West Loop Community Organization To Change Its Focus

Organization will no longer prioritize development, but will emphasize community engagement and support for local residents and businesses.

Chicago, IL — For nearly 30 years, the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO), a delegate agency for the City of Chicago, has helped guide real estate development in Chicago’s West Loop and Fulton Market communities. Their efforts included working with developers, city officials, local businesses and residents to help define development in these rapidly changing areas. During this time, they helped establish the West Loop and Fulton Market areas as one of the most vibrant, sought-after communities in the world. As development policies and processes have significantly changed, the WLCO Board of Directors voted to end its participation in development-related activities. Beginning May 1, 2022, WLCO will focus its efforts and resources on community engagement and providing support for residents and local businesses.

The decision was made with the backing of the City of Chicago and Aldermanic offices. “I support the West Loop Community Organization’s decision to end its work in development. The West Loop Community Organization has been a tremendous partner to my office and has been instrumental in facilitating the growth we have seen in the West Loop,” said 27th Ward Alderman, Walter Burnett. “I’m confident that their decision to focus more fully on community engagement will benefit local businesses and the community as a whole.”

“In the past, our work in development was a more central part of our purpose,” says WLCO Board President Damone Richardson. “Now as we emerge from the pandemic, our goal is to focus our efforts on greater community engagement and supporting the interests of local residents and businesses.”

The West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) is a recognized delegate agency for the City of Chicago. Formed in 1991, WLCO is a membership-based organization that represents the business and residential communities within the West Loop and Fulton Market areas. Promoting local businesses, supporting economic development, and advocating for continued, responsible growth are ways in which the organization works to improve the quality of life in the West Loop.

For more information and how to get involved please join us at our new office space on April 28th, Bond Collective, from 5 to 7 pm. Message us for RSVP information.

We will have Star Events present to tell you about Taste of Randolph. Refreshments will be served. This meeting is an important opportunity to learn more about how WLCO will continue to serve the community as we move forward.

For more information please contact: Damone Richardson, WLCO Board President, at damone@westloop.org.