Dear ,
Last year, the Center for Neighborhood Technology faced unexpected setbacks brought on by over $1 million in reduced support for our work from federal grants. Despite the challenges, we took the time to reflect on the purpose and direction of our work, and we developed a new Theory of Change and strategic work plan to help guide our decisions. Through this, we’ve recommitted to our goal of creating community-powered solutions to ensure neighborhoods are just, resilient, sustainable, and thriving for all.
We also created a comprehensive impact framework to better evaluate and share the outcomes of our work, and to hold ourselves accountable to driving real change for communities in Chicagoland and beyond. This new tracking structure will monitor our progress from immediate outputs to long-term systems change, including shifts in mindsets and narratives, changes in decision-making processes and power dynamics, and measurable improvements in neighborhood conditions.
By centering impact, CNT is living our values and increasing transparency with our supporters—and we want to bring you along with us in this brief quarterly newsletter. We’ll begin by spotlighting some of our innovative data tools and programs, and we’ll keep you updated on our impact surveys and analyses—and the real-world change they demonstrate.
One success I’m particularly proud of from this year was launching the second cohort of the initiative that empowers residents with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to engage effectively in urban planning processes that shape their neighborhoods. In collaboration with the for a ed residents advocate for equitable, sustainable, and community-responsive outcomes. |
In the the first year of the pilot, 100% of participants completed the program, 89% reported confidence in navigating the planning process (up from 13% at the start), and applications nearly doubled for this year’s cohort.
This year, we’re expanding the program by increasing neighborhood-based site visits, improving timing and logistics, and providing additional support to alumni to facilitate their involvement in community projects.
Whether you’re new to CNT or have been with us since our radical beginning, we’re excited to share our results with you as we put this new impact framework to work. Please keep an eye out for the next edition, and don’t hesitate to respond to this message if you have any questions about our work.
Warmly,
Nina
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Join us for the graduation ceremony for the 2026 cohort of the Chicago Community Planning Academy. The event is free to attend.
Chicago Community Planning Academy Graduation
Wednesday May 26 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Chicago Architecture Center | 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago |
Chicago Community Planning Academy at a Glance |
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