Chicago Neighborhoods First is a diverse coalition of labor leaders, community leaders and small business owners, that formed to help preserve and amplify neighborhood voices in how economic development proceeds in their communities. Neighborhoods need to be proactive in ensuring their community reflects their needs, rather than the wishes of outside corporations. One of the biggest threats to local living economies is the entry of global retail corporations.

Our mission states, "Chicago Neighborhoods First works to advance community driven economic development and corporate accountability through advocacy and education". The current economic crisis has been hard on many of Chicago's neighborhoods. We must resist band-aid solutions presented to us in our times of need, so we can implement real solutions and comprehensive development for our communities.