AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/investment/)
A project to revitalize Central Avenue from Madison Street to Chicago Avenue is starting its first steps in the planning process. Austin Coming Together is leading the charge to revitalize one of Austin’s major thoroughfares.
Community stakeholders and Fifth Third Bank recently engaged in a discussion on the importance of workforce development and investment in Austin. Speakers included Layla Bitoy, owner of Bitoy’s Sweet Treats, and Bradly Johnson of BUILD Chicago.
The Austin project is one of 21 proposals officials are considering as part of the $10 million Chicago Works Community Challenge. The Columbus Park project – proposed by Samantha Jordan – is vying with two others in the west region for up to $1.5 million in funding. A decision is expected by the end of this year.
West Side faith and community leaders have raised $43,850 of $150,000 seed money needed to get a match from philanthropic groups. The Leaders Network is asking others to join the founders circle and commit to making a $5,000 contribution.
Austin United Alliance will update residents from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 about the Laramie State Bank project. The Soul City Corridor and other economic issues also will be discussed.
Austin has a new community space, at the corner of Chicago and Lockwood avenues. City officials say it’s just a taste of what’s to come in terms of investment on the West Side.
The Oakland, California-based Family Independence Initiative awarded 400 Black leaders across the country direct investments of $3,500. While none of the Chicago recipients are Austin residents, some do work on the West Side.
As city continues to invest in Austin as part of its INVEST South/West program, city developers and non-profit partners are focusing their attention on several blocks of Chicago Avenue, from Cicero Avenue to Austin Boulevard.
State Rep. La Shawn Ford will announce the formation of the West Side Behavioral Health Task Force on Monday. Joining Ford will be the heads of The Loretto Hospital, the Bobby E. Wright Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center and Habilitative Systems Inc.
All Austin residents are invited to the community summit, where updates will be given on Austin’s quality-of-life plan. Celebrate the victories and investments, and discover how you can get involved. The meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 14 at Kehrein Center for the Arts, 5628 W. Washington Blvd.