Artists on The 9

Greater Chatham Initiative (GCI) was founded in 2016 as the result of a comprehensive community and economic development plan shaped by residents, local leaders, and partner institutions. It emerged from a shared desire to strengthen the four neighborhoods across a 15-square-mile community in the heart of Chicago’s South Side that makes up Greater Chatham—Chatham, Greater Grand Crossing, Avalon Park, and Auburn Gresham—each with a rich history and deep cultural identity. Bound by 63rd Street, 95th Street, South Chicago Avenue, and the Dan Ryan Woods. From the beginning, GCI focused on building opportunity, preserving heritage, and addressing neighborhood priorities through collaboration. Built on the belief that service starts with people, not transactions.