Daley aims to serve 30 students annually via the Weekend Warriors program and expand to Kennedy King College to achieve 80% of student participants earning either a certificate, degree or credentials, and with an employment placement goal of 40%, 50% and 60% annually, respectively, over the next three years.

• Weekend Warriors initiative at KKC will introduce weekend training programs in 2 CTE programs: Automotive Technician and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC-R) specifically designed to serve youth of highest promise recruited by IMAN
• KKC and IMAN will galvanize employer, civil servant, and CBO support for transitioning GIY in CTE career pathways to high-demand occupations in emerging technology industries the Chicago area

The Mayor’s Office of Reentry in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is excited to share our newest funding opportunity – Returning with Hope Microgrants. These grants will be administered in partnership with United Way of Metro Chicago.

These microgrants will be available for community-based organizations or service providers that have demonstrated experience serving individuals returning from incarceration and commit to using the funds for direct reentry support. These funds can be used however your organization sees fit to support direct service to justice impacted individuals and returning residents. Smaller organizations, those led by or employing those who are system impacted, and those choosing to direct funds towards mental health and wellness support are highly encouraged to apply.

The Chicago Public Library will implement targeted outreach to community-based organizations that focus on reentry in the priority areas. CPL will develop programs with orgs focused on their client needs and library expertise. For example, family programs for families that are connected to reentry patrons or children of formerly incarcerated patrons.

• Host a film that addresses reentry and will work with nearby community organizations to have a panel and discussion post film.
• Book Club will feature trauma informed content
• Explore trainings, webinars and conference opportunities for staff on subjects related to reentry.

The Department of Family & Social Services have identified the following the goals:

By the end of Q4 (December 31, 2025), DFSS will do the following:

• Engage at least 12,500 returning residents across all CRSCs by December. Of those engaged at least 2,100 will receive Reentry Navigation Services (referrals for housing, education, employment, and legal services combined).
• Increase in the number of referrals from IDOC, CCDOC and 211 by 40% compared to 2024 (data captured by 211).

The department of Human Resources has identified the following reentry goals:

• Continue to highlight Fair Chance Hiring language on all City job postings so applicants are aware that having a prior arrest or conviction does not make them ineligible for City roles.
• Adhere to the City's policy to only "look back" for a period of 5 years (Mayor's Office-7 years) for convictions that conflict with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job.
• Participate in the 2025 Fair Chance Hiring Cohort and contribute to the creation of Fair Chance Hiring Best Practices.
• Increase DHR’s recruitment outreach to organizations that work with individuals who have been system impacted by optimizing our recruitment platform with organizations that have been identified as advocates of workforce development for this community.
• Expand awareness of the City's Fair Chance Hiring Policy by marketing it as one of DHR's Featured Services on its landing page on the City’s website.
• Review and update identified job titles in partnership with City departments to ensure that the minimum qualifications reflect the City’s commitment to equity in hiring and are accessible to individuals with barriers to employment.

Individuals returning from incarceration face some of the most acute housing barriers in Chicago. Structural discrimination in tenant screening, lack of income documentation, and the absence of formal support systems can prevent successful reentry. This issue disproportionately affects Black and Latino Chicagoans and contributes to cycles of poverty, homelessness, and recidivism. Housing for justice-involved individuals is not only a social justice issue—it is a critical part of Chicago’s inclusive housing vision. The department of housing has identified the following reentry goals:

• Use the Supportive Housing Track for Reentry-Focused Projects
• Promote Fair and Inclusive Tenant Screening
• Coordinate with CHA on Reentry Project-Based Vouchers
• Prioritize partnerships with Reentry Service Providers
• Align Cross-Departmental Housing Investments

The Department of Streets and Sanitation have identified the following goals:

• Work with DFSS to onboard more than 10 youth through the One Summer Chicago Program.
• Developing partnership with UCAN Chicago to onboard 50 youth to work with Department of Streets & Sanitation this summer through the One Summer Chicago Program.
• Established a new contract through DFSS for our Re-entry program.

MOPD will continue to collaborate in the Interdepartmental Reentry Council through community presence, outreach and referrals. In addition, we will collaborate with three or more community-based organizations that address barriers to reentry by Fall of 2025.

• Collaboration with Safer Foundation, Austin Coming Together, Breakthrough, Chicago CRED and others
• MOPD co-creation of resources to share information about programs and services
• Recommendations to increase accessibility at organizations that provide reentry services
• Disability Awareness Training provided at community organizations with reentry services; to-date, provided training to staff at Breakthrough, Austin Coming Together and Safer Foundation

The Park District has identified goals that support the employment opportunity and economic mobility pillar with the following goals:

• The Park District will continue to adhere to state law to only “look back” for a period of 7 years for convictions for applicants, excluding those applicants with certain convictions that state law expressly prohibits the Park District from hiring.
• The Park District will explore adjusting certain position descriptions to consider job or skills training programs for returning citizens as evidence of meeting minimum qualifications.
• The Park District will continue to identify projects in parks that provide training opportunities for GreenCorps employees in FY25.
• In FY25, the Park District will work with CDOT to research opportunities for additional funding to support the GreenCorps program.

The Chicago Department of Aviation has agreed to the following goals for reentry:

• Create a landing page on the CDA website to support reentrants in finding employment and business opportunities at the airport.
  • List of types of jobs across all airport employers (e.g., CDA, airlines, cargo operators, rental car companies, concessions, construction contractors) for which individuals with criminal record are eligible on landing page
• Partner with assist agencies/community-based organizations that serve reentrants to give presentations on doing business at the airports, i.e., entrepreneurism as airport career path.