FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sarah Wilson, Uptown United
sarah@exploreuptown.org
773.878.1064
Uptown United Reflects on a Year of Community Impact and Looks Ahead to 2026
Chicago, IL — December 22, 2025 — As 2025 comes to a close, Uptown United, Uptown Chamber of Commerce and Special Service Area #34 are reflecting on a year defined by resilience, collaboration, and community-wide engagement across Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood.
Throughout the year, residents, businesses, partners, and visitors demonstrated their commitment to Uptown by attending events, shopping locally, donating time and resources, and supporting one another through moments of crisis and uncertainty. That collective effort helped fuel meaningful economic and community impact.
2025 by the Numbers:
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More than 3.1 million people experienced Uptown through Uptown United and Uptown Chamber of Commerce’s created and earned media
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Over 53,000 neighbors and visitors gathered at Uptown United and Uptown Chamber of Commerce –produced special events
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More than $100,000 was reinvested directly into local small businesses through Special Service Area (SSA) #34 rebate programs
“These numbers tell a powerful story,” said Sarah Wilson, Executive Director of Uptown United and the Uptown Chamber of Commerce. “But even more meaningful is the way this community showed up for one another—especially during times of challenge. Uptown’s strength has always come from its people.”
A full summary of the year’s initiatives, programs, and outcomes can be found in Uptown United’s 2025 Year in Review, available at:
https://growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net/sites/360/2025/12/2025-1218-2025-Year-in-Review.pdf
Looking ahead to 2026, the organizations remain focused on supporting local businesses, fostering economic development, and strengthening neighborhood connections—regardless of what the future may bring.
“While we don’t yet know what 2026 will hold, I am confident that Uptown will continue to meet whatever lies ahead together—with creativity, compassion, and a shared belief in the power of community,” Wilson added.
Support from the community—whether through event attendance, annual or event sponsorships, or direct donations—ensures Uptown United can continue providing high-quality, personalized services to businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
About Uptown United & the Uptown Chamber of Commerce
Uptown United and the Uptown Chamber of Commerce are partner organizations that share a mission to build a strong, unified business environment; facilitate economic development; and strengthen community—all to nurture a diverse, vibrant, thriving, and strong Uptown. Uptown’s business association since 1923, the Uptown Chamber of Commerce is one of Chicago’s oldest Chambers of Commerce. While our focus is business development and promotion, we also recognize the cultural richness of our community to help make all of Uptown thrive. Uptown United assists local businesses, investors, and community organizations, helping stimulate economic development to strengthen the community’s economic base, and address broad issues pertaining to quality of life for Uptown’s diverse population. Learn more at exploreuptown.org and follow us on Instagram @exploreuptownchi.
ANNUAL SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS: Graceland Cemetery
SILVER SPONSORS: Chicago Association of Realtors Foundation, Old National Bank
BRONZE SPONSOR: Wintrust Bank
PATRON SPONSOR: DLG Management
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Sarah Wilson Executive Director
- December 22, 2025
- (773) 878-1064
- Send Email
