Building Community Block by Block
Committed to the community for 30 years. After taking office in April 2016, Alderman King has listened, been accessible and responsive to the needs of the 4th Ward, while delivering vital services and resources to strengthen our community.
In her first week as Alderman, Sophia King partnered with the neighboring 3rd Ward Alderman to launch the Safe Summer Initiative – Building Community Block by Block. For the first time, school Safe Passage teams were on site and working during the summer break to insure that youngsters heading to summer programs or playing in parks, were safe. The positive outcome was twofold: youth were engaged through jobs and training in Restorative Justice, instilling a sense of pride and ownership in their communities; and residents took the initiative to “Step Up and Step Out” to secure and strengthen peace in those communities.
Public Safety
- Working with the community to shut down problem businesses and buildings
- Created Safe Summer Initiative which extended Safe Passage through the summer and brought jobs to the community
- Successfully advocated for more resources from CPD to protect the community
- Established monthly public safety meetings with CPD, UCPD, CHA, and Detectives to better coordinate public safety
- Partnering with the community on a comprehensive approach to end gun violence
Education
- Securing millions of dollars in additional resources and collaborating with stakeholders to improve neighborhood schools
- Expanding trade and apprenticeship opportunities at Dunbar High School with paid internship program
- Instituted inaugural 4th Ward enrichment program (featuring chess & soccer)
Infastructure
- New bridges at 31st, 35th, 39th, 41st, and 43rd streets
- New street lights, cameras, paved streets, sidewalks and sewers
- Allocated resources to improve public transportation, including new bus shelters, bus pads, and curb cuts
Economic Development/Jobs
- Hosted job fairs serving over 200 residents
- Ensured responsible additions of affordable units in new developments
- Fought to improve participation of minority contractors
Community and Commerical Development
- Mariano’s, Culver’s, Bulldog Ale House, and Jolly Pumpkin
- Funding for first Dog Parks in the 4th Ward
- Enhanced access to lake front and parking
- Created Michael Reese Community Advisory Council to advise on site development
Constituent Services
- Listened and responded to community needs
- Improved efficiency, communication, and access of office
- Sponsored quarterly senior socials and annual Senior Ball
- Hosted ‘Alderman On the Block’ across the ward
Fight for Equity & Inclusion
- Spearheaded Ida B. Wells Drive - the first downtown street in the city’s history to be named after a woman and/or a person of color
- Introduced ordinance providing bid preferences for companies with diverse management and workforce
- Landmarked the Ebony/Jet building