2026-29 Strategic Plan

Starting in late 2024, Plant Chicago engaged staff, board members, market participants, and community partners in a collaborative process to shape the organization’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan. Guided by a Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) composed of staff and board representatives and facilitated in partnership with Najera Consulting Group, the process was designed to ensure that the plan reflects the voices and lived experiences of those most connected to Plant Chicago’s mission of cultivating local circular economies. Over the course of late 2024-5, we held listening sessions, workshops, and surveys with our community and stakeholders representing hundreds of voices, both internal and external to the organization.

As a result of this work, Plant Chicago identified three strategic priorities to support our vision of a local and inclusive circular economy:

1. Champion Circular (Sustainable) Practices Through Education and Community Partnerships

● Expand Education & Circular Economy Leadership as a Primary Tool for Change

● Catalyze Healthy & Sustainable Community Outcomes Through Collaboration

2. Celebrate Community Voice and Impact

● Expand Opportunities for Community Voices to Advise Program Delivery.

● Develop a Multilingual Communications Plan that Shares Resources for Sustainable Action.

3. Strengthen the Internal Structures for Organizational and Personal Resilience

● Deepen Investment in Staff, Board, and Our Culture of Purpose

● Build a Values-Aligned Resource Development Strategy

Broadly speaking, our new strategic plan represents an intentional focus on work with and for Southwest Side communities around The Firehouse.

Thank you to everyone who filled out surveys, participated in focus groups, listening sessions, and otherwise shared feedback. You are appreciated!