Anchor

We are committed to building on the University’s position as the South Side’s leading economic anchor and making a strong, lasting contribution to Chicago's economic health.

Drawing on the resources of the University and the Medical Center, UChicago is building broad, enduring partnerships with our South Side neighbors through investments in community health, education, business and workforce development, public safety, economic development, and arts and cultural enrichment.

We are committed to making a strong contribution to the South Side's prosperity by hiring community residents, contracting with local businesses, and working with our vendor network to create and expand local employment opportunities.

We support local business owners and entrepreneurs through faculty- and student-led workshops and programs that help them to launch and grow. We also partner on workforce development initiatives that help individuals build the skills that employers demand.

We are proud to be part of the fabric of Chicago. We look forward to working ever more closely with our neighbors to make this an even greater city, for all of us.

11/27/2024

The Public Safety Advisory Council held its first meeting of this academic year in November.

Public Safety Advisory Council meeting draws campus and broader South Side community members for discussion of pedestrian safety and data-driven policing

UChicago faculty, students, and staff gathered with members of the broader South Side community for the first of four planned meetings of the Public Safety Advisory Council this academic year.

11/25/2024

Soul Santa, live reindeer, costumed characters, and more return for Hyde Park Holly-Day on Dec. 7

The free, family-friendly event will also feature ice skating for the first time this year

11/13/2024

Maps of University-owned properties in Washington Park, Woodlawn, and Hyde Park now available

Maps showing property owned by UChicago in Washington Park, Woodlawn, and Hyde Park were recently shared with local residents at a series of community meetings.

Upcoming event

May 7th, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

South Side Strong Summit

The 3rd annual South Side Strong Summit, hosted by the Office of Civic Engagement at the University of Chicago, aims to provide a forum for civic leaders and nonprofit professionals to connect and share experiences and perspectives; to exchange knowledge on sector best practices and available resources; and to accelerate the positive impact participating organizations have in building a stronger, more resilient South Side.

View event

All events

Candace Henley
UChicago Medicine Community Advisory Council / Blue Hat Foundation

Candace Henley, founder of the Blue Hat Foundation, is helping to shape the creation of the city's first freestanding clinical cancer center, initially as a member, and now as president of UChicago Medicine's Community Advisory Council (CAC).

UChicago Local

UChicago Local is an economic inclusion initiative, led by the Office of Civic Engagement, that leverages the University’s role as the largest private employer and purchaser of goods and services on the South Side to create economic opportunities for local businesses and residents.

Learn More