Activating Business Potential in
Chicago's Southwest Business District
Mayor Daley Unveils Smart Communities Program
December 21, 2009 – Chicago, IL. Mayor Daley and Federal Communications Commission Chairman, Julius Genachowski, held a press conference at Churchview Supportive Living on 63rd Street to announce the Smart Communities Initiative, a project that has been in planning stages since early 2009. The Smart Communities Program selected five target communities to focus
on bridging the digital divide between lower- and higher-income communities. Three of these communities – Chicago Lawn, Auburn Gresham, and Englewood – teamed up to form the Southwest Smart Communities Initiative (SSCI), headed by representatives from local non-profits and organized by project manager Norma Sanders.
In April 2009, Greater Southwest Development Corporation (GSDC), Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation, Teamwork Englewood, Inner City Muslim Action Network, Southwest Organizing Project, and LISC Chicago held several community meetings to assess the needs of the three communities and what they would most like to see in terms of technological advancement in the area. After these planning meetings, SSCI developed a master plan to map out the needs of the communities and potential projects for partner agencies to develop.
Mayor Daley officially presented this plan at the conference. He spoke about the importance of expanding access to technology in areas like Chicago Lawn, where many residents don’t have computer or internet access. The SSCI plan contains a number of proposed programs, including the installation of family computer labs and the development of youth-run technology training programs.
A key project that is already being implemented in the area includes installing web-enabled kiosks donated by Hewlitt Packard in a number of community centers, including the Southwest REACH center. A representative from Hewlitt Packard attended the press conference to present the kiosk to the Southwest REACH center. Microsoft is also supporting the project and announced they are donating $1.3 million in software to help establish the computer labs.
A second key project is the installation of a free wireless internet network along 63rd Street, and wireless internet in local neighborhoods. The 63rd Street Wi-Fi pilot project, which is being implemented by the 63rd Street Growth Commission, the New Communities Program, and GSDC, is creating the groundwork for an increase in web site development and use of internet resources by business owners, while providing a benefit for community residents who seek internet access as well. The Wi-Fi project will initially provide internet access to businesses and residents on 63rd Street between Western Ave. and Central Park, with plans for to expand to Cicero in the future.
Julie Welborn, owner of Perfect Peace Café & Bakery, located at 1255 W. 79th St., spoke about how the internet has sustained her business. She uses the Cafe’s website to constantly update her catering menu, as well as drawing customers in with free wireless so they can bring laptops and go online. These are exactly the types of benefits the 63rd Street Growth Commission hopes that its members experience with the Wi-Fi project.