Chicago’s philanthropic community stands united in opposition to the presence of the National Guard and the increasing militarization of our streets, which is undermining our collective mission to strengthen Chicago for the future. Already, the human and economic impact has been devastating for many Chicago residents. In neighborhoods across our city, people who are contributing to our communities, fear sending their kids to school, seeking needed medical attention, visiting food pantries, going to work or frequenting neighborhood businesses and restaurants.

Along with business and government, we have invested millions of dollars over the past decade to strengthen our city. This includes support for community violence intervention programs that have contributed to a dramatic decline in gun violence, as well as efforts to expand housing, improve public education, grow workforce pathways, protect immigrant and refugee rights, support the arts and foster economic mobility, and so much more.

While progress has been made, we agree that we need to continue working towards solutions to our city’s challenges. We should be asking how to keep our city safer. We should be asking how to ensure our neighborhoods are places where people can grow and thrive. We should be asking how to attract more business and how to improve employment opportunities. These questions will not be answered by force of arms; they require investment in our city’s communities and people.

We sincerely invite federal authorities to sit down with our local leadership in the public and private sectors and work together on strategies and investments to improve our city and state that are consistent with our laws and our values. Because when the troops leave, the real work to create a thriving Chicago will remain.

The Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities (PSPC)

Chicago Funders Together to End Homelessness

Chicagoland Workforce Funder Alliance

Health First Collaborative

Illinois Immigration Funder Collaborative

The Chicago Racial Justice Pooled Fund