Placemaking is a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces. Put simply, it involves looking at, listening to, and asking questions of the people who live, work and play in a particular space, to discover needs and aspirations. This information is then used to create a common vision for that place. The vision can evolve quickly into an implementation strategy, beginning with small-scale, do-able improvements that can immediately bring benefits to public spaces and the people who use them.

A number of myths about affordable housing continue to circulate. But in reality, communities benefit when they ensure access to affordable housing.

After you move, it is important to remember to update your voter registration. And if you've never registered to vote and are eligible, then moving is a great time to register to vote for the first time.

To download a voter registration form, find out where you'll go to vote, and find out if you're eligible visit the Illinois State Board of Elections website.

People are always talking about working with neighbors to "improve the neighborhood for everyone". But how do you actually do that? Well, joining your neighborhood association is certainly one way.

"Being neighborly sounds nice, but how do you actually do it, especially if you're busy or like your privacy?"

To help answer this question, the Neighbors Project has created a series of step-by-step guides on a wide variety of neighborly topics. This guide gives you tips on what you can do to help keep your block clean.