Chicago Mayor's Press Office

A city program that deploys social workers instead of law enforcement officers to non-violent mental health incidents is expanding citywide. blockclubchi.co/4dlULW6

Today, @ChicagosMayor and DPD announced $2.1 million in NOF grants including a S. Lawndale performance space, a Humboldt Park travel agency and an Austin karaoke venue. The next application deadlines are May 15 and August 14. For more information, visit Chicago.gov/NOF.

The city lost more than 65,000 residents during the pandemic, but Chicago’s population has begun increasing again since 2023. chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/05/1…

Almost 2.75 million people called Chicago home in 2025, according to the latest census numbers. That’s a decrease of 16,748 residents since April 1, 2020, but an increase of 5,253 people since 2024. chicagotribune.com/2026/05/13/chi…

No matter what neighborhood they live in, Chicagoans deserve crisis response options that prioritize compassion over criminalization, treatment over trauma, and meet our people where they are with the support they need.

"This means that no matter what neighborhood you live in or what you’re going through, our CARE teams can respond in a dignified manner and connect you to a range of support throughout the city," said @ChicagosMayor.

A city program that deploys social workers instead of law enforcement officers to non-violent mental health incidents is expanding citywide. blockclubchi.co/4dlULW6

We are proud to award our Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Grants alongside @ChicagoDPD to small businesses and organizations that are uplifting their entire communities and adding to our great city's amenities. Congratulations to all of our 2026 NOF Grant recipients!

this is all the more impressive when you consider most big blue northern cities (nyc, boston, sf, la) lost population over the same frame

Chicago, North Chicago among cities adding residents as municipalities try to regain lost population chicagotribune.com/2026/05/13/chi…

WATCH: Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks at the announcement of the citywide expansion of the Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) program.

Learn more here: chicago.gov/city/en/depts/…

Residents who observe someone experiencing a mental health crisis can call 911 and ask for the CARE team. If the situation is deemed eligible, a CARE response team may be dispatched. In addition to emergency response services, Chicago residents may request a non-crisis clinician-only CARE response citywide within 72 hours by emailing CAREprogram@CityofChicago.org.

NEW: Mayor Brandon Johnson and @ChiPublicHealth announced the citywide expansion of the Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) program, bringing compassionate crisis response services for those experiencing mental health crises to every community in Chicago.

It was an absolute joy to celebrate Dia de los Niños by reading Jabari Jumps with Ms. Melissa's kindergarten class at Telpochcalli Elementary School. Investing in sustainable community schools is one way to keep our young people growing and thriving in Chicago.