AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/invest/)
West Side residents received updates Friday on the status of the Laramie State Bank building development and new businesses opening along the Soul City Corridor, which stretches from Austin Boulevard to Cicero Avenue on Chicago Avenue.
Businesses along Austin’s major thoroughfares – including North Avenue, Chicago Avenue and Madison Street – were hit by looters after peaceful protests over the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota.
Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, who represents Austin in the Illinois Senate, will host the social equity workshop from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at Columbus Park Refectory.
The Trump official visited a program operated by By The Hand Club for Kids, which is located in an Opportunity Zone. Businesses and groups that invest in Opportunity Zones are eligible for tax breaks under the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
The Art Xellence Pilot Summer Program, the Dream Investment Project, and Lunch N Learn are among 71 projects across Chicago to receive a total of $135,500 grants from The Chicago Community Trust.
Residents are invited to join neighborhood groups, local churches, elected officials and others working to support West Side youth at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at 5437 W. Division St.
Cook County board member fears out-of-control gun violence could lead to more harm in Austin, other Chicago neighborhoods if action isn’t taken.
West Side business owners are pushing Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration to invest in Austin.