48th Ward Master Plan

What is the 48th Ward Master Plan?

The 48th Ward Master Plan is a community planning process, spanning from February 2012 to December 2012. Its goals are to create a shared vision of what the 48th Ward will look like by the year 2020; to create a road map for how to reach that vision; and to engage as many 48th ward residents and stakeholders throughout the planning process as possible.

We are now about 50% through our process of developing the 48th Ward Master Plan. Our committees have all met at least two or three times and have specific, attainable goals formed. We hope to have these goals achieved by 2020. Some committees, such as Transportation and Sheridan Road, and Economic Development and Arts & Culture have had joint meetings to collaborate on how we as a community can work together and combine our talents. Go to the committee page to see minutes from those meetings.

Who can get involved?

Everyone! The 48^th Ward Master Plan will garner participation, input and ideas from as many Ward residents, business owners, property owners and stakeholders as possible. Any level of commitment is welcomed.

How do I get involved?

There are many ways to get involved in the 48th Ward master planning process:

Committees: The Master Plan will be guided by 11 topical committees (see list below), including possible additional sub-committees that stem from the process. Each committee will meet a total of 4-6 times. Committees will look at existing conditions as well as priorities and implementation moving forward. You may join as many committees as you like. To see the progress made by committees, please view the Committee Work page.

Committees cover areas such as:

Arts & Culture | Community Engagement | Economic Development | Education

Environment & Health | Housing | Public Safety | Social Services

Sheridan Rd. & Lakefront | Transportation | Youth & Recreation

48th Ward Master Plan Committee Descriptions

Community Visioning Meetings: As part of the planning process, Alderman Harry Osterman will host 3 community visioning meetings: one at the beginning, one in the middle, and one at the end of the process. Each of these will include participatory activities and discussions which will impact the planning process. The next meeting will be in Fall 2012.

On March 24^th, over 100 community members attended our first community visioning meeting as part of the 48th Ward Master Plan. The purpose of this meeting was for each attendee to have the opportunity to dialogue in small groups about their vision for a stronger and more vibrant 48th ward. From these small “cafe” conversations, major themes emerged. Among these were improving walkability and accessibility; enhancing neighborhood safety; accelerating school improvements; improving alternative transportation methods; and creating a public gathering space or community hub.

48th Ward Master Plan Community Visioning Meeting Summary

48th Ward Master Plan Timeline (Handout)

48th Ward Master Plan Launch Meeting on February 23rd

48th Ward Master Plan Launch Meeting Summary

Master Plan Committee Meetings

Sign Up for a Committee