Community Engagement

Community Involvement

CSU’s process has been deeply community driven. The 95^th Street Corridor Development Framework released in 2023, reflected feedback from over 400 campus and community members from town halls, focus groups, and surveys.

Since the introduction of the 95^th Street Corridor Development Framework in October 2023, the University has conducted:

• November 2024: Student and staff engagement session
• December 2024: 95^th Street Corridor Community Table
• June 2025: Community meeting

And we want to hear from you!

Community Survey

 

Standing Bodies for Ongoing Collaboration

To formalize and deepen stakeholder involvement, CSU established two collaborative bodies, both of which officially kicked off on June 23, 2025.

The Community Table

The Community Table serves as a platform for CSU to share updates and seek input from local residents and organizations. The table includes:

• Community residents
• Alumni
• Community-based organization leaders
• Local school leaders
• Faith leaders
• CSU students, faculty, and staff

The goal is to ensure community perspectives and priorities are reflected in project decision-making, in alignment with CSU’s commitment to equity and transparency. Inaugural members were appointed following a public solicitation process.

The Advisors Table

The Advisors Table brings together technical and policy expertise from across sectors to support implementation and guide the University on strategy and execution. Convened by VP of External Affairs and Strategic Projects Erin Steva, this group includes representatives from:

• DPD
• Intersect Illinois
• World Business Chicago
• Office of Alderwoman Harris
• Office of Senator Elgie Sims
• Office of Commissioner Stanley Moore
• Metropolitan Planning Council
• Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives
• Far South CDC
• Endeleo Institute
• African American Contract Association
• IFF
• DL3 Realty
• Elevated Chicago
• Hope Center Foundation
• Prim Lawrence Group

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay actively engaged through future community meetings and regular updates. CSU welcomes continued dialogue and input from all members of the community as the project moves into development. To receive news and progress updates, subscribe to the Chicago State University Newsletter.

 

Partners and Stakeholders

This initiative is supported by a wide-ranging coalition of government, institutional, and civic organizations, including:

• Local elected officials representing CSU:
  1. Alderwoman Michelle A. Harris (8th Ward, City of Chicago)
  2. Commissioner Stanley Moore (4th District, Cook County Board of Commissioners)
  3. State Representative Nicholas Smith (34th District, Illinois House of Representatives)
  4. State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (17th District, Illinois Senate)
  5. U.S. Representative Jonathan L. Jackson (1st Congressional District)
  6. U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth
  7. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin

• Metra and the Chicago Transit Authority (transit infrastructure) 

• City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) 

• World Business Chicago (economic impact) 

• SB Friedman Development Advisors (housing and commercial needs assessment) 

• Wight & Company (architectural design) 

• CBRE (project advisory services) 

• Just Act Partners (project management) 

Each partner brings critical expertise and ensures the project remains inclusive, feasible, and forward-thinking. CSU extends its sincere gratitude to each of these organizations and individuals for their dedication, collaboration, and commitment to advancing the shared vision for the 95^th Street corridor.

Additional detail about our most vital partners and stakeholders—the residents, institutions, and organizations of the greater Roseland community—is provided in the Community Involvement section below, which outlines the formation and role of CSU's Community Table in guiding this effort with shared purpose and transparency.

Feedback from Community Members

Attendees from past meetings has emphasized both enthusiasm and urgency:

 

"We need to see student housing and retail developed here—it’s been promised for decades. This time feels different."

– Community member, December 2024 meeting

 

"As a student, having more places to live and eat near campus would be life-changing."

– CSU student, November 2024 session

 

"The partnerships being built through the Advisors and Community Tables are an example of how development should be done—with real voices at the table."

– Local leader, October 2023