City Civics Day 2025 Offers Expert Insights on Community Engagement

The free, day-long educational event makes its South Side debut Saturday, Nov. 15

Chicagoans can learn effective strategies for improving their communities on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the third annual City Civics Day, a free event focused on public engagement with local government.

Co-hosted by the Chicago Departments of Planning & Development (DPD) and Cultural Affairs & Special Events (DCASE), City Civics Day 2025 will feature panel discussions and workshops with community leaders and subject-matter experts on transportation, historic preservation, public art, green space, animal care and other neighborhood issues.

"This event helps residents and businesses to plug-in to effective community improvement strategies that they can take home and implement with neighbors and other like-minded individuals," DPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright said.

"City Civics Day invites Chicagoans to discover the many resources our city programs and departments offer, combining civic responsibility and creative culture," added Acting DCASE Commissioner Kenya Merritt. "We hope this event inspires residents to get involved and help shape the future of their city."

Being held on the South Side for the first time, the event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Chicago's David Rubenstein Forum, 1201 E. 60th St.

Panels include:

• Youth Voices in Transportation and Mobility: Young leaders provide insight on how younger voices can shape Chicago's spaces and transit networks.
• Civic Memory Through Public Art: Project organizers share what it takes to develop new monuments in Chicago.
• Trees as Community Infrastructure: Panelists spotlight community partnerships that are enabling a citywide tree-planting initiative.
• Preserving History Through Chicago House Museums: Representatives from Chicago's evolving network of house museums discuss their preservation work.
• Who Are the Planners in Your Neighborhood? City officials and community leaders present strategies for planning healthy neighborhoods and vibrant corridors.
• Tails from the Windy City: Chicago Animal Care and Control discusses its collaborative work focused on humane animal care.

The program also includes art-making activities, a workshop on community safety and a free lunch.

Interested attendees can preregister via Eventbrite. More information, including a full schedule, is available at Chicago.gov/CityCivicsDay.

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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city - to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city - serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.

Chicago Department of Planning and Development
The City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) serves as the principal planning agency, promoting the comprehensive growth and sustainability of the City and its neighborhoods. DPD also oversees the City's zoning and land use policies and employs a variety of resources to encourage business and real estate development, historic preservation, accessible waterfronts, walkable neighborhods and related community improvements.