Quality of Life Plan

A community-led vision. 

A shared commitment. 

A roadmap for the future.

The Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative (GPRWC), alongside residents, community organizations, and partners, is proud to share the 2026 Garfield Park Quality-of-Life Plan.

More than a planning document, A Village Going Forward provides a framework for collaboration, accountability, and resident-led progress.

The 2026 Quality-of-Life Plan reflects a shared commitment to Garfield Park's future. Its strategies provide a foundation for residents, organizations, institutions, and community partners to work together toward lasting progress.

Grounded in community voices and lived experiences, the plan establishes a collective vision for East and West Garfield Park. It identifies priorities, strategies, and opportunities to strengthen neighborhood health, preserve community identity, expand economic opportunity, and ensure that residents help shape the investments and decisions affecting their future. 

Read the Plan. Be Part of What Comes Next.

We invite you to explore the full plan, learn about the priorities identified by the community, and discover the vision guiding Garfield Park forward.

The plan is organized around nine interconnected focus areas that address the priorities identified through the community planning process.

• Arts, Media & Technology
  Celebrate Garfield Park's creative identity, expand digital access, and strengthen community storytelling and connection.
• Business & Economic Development
  Support local businesses, entrepreneurship, resident ownership, and economic opportunities that strengthen neighborhood commercial corridors.
• Education & Workforce Development
  Expand access to quality education, career training, mentorship, apprenticeships, and pathways to employment.
• Health & Wellness
  Improve access to healthcare, mental and behavioral health services, healthy food, and opportunities for physical and community wellness.
• Housing, Real Estate & Green Space
  Protect legacy residents, expand housing stability and ownership opportunities, and preserve neighborhood green spaces and historic assets.
• Parent & Family Support
  Strengthen families through accessible resources, childcare, intergenerational support, and community-centered programs.
• Public Safety
  Advance resident-led approaches to safety through prevention, accountability, stronger neighborhood relationships, and economic opportunity.
• Recreation & Entertainment
  Create and sustain welcoming spaces for sports, recreation, cultural expression, entertainment, and community gathering.
• Youth Development
  Invest in young people through mentorship, leadership, safe spaces, skills development, and meaningful participation in shaping Garfield Park's future.