Summer in Chicago is Thriving—Thanks to Build Better Together

Chicago’s neighborhoods are alive with energy this summer, bursting with music, dance, street festivals, and endless opportunities to try intriguing cuisines or dine alfresco at exciting eateries.

Whether you’ve grabbed lunch at the Chi Food Truck Fest at Daley Plaza, swayed to Grammy-winning artists at Millennium Park’s free concerts, caught a film under the stars, or picked up a new dance move at SummerDance—you’ve experienced what makes our city so vibrant and visited.

These beloved programs don’t just happen. Behind the scenes, Chicago’s city departments are working smarter and more collaboratively than ever before thanks to Build Better Together, the mayor’s economic development initiative to break down silos, strengthen partnerships, and deliver better, more seamless public services.

The ‘Build Better Together’ initiative is Mayor Brandon Johnson‘s comprehensive economic development strategy, driving inclusive economic growth in each of Chicago’s 77 diverse community areas. (Click here to read more.) This initiative is based on three foundational pillars –

• Growth of quality housing,
• Growth of jobs and business innovation, and
• Growth in vibrant cultural neighborhoods.

“To drive development, growth, and meaningful achievement in a city as large and diverse as Chicago, we must include all sectors and citizens—from businesses, institutions, and government to the residents of all 77 community areas. Build Better Together will maximize the connections between all stakeholders and accelerate the development of infrastructure and assets that will not only enable successful change and progress in the near term but also foster a culture of continuous improvement,” Mayor Johnson explained.

How Collaboration Fuels a Stronger City

You may not know about all the work that goes into making programs happen, developments break ground, and businesses get launched, but you’re feeling the impact. From record-setting attendance at events to new business opportunities, Build Better Together is delivering results for residents, visitors, and small businesses alike.

Just look at Chi Food Truck Fest, now in its 10th season. This year’s lineup features returning favorites like The Fat Shallot, Cheesie’s, Reggies, Haire’s Gulf Shrimp, Soul & Smoke, and 5411 Empanadas—plus nine new trucks serving up even more creative fare. It’s foodie heaven, and it’s growing stronger thanks to the tireless efforts of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection — guiding, equipping, and supporting small businesses, ensuring vendors and owners have the tools, resources, and pathways to succeed.

BACP: Powering Small Business Growth

The City of Chicago’s Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) licenses every participating food truck, making it easier than ever for entrepreneurs to launch and grow. Under Build Better Together, BACP has streamlined services and expanded resources for Chicago’s business owners:

• A new, user-friendly Chicago Business Licensing website launched earlier this year.
• The Chicago Small Biz Expo in May drew hundreds to Kennedy-King College.
• BACP’s bi-monthly “Behind the Business License” webinars—where local entrepreneurs share insights—continue to grow in popularity. (Watch on Cable 25 or the BACP YouTube channel.)

And while we’re talking food trucks, mark your calendars: July 23 brings the biggest-ever Taco Throwdown, with 11 trucks battling for taco glory. Voting runs 11 am–1 pm; winners announced at 1:30 pm.

What’s Next

This is the first in an ongoing series highlighting how Mayor Johnson’s Build Better Togetherstrategy is shaping a more vibrant Chicago.

Going forward, World Business Chicago will spotlight here and in social media a different city department and the wins they’re driving through this collaborative new approach. From cultural programming to affordable housing, the improvements underway are creating a more inclusive, dynamic Chicago for everyone.

Stay tuned—and we hope to see you at the food truck line.

This week’s WBC Business Pulse, powered by LinkedIn, was made possible by Purpose Brand , Ivan J Capifali, Elisa Sledzinska, Kendra Cole, Lisa Skolnik, Tom Anderson, Deputy Mayor Kenya K. Merritt, and the countless dedicated City of Chicago staffers who work tirelessly every day to make this city extraordinary.