Cicero Avenue Land Use Study Underway

What’s happening:

The City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) has kicked off a comprehensive land use study spanning a 2.75-mile segment of Northwest Side’s Cicero Avenue—from Irving Park Road to the Grand/Cicero Metra station—covering sections of Portage Park and Belmont Cragin.

Purpose:

The study aims to assess current land use and craft future recommendations that promote economic vitality, cohesion, safety, and other neighborhood priorities. Input will be collected from residents, business owners, community partners, and aldermen (26th, 30th, 36th & 45th Wards)

Timeline & Activities:

A public informational presentation was delivered to the Chicago Plan Commission on May 15, 2025

In June 2025, the City launched an online survey (available in both English and Spanish) inviting community members to weigh in on current conditions and future aspirations for the corridor.

Next steps:

DPD will continue gathering community feedback through surveys and public meetings over the summer. The draft recommendations—including strategies for land use, zoning, transportation, and streetscape design—will follow later this year.

Why it matters:

Cicero Avenue is a key commercial and freight route on Chicago’s Northwest Side. This study supports long-term investment and revitalization, building on past coordination efforts between DPD, CDOT, LISC, CMAP, Metra, and local stakeholders

How to get involved:

Residents and business owners are encouraged to fill out the online survey (available in English and Spanish) and sign up for email updates via the Cicero Avenue project page. For questions, email dpd@cityofchicago.org

Bottom line:

The Cicero Avenue Land Use Study is actively progressing through community outreach and expert review. Its goal is to shape a safer, greener, and more economically vibrant corridor—guided by local voices and data-driven planning.