Friends of Downtown

Friends of Downtown is the voice for intelligent planning and urban design for downtown Chicago. Founded in 1981, we are recognized as a vital and influential component of the city’s design and building process.

Friends of Downtown directly influences planning and development decisions through debate, public advocacy, and cooperation with other civic organizations. We create awareness of important issues affecting downtown, enabling citizens to develop their understanding and voice their opinions of Chicago’s physical and social environment.

Members throughout the metropolitan area are committed to ensuring that downtown Chicago remains the well-designed, vibrant, economic heart of the city.