Chicago Loop Alliance and Mayor Johnson unveil vision for downtown at annual meeting

The Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) hosted its annual meeting on Thursday, February 29. Together with Mayor Brandon Johnson, the organization unveiled its long-term vision for the future of the Loop, emphasizing investment and development in “everyone's neighborhood.”

More than 400 Loop stakeholders gathered for the conference at the Willis Tower Convene to hear remarks from CLA officials, Mayor Johnson, and other city leaders. CLA inducted new leaders to its board, reviewed its 2023 impacts report, and addressed its plans for 2024.

For the coming year, CLA announced the return of Sundays on State, its sprawling summer block party along State Street featuring local vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

In preparation for increased traffic to the Loop during the summer months, CLA announced it will expand its Ambassadors program, which employs workers to clean up downtown and serve as liaisons for visitors. The expansion will create new job opportunities and better access to resources for tourists and Chicagoans alike.

CLA also revealed its plans for a concerted New Year's Eve celebration in the Loop for the 2024-2025 holiday, made possible by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Office of Tourism. The CLA will work alongside the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) to produce the event.  

Additionally, the meeting featured a panel discussion by local real estate developers Quintin Primo and Michael Reschke. The developers discussed Google’s ongoing overhaul of the Thompson Center and city planning initiatives like LaSalle Reimagined, which seeks to revitalize the historic LaSalle Street corridor.

Reschke noted that investment in projects like the Thompson Center redevelopment and LaSalle Reimagined could create a snowball effect, spurring additional investment in the Loop from big companies. JP Morgan Chase recently announced its plan to renovate its Loop office tower for its more than 7,000 employees.

“There's much to be said about the big bets people are placing on the Loop and downtowns across the country, and our meeting focused on how those bets will shape the future of an iconic and vibrant district like the Loop,” said Michael Edwards, President and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. 

Mayor Brandon Johnson commended CLA for its ongoing commitment to Chicago and its efforts to revitalize the Loop. Johnson emphasized the importance of partnerships between the mayoral administration and local outreach organizations to ensure a prosperous future for the Loop.

“My administration is committed to uplifting our city and our communities through impactful partnerships with civic and non-profit organizations leading the charge in creating thriving and healthy neighborhoods,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.

“The work of Chicago Loop Alliance exemplifies plans and initiatives that aim to benefit all Chicagoans, and through successful programming like Sundays on State, reminds us that the Soul of Chicago is alive and accessible to us all.”