Uptown United is Uptown’s community economic development organization. We serve the entire Uptown community area, from Irving Park on the south to Foster on the north, the lake on the east and Clark Street on the west.

Uptown is a richly diverse neighborhood, including the vibrant Asian business district centered on Argyle Street, world-famous entertainment venues around Lawrence and Broadway, and many historic structures dating from Uptown's heyday as an entertainment destination in the 1920s and '30s.  

Our mission is to provide technical assistance to businesses and economic investors located in and serving Uptown, initiate and participate in strategic planning, encourage economic development to strengthen the community's economic base, address broad issues pertaining to the quality of life for Uptown's diverse population, and serve as a network to encourage partnerships.   Through our unique partnership structure, Uptown United works closely with Uptown’s many businesses, nonprofit organizations, developers and residents to enhance our vibrant and energetic community.

In order to work most effectively on these initiatives, we are structured as an umbrella organization with three partner groups: Business Partners - the Chamber for Uptown (a separate 501(c)(6) corporation with its own governance);  Development Partners, made up of developers and property owners and addressing development issues in the community through our own planning projects and by guiding private development; and Community Partners, which supports Uptown's many not-for-profits and service providers through professional development, advocacy and networking activities.  We also serve as the sole service provider for Uptown Special Service Area #34, a special taxing body that focuses on commercial corridor improvements and marketing efforts throughout the district.