of our grantees that are here today for embarking on this journey with us.
On behalf of Mayor Brandon Johnson, my amazing team at DPD, we are excited to support you as your projects advance in the weeks and months to come.
Congratulations to each of you all.
And please stick around. We're going to do some group photos.
Thank you.
All right, all right.
Hi, everyone.
We are taking group photos.
So if I can have the mayor, commissioner, and electeds in front of the stage.
In front of the stage.
We'll move the podium.
Can I have the following grantees?
If there's anyone from the NOF program that was just announced and recognized,
can I have you up front with the mayor?
Can I have everyone from the Workforce Solutions grantees standing near me,
kind of on deck over here?
Thank you.