Pilsen Alliance Chicago - United Building Community Power

Served as a lead agency of the Blue Line Transit Taskforce that fought a successful 7-year battle to restore night and weekend rail service on the Douglas Branch of the Blue Line. The Line serves the communities of Pilsen, Little Village, and North Lawndale - all predominately low-income communities of color.

Helped pass the first Public Advisory Referenda in Chicago's 25th Ward, which called for open community hearings on all zoning changes. They are meant to provide the community with a means of voicing their concerns over the growing number of high-end loft and condo conversions. The Referenda passed with 95% of the vote.

Won state ordered lead and asbestos abatement at Whittier Elementary School, summer of 2003. After several public actions, members of Lideres (Whittier Parent Committee) pressured the Chicago Public School administration and Alderman Danny Solis, 25th Ward, to abate contaminants.

Pilsen Alliance has served as lead partner at Whittier Community School since 2004. The partnership has serviced over 500 youth and adults and currently offers more than 20 innovative enrichment programs.

Pilsen Alliance has worked with Cook County Assessor Houlihan's office to provide free Property Tax Homeowner Exemption & Property Tax Appeal workshops to the Greater Pilsen community! We have helped dozens of families receive thousands of dollars in property tax reimbursements as well as successfully appeal increased property tax assessments-helping Pilsen families hold on to their homes!

In the summer of 2008 Pilsen Alliance kicked off the Women's Economic Justice Program, the only program of its kind in Pilsen. It provides hands-on business skills with artisan workshops to create economic opportunities and self-sufficiency to Pilsen's women and their families.