12/8/20 Chicago’s Central City saw major gains in the recovery from the Great Recession. Its long-standing assets attracted new employers, jobs and residents leading to a visible expansion north, west and south. Major new developments were proposed and advanced. At the same time, many neighborhoods struggled to thrive or maintain their position. We are now at a new inflection point for the Central City in job, housing, retail and visitor realms. This follows the abrupt impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now transitioning into a lengthening recession. Many neighborhood residents experienced the immediate economic impact, but this is now extending to many others as effects widen. At the same time, long-term trends in work, shopping and entertainment have seen massive acceleration. CCAC hosted a series of inclusive leadership panels to strategize the way forward for the Central City. We believe the Central City belongs to all Chicagoans, and defining its future should include a range of voices. This is an opportunity to build on CCAC’s 2019 “Central City Strategy for All of Chicago” and recent CCAC successes linking Central City resources to initiatives for neighborhood commercial corridors and attracting investment to public sector land. Panels focused on near-term local recovery, greater equity as business and development activity resumes over time and our long-term competitive position in the region. This programming will focus on the Central City Economy and the future of key sectors, small and neighborhood business development, employment, and training and hiring. Guest speakers include, Samir Mayekar, Deputy Mayor, City of Chicago; Brad Henderson, CEO, P33; and Dawveed Scully, Associate SOM.

12/9/20 Chicago’s Central City saw major gains in the recovery from the Great Recession. Its long-standing assets attracted new employers, jobs and residents leading to a visible expansion north, west and south. Major new developments were proposed and advanced. At the same time, many neighborhoods struggled to thrive or maintain their position. We are now at a new inflection point for the Central City in job, housing, retail and visitor realms. This follows the abrupt impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now transitioning into a lengthening recession. Many neighborhood residents experienced the immediate economic impact, but this is now extending to many others as effects widen. At the same time, long-term trends in work, shopping and entertainment have seen massive acceleration. CCAC hosted a series of inclusive leadership panels to strategize the way forward for the Central City. We believe the Central City belongs to all Chicagoans, and defining its future should include a range of voices. This is an opportunity to build on CCAC’s 2019 “Central City Strategy for All of Chicago” and recent CCAC successes linking Central City resources to initiatives for neighborhood commercial corridors and attracting investment to public sector land. Panels focused on near-term local recovery, greater equity as business and development activity resumes over time and our long-term competitive position in the region. This programming will focus on the Central City Destination and include discussions regarding retail, entertainment, hospitality, culture, and conventions in Chicago. Guest speakers include Michael Fassnacht, Chief Marketing Officer, City of Chicago; Lou Raizin, President, Broadway in Chicago; and Andrew Broderick, Perkins and Will.

12/10/20 Chicago’s Central City saw major gains in the recovery from the Great Recession. Its long-standing assets attracted new employers, jobs and residents leading to a visible expansion north, west and south. Major new developments were proposed and advanced. At the same time, many neighborhoods struggled to thrive or maintain their position. We are now at a new inflection point for the Central City in job, housing, retail and visitor realms. This follows the abrupt impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now transitioning into a lengthening recession. Many neighborhood residents experienced the immediate economic impact, but this is now extending to many others as effects widen. At the same time, long-term trends in work, shopping and entertainment have seen massive acceleration. CCAC hosted a series of inclusive leadership panels to strategize the way forward for the Central City. We believe the Central City belongs to all Chicagoans, and defining its future should include a range of voices. This is an opportunity to build on CCAC’s 2019 “Central City Strategy for All of Chicago” and recent CCAC successes linking Central City resources to initiatives for neighborhood commercial corridors and attracting investment to public sector land. Panels focused on near-term local recovery, greater equity as business and development activity resumes over time and our long-term competitive position in the region. This programming will focus on Central City Livability and include discussions regarding housing mix, public spaces (parks, waterfronts, streets), resident amenities, pandemic resilience, and public safety. Guest speakers include Alby Gallun, Senior Reporter, Commercial Real Estate, Crain’s; Bonnie Sanchez-Carlson, President, Near South Planning Board; Daniel F. O'Shea, Deputy, Chief Area 3, Office of Operations, Chicago Police Department; and Malek Abdulsamad, Burnham Council Leader, Real Estate Consultant, Compass.