CHICAGO — Today, with 60 aspiring youth media members in attendance, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the release of the City's 2025 Youth Impact Report, an expansive review that showcases a year of robust investment, partnership, and empowerment for Chicago's young people. The report, outlines efforts by the Mayor's Office, Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), City Departments and Sister Agencies, and community partners while providing updates and reflections on the focus areas of youth safety, employment, enrichment, and empowerment over the past year.

"Investing in the present and future success of our young people is a cornerstone priority for my administration, and we are proud to share the progress we made during 2025," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "By centering young people and ensuring they have the resources they need to grow as individuals and thrive within their networks, we are strengthening the foundations of stronger, safer communities across our city. I will never waver in my support of our youth, and, as we reflect, I look forward to continued progress we will make together in 2026."

Standout progress and key findings highlighted in the 2025 Youth Impact Report include:

• A 10.6% increase in City-supported youth jobs in 2025 from 2024, building to a total 55% increase in City-supported youth jobs since the Mayor took office in 2023;
• Over 108,000 youth served through the DFSS's program models;
• Over 14,000 annual attendees at My CHI. My Future. Safe Spaces events planned by youth;
• Over 37,000 opportunities featured on the My CHI. My Future. website and app;
• 53 total youth participants in the Mayor's Youth Commission representing 37 different communities.

"We thank our community partners, City collaborators, and our youth volunteers for making Chicago safer and more prosperous for our young people," said Khari Humphries, Deputy Mayor for Education and Youth Services. "This is a movement we will continue building together."

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The report details youth efforts undertaken by the DFSS Youth Division which advanced the City's objectives in the areas of prevention, intervention, employment, and enrichment.

"At DFSS, we believe every young person in our city deserves access to transformative opportunities. That is why we are committed to investing in our city's youth and meeting them with compassion wherever they are," said DFSS Commissioner Angela J. Green. "These investments help young people build confidence, discover purpose, and move toward brighter, more promising futures. Their dedication, their leadership, and their commitment to their communities give me so much hope."

Critically, the report also elevates the voices and experiences of young people who have participated in numerous City of Chicago programs over the past year.

"[My CHI. My Future.] Safe Spaces has given me the chance to deepen my understanding and relationship with my community," said Miracle Brown, a youth Safe Spaces participant. "I was able to help families, inspire youth, experience an opportunity of a lifetime, and grow relationships that will stay with me forever."

Youth were central in the creation of this report, which features two articles written by youth from True Star Media and Northwest Center. The cover art was designed by youth artist Arturo Anguiano, who worked on a custom design for this booklet.

"I have a very special way on how I interpret different subjects and ideas. Through my creative expression, I make sure that everyone can take a look at my pieces to search for everything they can find in them," said Anguiano, who works in Little Village. "I was very hyped to start making art for people, like for My CHI. My Future. ... My inspiration is everywhere. And I hope I can be someone else's inspiration someday."

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For More Information

Download the full 2025 Youth Impact Report here and learn how you or your organization can get involved here.

Additional Youth Impact Report Callouts:

The report details standout progress and programs for young Chicagoans, spearheaded under the Johnson administration, including the following:

Mayor's Office of Community Safety Develops Additional Safe Space Models for Youth While Youth Crime Data Sees Declines in 2025

The Mayor's Office of Community Safety worked with community and City partners to bring back Late Night Basketball for residents ages 18 and over and also created a video game night model to engage with youth throughout the year. More than 900 youth and families participated in these events in 2025.

The City of Chicago saw a decline across various key violence statistics for young people, including a 23% decline in youth homicides and a nearly 29% decrease in total non-fatal shooting victimizations. Mayor Johnson remains committed to ensuring the safety of youth and all Chicagoans.

My CHI. My Future. Teen Bash Brings Out Record Crowd in Safe Downtown Event

The 4th annual My CHI. My future. Teen Bash at Navy Pier brought out over 1200 teens to Navy Pier's Aon Grand ballroom. Featuring youth musical artists as headliners, free food, activations, and resources, this event opened up space for youth to enjoy downtown Chicago safely.

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