Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza recently visited Chicago’s Southeast Side as part of her ongoing tourism video series. She was joined by 10th Ward Alderman Peter Chico and retired Western Illinois farmer Dick Bigger, Jr. The group toured several locations in the area to encourage more visitors and highlight the neighborhood’s attractions.
“I had so much fun exploring and highlighting the Southeast Side,” said Comptroller Mendoza. “Did you know you can go wall-climbing here on the old U.S. Steel Site or fishing at the William W. Powers State Recreation Area? This is what Chicago is all about – unique neighborhoods with rich histories for all to enjoy.”
The Southeast Side’s 10th Ward features sites from the Blues Brothers movie, including Pilgrim Baptist Church and the 95th Street Bridge over the Calumet River. The area will also be home to a new PsiQuantum campus at the former South Works site.
During their tour, Mendoza and her guests visited several local landmarks such as Calumet Fisheries, Steelworkers Park, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Birrieria Ocotlan, Crow Bar, and St. Mary of the Assumption church.
“The old joke is that Chicago’s East Side is Lake Michigan, but there is so much to explore here that people don’t know about,” Comptroller Mendoza said.
Mendoza has previously created videos promoting tourism across Illinois, featuring destinations like Southern Illinois, Galesburg, Springfield, Kaskaskia, Vandalia, and both state fairs in Springfield and DuQuoin.
Earlier this year, after Little Village restaurant owners reported a drop in business due to concerns about increased immigration enforcement, Mendoza began producing videos encouraging visits to ethnic neighborhoods such as Little Village, Chinatown, and Asia on Argyle.
Tourism initiatives like these help generate additional sales tax revenue for both Chicago and Illinois. This increased revenue contributes to strengthening the economy and assists Comptroller Mendoza in managing state finances.
A bloopers reel from this recent tour has also been released for public entertainment.
