Economic Development

"Community-driven growth is the secret of Auburn Gresham’s quiet success” - Carlos Nelson

We are committed to revitalizing communities, promoting sustainability, encouraging entrepreneurship, building wealth, attracting investments, and creating jobs. Our economic development effort is a comprehensive, thoughtful exploration of issues and ongoing resource allocation. Partnerships and collaborations have been created, maintained, and nurtured with critical businesses and agencies to attract the right businesses that align with the district’s goals.

Real Estate Development:

Supports, rehabs and builds mixed-income housing and commercial units
Provides consulting and project management services
Undertakes construction management and property management

Community Economic Development:

Provides technical assistance for business start-ups
Manages commercial corridors through City of Chicago’s Special Service Area #69 and #81
Produces the annual 79th Street Renaissance Festival
Holds informational community forums and fireside chats
Supports CAPS and public safety advocates
Facilitates the 6th District Business Subcommittee
Operates City of Chicago Neighborhood Business Development Center site

Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC)

Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC) is a Neighborhood Business Development Center as defined by the City of Chicago.

We assist small businesses with:

Technical Assistance for city-related issues
Referral to Financial Resources
Networking Opportunities
Community and Regional Marketing Initiatives
City Incentive Programs like the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF), Tax Increment Financing (TIF), TIF Works and Streamlined TIF

Visit us at the Auburn Gresham Community Portal to learn more about the local services we offer to the businesses in our NBDC service area. To find other neighborhoods supporting local businesses, visit the City of Chicago’s website.

Special Service Areas #69 and #81

Special Service Area (SSA) #69 & Special Service Area (SSA) #81 were created to provide bold improvement initiatives in business districts designed to promote neighborhood commerce and shopping, improve area beautification and maintain the streetscape in addition to providing security services.

One of the primary goals is to encourage economic viability and maintain stability in the business community by promoting a safe, clean and viable business district. The Economic Development Program was designed to encourage business retention and expansion through the following:

• Annual Food Vendor License Certification

• Architectural Design and Landscape Design

• Small Business Training Seminar