The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) channeled new revenue to cities devastated by the recession. As Chicago prepared to deploy stimulus funds, Mayor Daley asked the Trust to coordinate local foundations and business leaders into a network of support and leadership. Through the Chicago Recovery Partnership, 50 foundations provide strategic guidance in allocating funds, ensuring transparency and sustaining benefits to the community.

Additionally, the Trust formed and co-led the Regional ARRA Coordinating Council. In this effort, the Trust works closely with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and several regional organizations who are leaders in housing, workforce development and energy efficiency issues to maximize the impact of ARRA funds in Chicago by developing strategies linking housing, energy/weatherization and job creation more effectively among local governments, nonprofits and the private sector.

Documenting the Recovery

Students in the Free Spirit Youth Media program are collecting interviews and images to document the local impact of the recovery.