The APA-IL Pro Bono Services Program kick-started efforts in June 2020 with the City of Calumet City to create a community vision and prioritize projects for the First Ward. The project team developed a survey and poster boards for six interactive stations in preparation for a “Walk the Ward” event to provide the basis for community consensus going forward, and function as a roadmap for future projects and initiatives. While initially planned as a socially distanced outreach event in summer 2020, the surge in COVID-19 positivity rates resulted in the cancellation of all in-person events for the health and safety of the team and community. With new state protocols, the project resumed in June 2021, with the Walk the Ward event held on Saturday, September 18, 2021. The event produced valuable feedback, helping to develop the vision and guide future decision-making for the First Ward.

The APA-IL Pro Bono Program thanks the residents, local government officials, community leaders, key stakeholders, and other community members for their participation in community engagement efforts. Their input, experiences, and local knowledge were an integral part of this planning process. Their vision and love of the First Ward, along with the leadership of Alderman Navarrete, helped shape the recommendations of this plan. This project could not have been completed without this support.

City of Calumet City

Michael Navarrete, First Ward Alderman

Valencia Williams, Consultant, Department of Economic Development

Richard Chambers, Economic Development Project Coordinator and Grants Facilitator

Maria Varela, Assistant to the Chief of Staff

Christina Signorelli, Administrative Associate and Events Coordinator

Gerry Surufka, Water Superintendent Department of Public Works

Community Partners

Calumet-Memorial Park District (CMPD)

APA-IL Project Team

Jaemi Jackson, CMAP, Co-Project Manager, APA-IL Pro Bono Program Chair

Carol Brobeck, Teska Associates, Inc., Co-Project Manager

Andy Dunham, University of Georgia

Briana Gipson, Rudd Resources

Diane Gormely-Barnes, HNTB

Gabrielle Mattingly, City of Naperville, APA-IL Executive Committee

Lindsey Miller, Alliance Transportation Group

Katanya Raby, Far South CDC & APA-IL Executive Committee

Mika Schweizer, Houseal Lavigne Associates

Manika Shrivastava, AECOM