# Chicago teens want more jobs and businesses in their neighborhoods

> Chicago teens demand neighborhood jobs and businesses through survey.
- Title: Chicago teens want more jobs and businesses in their…
- Summary: Chicago teens demand neighborhood jobs and businesses through survey. Chicago teens surveyed want more jobs and businesses in South and West sides of city.
- Keywords: chicago, teens, jobs, businesses, south side, west side, my block my hood my city, downtown day, survey, news, local, want
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/moment-of-youth/2026/09/25/downtown-day-teen-survey-results
- Published: 2026-09-25T10:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chicago, teens, jobs, businesses, south side, west side, my block my hood my city, downtown day, survey, news, local
## 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
## Key takeaway

Chicago teens surveyed want more jobs and businesses in South and West sides of city.