Mayor Brandon Johnson Releases 2025 Youth Impact Report

Report highlights transformative investments in young Chicagoans

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the release of the City's 2025 Youth Impact Report, showcasing a year of robust investment, partnership, and empowerment for Chicago's young people. The report outlines efforts by the Mayor's Office, Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), City Departments and Sister Agencies, and community partners, providing updates and reflections on youth safety, employment, enrichment, and empowerment.

Why it matters

Investing in the success of young people is a cornerstone priority for Mayor Johnson's administration, as strengthening the foundations of stronger, safer communities across the city is a key focus. The report highlights the progress made in supporting Chicago's youth and the city's commitment to ensuring they have the resources they need to grow and thrive.

The details

The 2025 Youth Impact Report outlines standout progress, including a 10.6% increase in City-supported youth jobs, over 108,000 youth served through DFSS programs, over 14,000 annual attendees at My CHI. My Future. Safe Spaces events, and 53 youth participants in the Mayor's Youth Commission. The report also features articles written by youth and cover art designed by a youth artist.

  • The 2025 Youth Impact Report was released on February 19, 2026.

The players

Mayor Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who announced the release of the 2025 Youth Impact Report.

Khari Humphries

The Deputy Mayor for Education and Youth Services.

Angela J. Green

The Commissioner of the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS).

Miracle Brown

A youth Safe Spaces participant.

Arturo Anguiano

A youth artist who designed the cover art for the 2025 Youth Impact Report.

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What they’re saying

“Investing in the present and future success of our young people is a cornerstone priority for my administration, and we are proud to share the progress we made during 2025.”

— Mayor Brandon Johnson (chicago.gov)

“We thank our community partners, City collaborators, and our youth volunteers for making Chicago safer and more prosperous for our young people. This is a movement we will continue building together.”

— Khari Humphries, Deputy Mayor for Education and Youth Services (chicago.gov)

“At DFSS, we believe every young person in our city deserves access to transformative opportunities. That is why we are committed to investing in our city's youth and meeting them with compassion wherever they are.”

— Angela J. Green, DFSS Commissioner (chicago.gov)

“[My CHI. My Future.] Safe Spaces has given me the chance to deepen my understanding and relationship with my community. I was able to help families, inspire youth, experience an opportunity of a lifetime, and grow relationships that will stay with me forever.”

— Miracle Brown, Youth Safe Spaces participant (chicago.gov)

“I have a very special way on how I interpret different subjects and ideas. Through my creative expression, I make sure that everyone can take a look at my pieces to search for everything they can find in them. I was very hyped to start making art for people, like for My CHI. My Future. ... My inspiration is everywhere. And I hope I can be someone else's inspiration someday.”

— Arturo Anguiano, Youth artist (chicago.gov)

What’s next

The report details standout progress and programs for young Chicagoans, spearheaded under the Johnson administration, including the Mayor's Office of Community Safety developing additional Safe Space models for youth and the City of Chicago seeing declines in various key youth violence statistics in 2025. The 4th annual My CHI. My future. Teen Bash at Navy Pier also brought out a record crowd of over 1200 teens in a safe downtown event.

The takeaway

The 2025 Youth Impact Report showcases the Johnson administration's strong commitment to investing in the present and future success of Chicago's young people, with a focus on youth safety, employment, enrichment, and empowerment. By centering youth voices and experiences, the city is strengthening the foundations of stronger, safer communities across Chicago.