UIC CUPPA MUPPS Policy 2026

Overview

In the spring of 2026, UIC CUPPA Masters in Urban Planning & Policy students in the Plan Making Studio collaborated with Territory youth to develop a plan for the Austin community. The studio divided Austin along the north-south axis into five focus areas. Each group researched and engaged their focus area to create policy recommendations across a range of issues, including housing, economic development, youth opportunities, and safety.

UIC CUPPA students engaged Territory youths across two engagement sessions and recurring online check ins. Teens used their lived experiences and knowledge of the community to provide feedback to the policy recommendations throughout the term.

In the summer of 2026, the five plans were consolidated into a single plan, which was submitted to the Aldermen.

Site

The Austin Community

Year

2026−Present

Collaborators

M

Stakeholders

Youth residents and Austin residents

Budget
Phase 1

In Summer 2024, youth led teams designed and built Creating Space Phase 1. The placemaking strategies include:

  • Crates for informal sitting and socializing
  • Welcoming entrance
  • Interactive mural walls
  • Pink house commemoration, inspired by “Grandma’s porch” 
Phase 2

Due to an unexpected loss of funding in 2025, Territory slowed down the pace of design development and community engagement. With welcoming seating, the site became a hub for unhealthy behaviors. Territory youth began intensive collaboration with the neighbors, Ald. Mitts, CPD 15th District Police, community artists and gardeners, and many others including the Chicago Department of Planning and Development and the UIC College of Urban Planning to find a collective solution.

Territory purchased the lot from the City in November and de-installed the original prototypes to reduce negative activity and prepare for the next phase of development. 

Phase 3

With grants from the Chicago Community Trust and the Open Space Impact Fee Fund, Territory is launching the next phase, completing the schematic design of the lot and working on the designs for site elements