Organization Strives to Make Ravenswood a Destination Neighborhood

Ravenswood could see several improvements in the coming years, thanks to an old organization with a new mission.

The Ravenswood Community Council—made up of local business owners and residents—is refocusing its attention on sustainability and engagement with local schools.

With a new board and executive director in Charles Daas, the RCC hopes to make the area into a destination place in the city. 

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Daas called Ravenswood one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in Chicago and that showed Thursday as more than 70 people gathered at Dolce Casa Café for the organization’s open house.

“We were thrilled at the turnout,” Daas said. “This proves to me again that people want to plug into this neighborhood.” 

The RCC, now in its 55^th year, has touched many facets of life in Ravenswood including housing, public safety and schools. This year, the organization is focusing on two new missions.

One, called the Greening of Ravenswood, is a project to improve parks and promote sustainability for the area. The second—Pathways to Opportunity—is a program for students to find jobs with local businesses. 

“This is a great opportunity for young people to become leaders… and for the businesses to see the workforce of tomorrow,” Daas said. 

The council also operates a Special Service Area, a tax district that focuses on beautifying and branding a certain area. The SSA covers the Ravenswood corridor and stretches of Lawrence, Clark, Montrose, Damen avenues. Improvements are funded through a localized tax levy and controlled by local nonprofits. 

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Learn About Sustainability with Revamped Ravenswood Organization