The WPC was established as a not-for-profit organization in 1973 and certified by the Secretary of State on February 6, 1974 (certificate #22164). It was formed exclusively for one or more of the purposes as specified in the Illinois Not-For-Profit Corporation Act and 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Our mission is to embrace the spirit of the Wicker Park neighborhood community located in Chicago from Bloomingdale Street to the north, Division Street to the south, Ashland Avenue to the east, and Western Avenue to the west by nurturing the vitality of its culture, celebrating the historical character of the neighborhood, engaging new development and ideas, and turning strangers into neighbors.

The WPC has a number of standing committees devoted to supporting our mission. These committees are:

Cultural Affairs Committee
The Cultural Affairs Committee shall develop and oversee activities conducted on behalf of the WPC's cultural program priorities. These activities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and plan all neighborhood festivals, membership parties, and events.
• Develop and maintain relationships with all for-profit & not-for-profit arts groups.
• Develop and maintain relationships with other cultural groups.

Community Relations Committee
The Community Relations Committee shall develop and oversee activities conducted on behalf of the WPC's governmental, regulatory and community program priorities. These activities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and maintaining relationships with the aldermanic offices and all City of Chicago governmental agencies, except where noted in other committees.
• Developing and maintaining programs to improve safety, reduce crime and gang activity, and improve communication with the Chicago Police District and CAPS.
• Developing and maintaining programs improve the quality and condition of schools in the neighborhood.

Communications
The Communications Committee shall be responsible for creating, printing, distributing, and maintaining all materials used by the WPC to communicate to the membership and promote the organization, including, but not limited to the newsletter and website.

Preservation & Development
The Preservation & Development Committee shall develop guidelines and oversee activities related to zoning, new development, land-use, neighborhood improvement, historic preservation, and other planning matters within or on the boundaries of the neighborhood. These activities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop & maintain relationships with the Landmarks Commission and other governmental agencies that have input into such matters listed above.
• Develop and maintain programs for the Wicker Park City and Federal Landmark districts.
• Develop and maintain programs relating to quality, condition, and number of parks, public buildings and public spaces in the neighborhood.

Membership & Marketing
The Membership & Marketing Committee shall establish criteria for membership, including member classes, membership dues, and frequency of member meetings. It will develop and oversee activities designed to recruit new members, donors, and volunteers. It will develop and oversee fundraising activities and events, including government grants and solicitation of corporate and individual sponsorships, except where noted in other committees.

For more information, contact the WPC at:

pres@wickerparkcommittee.org
or
312-409-3766