Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced today the appointment of Juan Carlos Linares as Chief Engagement Officer for the Office of Public Engagement to lead her administration’s efforts in improving outcomes of all Chicago’s communities by connecting on a deeper level, building stronger relationships with neighborhoods and removing barriers to government and city agency services and assistance.

“The Office of Public Engagement is essential to our mission that every voice is heard and every community is recognized,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “Juan Carlos’s experience in building neighborhood and housing equity, along with his commitment to transparency, inclusion and accountability, will ensure Chicago is serving all of its citizens no matter their background, status or zip code.”

As Executive Director of LUCHA, a Chicago-based affordable housing development agency that offers counseling, foreclosure prevention and legal assistance, Linares led the organization to excel in health and energy equity by building the first multi-family “Passive House” building in Illinois, completing a first-of-its-kind Health Action Plan under its Tierra Linda housing development, and proposing a preservation ordinance and land trust initiative along Chicago’s 606 Trail.

Read more at City of Chicago