CHICAGO — With 60 aspiring youth media members in attendance, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the release of the city’s 2025 Youth Impact Report, a comprehensive analysis showcasing a year of significant investment, collaboration, and empowerment for Chicago’s youth.
The report details the efforts of the Mayor’s Office, the Department of Family and Supportive Services (DFSS), city departments and partner agencies, as well as community partners, providing updates and insights on the focus areas of youth safety, employment, enrichment, and empowerment over the past year.
“Investing in the present and future of our youth is a top priority of my administration, and we are proud to share the progress we made during 2025,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By focusing our attention on young people and ensuring they have the resources they need to grow as individuals and thrive within their networks, we are strengthening the foundation for stronger, safer communities throughout our city. I will never waver in my support for our youth, and as I reflect on our accomplishments, I look forward to the progress we will make together in 2026.”
Key Achievements and Findings
- 10.6% increase in city-supported youth jobs in 2025 compared to 2024, bringing the total increase to 55% since the mayor took office in 2023.
- More than 108,000 youth served through DFSS programs.
- More than 14,000 annual attendees at My CHI. My Future. Safe Spaces events hosted by youth.
- More than 37,000 opportunities posted on the My CHI. My Future website and app.
- Fifty-three youth participants on the Mayor’s Youth Commission, representing 37 different communities.
“We thank our community partners, city collaborators, and our youth volunteers for making Chicago a safer and more prosperous place for our youth,” said Khari Humphries, Assistant Mayor for Education and Youth Services. “This is a movement we will continue to build on together.”
The report details the youth efforts of the DFSS Youth Division, which advanced the city’s goals in prevention, intervention, employment, and enrichment.
“At DFSS, we believe that every young person in our city deserves access to transformative opportunities. That’s why we are committed to investing in our city’s youth and supporting them with compassion wherever they are,” said Angela J. Green, DFSS Commissioner. “These investments help young people build confidence, discover purpose, and move toward brighter futures. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to their communities fill me with hope.”
The report also highlights the voices and experiences of young people who participated in numerous City of Chicago programs over the past year.
“[My CHI. My Future.] Safe Spaces has given me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of and connection to my community,” said Miracle Brown, a Safe Spaces youth participant. “I was able to help families, inspire young people, have a unique experience, and develop relationships that will last a lifetime.”
Young people were central to the creation of the report, which includes two articles written by youth from True Star Media and Northwest Center. The cover was designed by young artist Arturo Anguiano, who created a custom design for this brochure.
“I have a very special way of interpreting different themes and ideas. Through my creative expression, I make sure that everyone can look at my pieces and find whatever they can in them,” said Anguiano, who works in Little Village. “I was very excited to start making art for people, like for My CHI. My Future. … My inspiration is everywhere. And I hope that one day I can be someone else’s inspiration.”
Additional Information
Download the full 2025 Youth Impact Report here and learn how you or your organization can get involved.
Additional Youth Impact Report Highlights:
The Mayor’s Office of Community Safety develops additional Safe Spaces models as youth crime rates decline in 2025.
The Mayor’s Office of Community Safety worked with community and city partners to revive the Late Night Basketball program for residents 18 and older and also created a year-round video game night model to engage with youth. More than 900 youth and families participated in these events in 2025.
Chicago saw a decrease in several key youth violence statistics, including a 23% drop in youth homicides and nearly a 29% decrease in non-fatal shooting victims. Mayor Johnson remains committed to the safety of young people and all Chicagoans.
My CHI. My Future. Teen Bash draws a record crowd for a safe downtown event. The 4th annual My CHI. My Future. Teen Bash at Navy Pier brought together more than 1,200 teens at the pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom. Featuring up-and-coming musical artists, free food, activities, and resources, the event provided a safe space for young people to enjoy downtown Chicago.
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