We looked into how actions in the political sphere have influenced gentrification/anti-gentrification movements within the South Loop and South Lawndale. We mainly found that grassroots political organizations work with local government (aldermanic offices, city officials, etc.) in an overarching drive for ‘community improvement.’

Community improvement manifests itself in different ways in the two communities. South Loop organizations are heavily involved in new developments that would bring high-end housing, restaurants, retail stores and education to the Near South Side, while non-profit groups working in South Lawndale attempt to improve the quality of life of residents without displacing them.

We have a package of three stories highlighting the actions various groups within each neighborhood take to secure their vision of the future.