16th Annual Woodlawn Community Summit

Resilience. Resolve. Rebuild.

Saturday, March 8, 2025

This is a special invitation to reunite our neighbors, stakeholders and business leaders to celebrate the 16th annual Woodlawn Community Summit and take a fresh look at economic development, health and wellness, sustainability, safety and housing.

Join us as we continue this journey of engagement and community leadership with those who live, work and invest in Woodlawn.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - HEALTH AND WELLNESS

SAFETY MEET AND GREET - HOUSING - SUSTAINABILITY: BLACKS IN GREEN

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Economic Development

Unlocking Small Business Opportunities: Navigating the City’s 2025 Approved Budget

Join us for an insightful workshop designed to help small local businesses understand and leverage the City of Chicago’s 2025 approved budget. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the budget, highlighting key line items and contract opportunities that can benefit your business.

This workshop is a must-attend for small business owners looking to expand their operations and take advantage of the opportunities presented by the city’s budget. Learn how to navigate the city’s financial landscape and secure valuable contracts for your business.

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Health and Wellness

Rebuilding Health and Wellness: A Path to Resilient Communities

Discover actionable ways to enhance your well-being and build resilience in your community. This engaging workshop explores accessing healthcare resources, managing stress, improving nutrition, and incorporating gardening as a creative wellness tool to help you thrive.

· Learn how to prepare balanced, affordable meals using accessible ingredients, no matter your budget.

· Explore techniques to reduce stress and support mental well-being in your daily routine.

· Explore simple and fun ways to incorporate exercise into your routine, regardless of space or resources.

· Discover how plants and flowers can promote relaxation, mindfulness, and resilience.

· Understand your options for affordable healthcare services and navigating resources in your community.

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Sustainability

Blacks in Green: Sustainable Square Mile

The Sustainable Square Mile concept embodies BIG’s 8 Principles of Green Village Building, from neighbor-owned green enterprises to locally produced clean energy. Building on the “Grannynomics” values of the proud, hard-working Great Migration families who started businesses, bought homes, and kept dollars circulating in this neighborhood, we are growing specific economic sectors within our West Woodlawn pilot project.

Find out how to increase community wealth and wellbeing in the context of a changing climate.

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Safety

Safety Meet and Greet

The safety of residents in Woodlawn and its surrounding neighborhoods is always a priority. The Summit offers an informal meet and greet with officers and leadership from the 3rd District Chicago Police Department and University of Chicago Police Department to continue building trust, confidence and collaboration in protection of the community.

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Housing

Homeownership Resources

This workshop will deliver essential information on programs available for first-time homebuyers, including down payment assistance, credit counseling, and mortgage options. Attendees will:

· Learn what credit scores are, how they are calculated, and why they are crucial for homebuying.

· Discover practical steps to improve your credit score, including managing debt, disputing errors, and building positive credit history.

· Receive a comprehensive overview of the homebuying process, from pre-approval to closing, including tips on finding the right property and negotiating the best deal.

· Explore different mortgage options, down payment assistance programs, and how to choose the best financing for your situation.

· Learn how to create a budget, save for a down payment, and manage your finances to ensure long-term homeownership success.

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By registering for this event, you authorize The Woodlawn Community Summit to use your name, statements and likeness, without charge, for promotional purposes in program promotion, publications, advertising, video, web, news media, or other formats.

Host or Publisher Woodlawn Community Summit Organizing Committee