Urban Action Network Past Projects

Economic & Community Development

Midwest Inland Port Tour and Forum

In September 2015, UAct and IL Ventures for Community Action (IVCA), hosted a 25-member delegation to tour the Midwest Inland Port in Decatur, IL. Delegation members included the Mayor of Springfield and other city leaders, community activists, business leaders and more.

UAct, IVCA and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association hosted a second meeting in Springfield for 40[…]

Community Development Credit Union

Want to put predatory lenders out of business in East Springfield?

A small group of community leaders including UAct is exploring starting a Community Development Credit Union (CDCU). If you are unbanked or would like to support such an effort please take the following survey.

Saving Every Life for the Future (SELF)

In 2016, UAct President helped DeAndre Neal refine his idea into a comprehensive proposal for an anti-violence initiative called SELF. UAct continues to work with DeAndre to develop the program, explore partnerships and seek funding.

In connection with SELF, an anti-violence march and outdoor dinner table discussion, sponsored by the Springfield Community Federation, UAct, Keep It 200[…]

WeAct Jobs Initiative

In late 2016, UAct engaged East Springfield community activist, Sam Johnson, and workforce development specialist, Bill McMahon, to work with the UAct President to begin phase 1 planning for a jobs initiative. The team studied workforce development models and interviewed major Springfield employers and work force development providers. UAct continues to work with Bill and[…]

Garvey/Tubman Arts and Culture Center

In 2016, Uact worked with Charles Scott, an experienced youth development professional and community activist, and John Crisp, artist, musician, activist and teacher to help them realize their long-time dream of opening a permanent arts and cultural center in East Springfield. UAct developed a pre-opening 12-month strategic development organizational framework/work plan to guide capacity building[…]