Survey reveals teen priorities

Chicago teens surveyed want more jobs and businesses in their neighborhoods.

My Block My Hood My City survey

A youth empowerment nonprofit collected responses during Downtown Day in July 2026.

Teens' investment preferences

Nearly 20% chose jobs as priority, 15% businesses and retail, 47% South Side, 35% West Side.

South and West side focus

Teens want more investment in South and West sides for jobs and businesses.

Mental health and resources

Teens also want mental health resources and educational programs in their communities.

Del’Reona Cox's vision

Del’Reona Cox, 16, wants a safe space for teens and older people in West Englewood.

“It would be to create a safe space for the teenagers, and maybe the older people, whose heads are not in the right places”

Ogden Park fieldhouse

Ogden Park approved $25 million fieldhouse in 2025 but details not announced.

Teen gatherings and safety

Teens report unsafe conditions due to gatherings and police involvement.

“I don’t go outside because of the teen takeovers”

Local job opportunities

Teens earn money doing hair and work at parks or McDonald’s.

Housing concerns

Teens cite abandoned houses and vacant lots as housing needs.

“There’s a lot of abandoned houses and vacant lots that can be filled in for things”

Mental health resources

Teens mention Instagram influence and need for mental health support.

“They live based on Instagram”

Chicago Youth Works

Chicago Youth Works created 32,500 jobs this summer.

Teens want walkable jobs

Teens want jobs they can walk to, like Panera Bread or Chipotle.

“They can leave high school and then walk to Panera Bread or Chipotle”

Investment in stability

Teens link housing and mental health to economic stability.

“When those stressors are on their families, it falls on them, because now they have to take on responsibilities”

Downtown Day activities

Teens participated in architecture tours and Navy Pier attractions.

Next steps for city

My Block My Hood My City urges city to invest in South and West sides.

“So the Near South Side and the West Side, being able to place an attraction or a museum or some restaurants in the places that they have identified as important to them”