Little Italy Chicago Neighborhood Association addresses neighborhood issues, fosters community spirit, and advocates for Little Italy to government entities and public and private institutions. Little Italy Chicago Neighborhood Association respects the heritage of Little Italy, and maintains and promotes this unique diverse neighborhood as an asset to the city. Read below to learn more about LICNA!
"Revive CHICAGO’S LITTLE ITALY NEIGHBORHOOD"— LICNA Board
Who is answering these questions?
Mary Beth Howard, secretary
How old is your business?
Four years old
How long have you been in the neighborhood?
Most board members have five generations of Italian heritage in the community.
Why the West Loop?
We are part of the boundaries of the WCA Chamber.
What are your top challenges in growing your business?
Further brand our neighborhood & Italian heritage, shape community’s further & champion change, balance more residents with prosperous growing business , and provide adequate parks / open space / parking.
Why did you join the West Central Association?
To take advantage of WCA's expertise in planning and development of communities.
What makes your business unique?
Diversity / home of annual Italian Heritage Festa / long standing Family run businesses
What’s your favorite part of the West Loop?
Location and growth opportunities
What does the future look like?
Build a foundation of a bottom-up neighborhood voice. Partner with Aldermen, local organizations, schools, universities, CHA, Chicago Police and Park District. Create a media & marketing plan
Describe your business in 140 characters or less
Our Little Italy Chicago Neighborhood Association (LICNA) was founded on 5 principles:
1. Ensure the quality and availability of public and private community services; and maintain the safety and mobility of the people who live and work in Little Italy;
2. Promote Little Italy as a place to conduct business and facilitate the development of a vital and prosperous business community;
3. Collect and distribute information about topics of interest to the community and provide a forum for residents and business owners to express their opinions;
4. Gain consensus on such topics and speak as a uniform voice for the community;
5. Promote a spirit of cooperation, goodwill and neighborliness, and encourage people to openly communicate and participate in the exchange of ideas about how to improve the community and preserve those features that make this community unique.
Bonus Question: Tell us a fun fact about you or your business!
One community governed by three aldermen.