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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CONGRATULATING PILSEN ALLIANCE ON ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, Pilsen Alliance is a not-for-profit organization based in the Pilsen neighborhood, within the 7th District of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, Pilsen Alliance was founded in 1998, stemming from a Community Congress convened by local leaders to create a strategic plan to address rapid displacement; and
WHEREAS, At the time, the University of Illinois at Chicago had developed Southward and the City of Chicago created the Pilsen Industrial Tax Increment Financing District, which prompted the community to organize in response; and
WHEREAS, In accordance with its roots, Pilsen Alliance continues to hold a biennial Community Congress and has expanded its organizing to Pilsen, Marshall Square, Little village, North Lawndale, and Cicero; and
WHEREAS, Pilsen Alliance has long advocated for accountability in government and a transparent civic process that will enhance the quality of life of community members, from supporting the improvement of public transit service to the promotion of open meetings on zoning changes in the area; and
WHEREAS, Pilsen Alliance tirelessly listens to the demands and concerns of community members and has taken strong stances on issues such as expanding accessible mental health services and affordable housing; and
WHEREAS, More recently, Pilsen Alliance successfully achieved overwhelming positive response on an electoral referendum that asked voters if they would support measures to lift the prohibition on rent control; and
WHEREAS, With the region’s shifting demographic and population loss due to displacement and economic disinvestment, Pilsen Alliance has admirably worked to strengthen collaboration across communities and organizations throughout the city; and
WHEREAS, Pilsen Alliance provides a critical voice for the community and the issues of our day.
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