News & Projects
Our work Is expansive, and so are the stories that shape the Chicago region’s civic ecosystem.
This space is designed to inform, inspire, and celebrate the collective efforts to create a more vibrant, equitable, and prosperous Chicago region for all.
From partner spotlights and project updates to deep dives on key initiatives, we share the moments, milestones, and ideas that reflect our collaborative approach.
All Posts
IDHS Strategic Planning
In October 2023, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) welcomed a new Secretary, Dulce Quintero, who wants to create a visionary yet achievable department-wide plan. IDHS administers several vital safety net and other programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Early Intervention programs, and Immigrant and Refugee Welcoming Centers.
How can the Chicago region strengthen operations to sustainably support influxes of asylum seekers?
Civic Consulting Alliance recently completed several collaborative projects with local and state governments to meet the urgent needs of asylum seekers, and prepare long-term, sustainable strategies for future influxes of new arrivals to Chicago. Clients featured below include Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and the Johnson transition team.
Ensuring safer communities through effective collaborations
Gun violence continues to be a public health crisis throughout America, and a top priority for many Chicagoans who are pressing local governments to do more to increase public safety. To meet this challenge, Civic Consulting Alliance is supporting multiple interconnected clients to ensure quick and effective scaling of these concerted violence reduction efforts.
Structuring Illinois’s Office of Firearm Violence Prevention
Firearm violence is a multifaceted challenge that requires a public health approach to stop the cycles of violence in disproportionately impacted communities. The Reimagine Public Safety Act, which was passed by the Illinois General Assembly in 2021, resulted in the creation of the State of Illinois’ Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP).
“Civic Consulting Alliance was instrumental in getting the Cut the Tape initiative off the ground quickly. Their in-depth research on peer cities and insightful stakeholder engagement helped us identify ways to streamline the City’s real estate development process. This not only saved us valuable time but also ensured we targeted the highest-impact solutions that will lead to more affordable housing and vibrant commercial corridors throughout Chicago.”
Kenya Merritt, Deputy Mayor of Business and Neighborhood Development, City of Chicago