Since 1991, the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) has been a non-profit delegate agency for the City of Chicago.
Welcome to the hottest neighborhood in the country. Fulton Market, Chicago’s iconic meatpacking district, sits at the heart of the West Loop. Famous for its award-winning restaurants, industrial history, and forward-thinking people, the West Loop has quickly become Chicago’s cultural and technological powerhouse.
There’s always something happening in the West Loop, whether it’s one of our outdoor markets or a rooftop happy hour.
From small businesses to corporate headquarters, Chicago’s fastest growing neighborhood has it all.
Discover public resources available to residents and visitors alike, including data that informs our mission.
These are some of the people that have made lasting contributions to the West Loop Community Organization. We think they’re good neighbors, and we’re grateful to have their help.
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, along with the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), Department of Family and Support Services, Peoples Gas, other City departments and sister agencies today reminded residents about the City's available services during the winter months and provided residents with tips to stay safe during inclement weather and health emergencies during the winter season and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yesterday, the Chicago City Council passed an important piece of legislation expanding regulatory relief for businesses that continue to be impacted by COVID-19. This ordinance extends a number of different measures that were implemented this year in order to support businesses during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is reminding small businesses and communities that the application period for the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program will close at 5pm on Tuesday, December 15. Resources and more info are available online.
Please join 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. and the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) for a virtual community meeting regarding the proposed developments at 310 North Peoria Street & 311 North Sangamon Street.
Applications are still open for the second round of Chicago’s Performing Arts Venue Relief Program. The deadline to apply is tomorrow, December 3 at 5PM.
In light of our upcoming 30th anniversary, and in our continued efforts to serve a rapidly changing community, we're making some changes. And today, #GivingTuesday, the global holiday to celebrate non-profits, is when it all starts. We'd like you to join us in welcoming a new President and Vice President!
Please join 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. and the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) for a virtual community meeting regarding the proposed development at 160 North Elizabeth Street.
Please be advised that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the re-implementation of statewide Tier 3 COVID-19 mitigations. Measures going into statewide effect this Friday, November 20, at 12:01AM are listed inside. Tier 3 builds on the State's Resurgence Mitigation Plan first released in July to suppress the spread of the novel coronavirus and to ensure our hospitals do not become overrun.
Please be advised that today Mayor Lightfoot announced the launch of a new citywide strategy to reverse the alarming rise in COVID -19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. The “Protect Chicago” campaign uses targeted regulations, strong messaging, and a community-based outreach strategy to call on all residents to do what is necessary to flatten the curve.
Today, the City of Chicago has begun accepting application for the $10 million Chicago Hospitality Grant Program. Announced by Mayor Lightfoot last week as part of an emergency hospitality relief package, this program will provide grants of $10,000 each to Chicago bars and restaurants that have been greatly impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, the City of Chicago has 52 polling stations open from 6AM-7PM: each of Chicago's 50 wards, the Loop Super Site (191 North Clark Street), and the United Center (1901 West Madison Street). Any Chicago voter can use any location, and you can register to vote — even today — by bringing two forms of identification with you.
Note: these Frequently Asked Questions are based on City of Chicago Reopening Guidelines and the State of Illinois Mitigation Measures. They are subject to change.
Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are announcing COVID-19 resurgence mitigations will be implemented in Region 11, the City of Chicago, beginning at 12:01 am on Friday, October 30, 2020. Region 11 has triggered additional mitigations due to a sustained increase in its positivity rate as well as a sustained increase in COVID-related hospitalizations for more than seven of the past ten days.
This morning, on Friday, October 23 at 6AM, new regulations for non-essential businesses went into effect to help manage a second wave of COVID-19 cases in the Chicago region. The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is holding a webinar to provide an overview of these new regulations today at 2PM. You can register online at chicago.gov/businesseducation.
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today joined Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D., and Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Commissioner Rosa Escareno to announce a retightening of COVID-19 restrictions in response to a recent, rapid rise in cases and hospitalizations over the past two weeks.
Please join 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. and the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) for a virtual community meeting regarding the proposed development at 213-223 N Racine.
Please join 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. and the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) for a virtual community meeting regarding the proposed development at 1330-1364 W Washington / 100-138 N Ada / 1349-1389 W Randolph.
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) today announced that Chicago has made sufficient progress in the fight against COVID-19 to ease certain restrictions on businesses. Effective Thursday, October 1, new guidelines for businesses will come into effect.
Did you know the U.S. Small Business Administration has a regional office located at 500 West Madison? We also have a certified Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at 855 West Adams. Both locations are focused on supporting independent entrepreneurs and their pursuits through a combination of business development planning, government contracting opportunities.
Today, the grand jury overseeing the killing of Breonna Taylor involving 3 Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) officers announced wanton endangerment charges against 1 of the officers. At the request of the Chicago Police Department (CPD), we are preemptively sharing the below public safety reminders in the event of any local civil unrest.
September 22 isn't just the Fall Equinox; today marks the ninth annual National Voter Registration Day! So we're taking a moment to share some important voting resources with the community, as casting your ballot this year may look a little different.
As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration and its cosponsors will host special webinars this Thursday and Friday, September 24-25, 2020, for small businesses and their employees in the construction, supply, and service sectors.
As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration and its cosponsors will host all-virtual events tomorrow through Thursday, September 22-24, 2020. Check inside for the week's conference schedule.
The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will begin accepting applications for the second round of BIG funds tomorrow afternoon, Thursday, September 17. To help you prepare for your application, see below for guidance.
Please join 25th Ward Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez and the 25th Ward Zoning Advisory Board for a virtual community meeting regarding the proposed development at 1130-1144 West Monroe Street (WNDR Museum).
While CPD does not expect civil unrest to occur, in light of yesterday’s shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, WI, some public safety precautions are in place this evening from 8PM-5AM tomorrow morning. There are currently no changes to public transportation and no access points in place for Downtown.
Please be advised that the restricted overnight access to the downtown area will continue through the weekend. Restricted access will be in place from 9PM to 6AM each night, ending at 6AM on Monday, August 17. The restricted access to the downtown area is not a curfew. Businesses are not required to close, taxi and ride-hail service can continue, and residents and workers will have access to the downtown area during this time through specific access points.
Effective immediately, there will temporarily be restricted access to the downtown area from 8PM to 6AM beginning this evening. The restricted access to the downtown area is not a curfew. Businesses are not required to close, taxi and ride-hail service can continue, and residents and workers will have access to the downtown area during this time through specific access points.
The City has announced that three companies have been granted permission to operate shared e-scooters in a pilot launching August 12. Bird, Lime and Spin are allowed to operate devices citywide, except for downtown, the Lakefront Trail and the Bloomingdale Trail (The 606). At the end of the four-month pilot, the City will evaluate whether shared e-scooters should be part of Chicago’s future.
Please join 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. and the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) for a community meeting regarding the proposed development at 1012-1024 W. Randolph St. and 147-155 N. Carpenter St.: a 5-story office/retail building approximately 80-feet tall.
What We Do
Generally speaking, we help coordinate public planning, like the Fulton Market Streetscape renovations. We support economic development through our member programs and marketing opportunities. And we cultivate community by hosting events throughout the year, connecting people to all the great places in the West Loop.
In addition to the valuable licensing and permitting assistance we offer members, our programming and marketing opportunities help local businesses and non-profits stay connected to the West Loop. And benefit from it.
Popular perks include a spot in our weekly newsletter, participation in our awesome street pole banner campaign, and vendor access to our festivals.
Karen Young, Illinois Chapter Manager
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
Since 1991, we’ve been a vital part of the West Loop. We’ve hosted the Taste of Randolph Street for 23 years, which brings about 100,000 people to the neighborhood every Father’s Day Weekend. Our Development Committee makes formal recommendations on proposed buildings, which have boosted investment by 10x in Chicago’s opportunity zones since 2016 alone. And our membership association has supported thousands of local businesses, non-profits, and residential organizations.
Representing our community at home and abroad while working to increase the quality of life for everyone
Obtaining the right licensing and permitting, executing plans of operation, and submitting applications effectively
For safety initiatives, proposed developments, and other areas of focus, like supporting small businesses
We’re proud to have diverse and professional leadership. Longtime residents, business owners, and experts comprise our Board of Directors. And our staff has over 30 years of experience in community organizing, financial administration, and interdisciplinary design practices.
There are 12 directors on the board and 3 staff members, but we lost count of all the volunteers and partners we’ve had over the years. Each of us is dedicated to supporting and growing the West Loop. It’s where we raise our families, have our offices, and go out to play.
We believe everybody should get a seat at the table. Anyone can volunteer with us, and you don’t have to be a member to get involved with our mission. So come say hi.
We strive to get things right. In the age of instant information, that’s sometimes a challenge. But we stand by what we say, and we encourage you to fact-check us. We love that stuff.
We won’t just tell you why — we’ll show you. As a non-profit delegate agency, our doors and minds are always open. If you’re looking for something specific and can’t find it, ask us.
We are all part of one community, and everybody should play by the rules. We keep our members in compliance, and we advocate for responsible development and programming every day.
