The Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) on Tuesday announced a corridor ambassador program that will provide on-the-street support for shoppers and businesses in targeted retail districts across the city.  The program will be operated by a dozen community-based organizations that will hire and train neighborhood residents to provide a friendly, welcoming presence on local streets. Starting in early June, ambassadors for each corridor will greet passers-by and provide information on wayfinding, parking, dining, and shopping. Ambassadors will wear brightly colored attire while providing a five- to 12-hour presence per day, five to seven days per week, depending on corridor needs. At least two ambassadors will work simultaneously in each corridor.

• Selected agencies and targeted streets include: 

• Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council/Ashland Avenue and 47th Street 

• Bright Star Community Outreach/35th Street and King Drive 

• Calumet Area Industrial Development Commission/Michigan Avenue and 111th Street 

• Centers for New Horizons/63rd and Halsted streets 

• Greater Chatham Initiative/East 79th Street 

• Magnificent Mile Association/Magnificent Mile and River North, and Central Loop 

• Northwest Side Housing Center/Belmont, Diversey, Fullerton, and Grand avenues 

• Puerto Rican Cultural Center/North Avenue 

• St. Sabina/West 79th Street 

• Uptown United/Broadway, Sheridan Road, and Argyle Street 

• Westside Health Authority/Madison Street and Pulaski Road, and Chicago Avenue 

The program is part of the Chicago Recovery Plan’s ambitious $1.2 billion strategy for equitable economic recovery and support for thriving and safe communities. 

Photo Credit: City of Chicago