NURTURING WHAT'S WORKING FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH

Building on Elevated Chicago’s Green Line South Action Plan efforts, MUSE led the development of an equitable and inclusive economic development strategy in the Washington Park community. Using storytelling principles, we partnered with residents and stakeholders to create an action guide that highlights community assets and empowers residents to bring recommendations to life.

Details

Client: Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)
Chicago, IL
March – September 2022

Scope of Work

Market analysis
Community + stakeholder engagement
Graphic design

Hand-drawn illustrations and a board game motif reflect recent and upcoming community improvements and initiatives in an accessible manner.

MUSE Method

Washington Park's famous Hustleman is an example of entrepreneurship and the hyperlocal economy.

NUMBERS + NARRATIVES

MUSE took a close look at the local economy to help community leaders tell a new story about Washington Park. Most notable is the action guide’s consideration of the “informal” economy and a toolkit for neighbors to conduct their own hyperlocal market analysis. Street vendors and home-based businesses like hair and beauty services, tattoo art, catering, and online craft sales point to local buying power and opportunities for small business incubation.

COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVES

Here’s what we heard during community engagement for the Washington Park Economic Development Action Guide.

Washington Park can be one of Chicago’s popular neighborhoods to shop and dine. It already has a great foundation.”

Evelyn Shelton

Owner, Evelyn's Food Love

So many community members have been here their whole lives and just need the ability to start a business and all the capital it takes to do that.”

Jacqueline Boyd

Owner, The Care Plan

[Washington Park needs] a technology hub to provide skills training and job support to people of all ages.”

Focus group participant

I was born and raised in Washington Park, so I love everything about it. It has changed in some ways naturally, but my memory of good times at the pool and the parade, and the 63rd Street Beach, all of it, makes me feel at home when I am there.”

Melanie Anewishki

Founder, Featherfist

THROUGH THE COMMUNITY'S EYES

Taking an assets-based approach to the next level, MUSE hired community ethnographers to support the existing conditions phase of this project. Photos and write-ups of community hubs, cherished local businesses, and cultural gems are presented from a truly hyperlocal perspective.

EXPLORE OTHER PLANNING PROJECTS

Evolving The Suburban TOD Plan

Economic Recovery Across City Borders

Beyond Translation: A Multicultural Plan

Designing An Equity-Centered Citywide Plan