Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces Request for Proposals for Neighborhood Retail Activation Program

Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces Request for Proposals for Neighborhood Retail Activation Program

The new initiative aims to revitalize commercial corridors and support storm-impacted areas in Austin, Belmont Cragin and West Garfield Park.

CHICAGO - Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced four Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the Neighborhood Retail Activation Program. These initiatives seek out partnerships with local community and economic development organizations to assist businesses impacted by the 2023 and 2024 summer storms and bring new vitality to vacant storefronts along commercial corridors in Austin, Belmont Cragin and West Garfield Park.

"The Neighborhood Retail Activation Program will help rebuild the communities impacted by the devastating 2023 and 2024 summer storms by bringing new businesses into the corridors," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "For our city's current and aspiring business owners, this program is an opportunity to have business exposure through a dedicated storefront while receiving technical assistance for long-term success."

Four Delegate Agencies will be selected, one for each RFP representing a different community area and commercial corridor:

• Austin: Chicago Ave. between Austin Blvd. and Cicero Ave. (RFP #57082)
• Austin: Madison St. between Austin Blvd. and Laramie Ave. (RFP #57083)
• Belmont Cragin: Belmont Ave./Central Ave. Commercial Corridor (RFP# 57081)
• West Garfield Park: Madison St. between Kostner Ave. and Hamlin Blvd. (RFP# 57084)

These selected Delegate Agencies will be responsible for identifying move-in ready vacant storefronts, negotiating short-term leases, and facilitating a goal of five pop-up activations per commercial corridor, with community markets or other commercial activations. Additionally, the Delegate Agencies will provide comprehensive technical assistance to participating small businesses, including support in marketing, business development, operational planning and securing long-term leases. This model is designed to provide immediate exposure and long-term stability for local entrepreneurs.

"By partnering with local economic development organizations, we are committed to revitalizing commercial corridors and supporting businesses affected by the 2023 and 2024 storms," said BACP Commissioner Ivan Capifali. "This program will offer entrepreneurs the support they need through a combination of immediate pop-up activations and comprehensive technical assistance. These efforts are designed to ensure the strong recovery and preservation of our City's commercial and cultural fabric."

Four awards, up to $1,250,000 each, will be granted through these RFPs. The anticipated contract term is up to two years, with the option of a one-year renewal. Activations are expected to begin as early as January 2026.

Requests for Proposal submissions must be completed by October 31, 2025, before 12:00 p.m CDT (NOON). An optional virtual pre-submittal conference will be held on October 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m to clarify the RFP process and scope of services.

For information about this RFP and to register for the pre-submittal conference, please visit the City's eProcurement website at https://http://www.cityofchicago.org/eProcurementand search by the designated RFP number. For information, visit Chicago.gov/BACPRetail.

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