As we close out 2023, Change.org has compiled a list of the cities with the most active changemakers and their respective petitions. While cities across the U.S. contributed significantly to the tapestry of change, Chicago lands in the top ten – with the third most petitions created in 2023. 

Below, you can find a list of ten standout petitions that focused on Chicago, as well as the full list of our top change-making cities of 2023. The petitions below demonstrate inspiring stories of resilience and courage, and the power of local advocacy to shape a community. 

TOP TEN STANDOUT PETITIONS FROM CHICAGO:

1. Save the Warehouse! Landmark the Building Where DJ Frankie Knuckles Created House Music – With 14,000 signatures, this petition urgently seeks Chicago Landmark designation for “The Warehouse,” the birthplace of house music, located at 206 S. Jefferson Street in the West Loop. Despite its historic role, the building lacks protections, and the petition aims to prevent demolition, preserving its cultural significance as DJ Frankie Knuckles’ pioneering venue that shaped the global house music scene.
2. Save the Dogs at Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC): They Are Killed Without Warning – María Fatum started a petition with more than 11,500 signatures that hopes to address the alarming increase in euthanasia rates at Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC), highlighting cases like Rochester, Domino, Ritz, and Lavender, all euthanized for space reasons. The petition calls for the removal and replacement of the current leadership and management at CACC, emphasizing the need for a new executive director experienced in shelter care and dog behavior, and advocates for transparency, humane treatment, and a shift toward a no-kill model.
3. Save “The Prom” at Hampshire High School – Maggie Little’s victorious petition amassed more than 5,000 signatures. Her petition won, allowing Hampshire High School’s performance of “The Prom,” a contemporary musical promoting inclusivity and LGBTQ+ representation. The petition asserted the importance of promoting acceptance, tolerance, and celebrating individuality through the arts, urging community members, alumni, and the LGBTQ+ community to support the students’ right to perform the show. 
4. Tell Congress to Award Marshall W. ‘Major’ Taylor the Congressional Gold Medal – With 4,400 signatures, the Bronzeville Trail Task Force, Inc. petitions the U.S. House of Representatives, advocating for the recognition of Marshall W. “Major” Taylor, the first African American cycling champion of the world, through the Major Taylor Initiative. The petition urges support for a bill awarding Taylor the Congressional Gold Medal and highlights his remarkable achievements in the face of racial prejudice and his enduring impact on the cycling community.
5. Protect Andersonville’s Small Businesses from Being Replaced by Chains like Foxtrot – With more than 2,300 signatures, this petition addresses concerns about the influx of regional and national chains, particularly Foxtrot, into Andersonville, threatening the community’s unique character and locally-owned businesses. The petition calls for the suspension of licenses/permits for Foxtrot and other chain stores and advocates for a community-driven policy regulating the percentage of chain businesses in Andersonville.
6. STOLEN BLACK LAND TAKEN FROM THE FAMILY OF PLAYWRIGHT LORRAINE HANSBERRY – The Hansberry family, represented by Taye and 99-year-old Mamie Hansberry, seeks restitution for the unjust taking of their properties with more than 2,000 signataures in support. They demand land restoration, financial compensation for 75 years of loss, and reparations for Black and Indigenous residents in Hyde Park. 
7. Trevon Morris Story – Trevon Morris shares the tragic events of April 20th, 2021, where a car accident he was involved in resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Facing charges of reckless homicide, speed racing, and aggravated DUI of cannabis, he recounts the physical and mental challenges, including seizures and PTSD, and expresses his belief in being wrongfully sentenced. Close to 2,000 people have signed in support of his story.
8. Bring a Royal Air Maroc Flight from Chicago to Casablanca, Morocco – Moroccan communities in the Chicagoland area and the Midwest are petitioning for the introduction of an additional direct flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Casablanca by Royal Air Maroc, led by Salma Kamni and signed by more than 1,900 supports. The request is based on the growing Moroccan population in Chicago, Chicago’s central position in the Midwest, the increasing Moroccan immigrant population, and O’Hare’s status as a major international travel hub.
9. Have Lovie Smith announce Chicago Bears 1st Round Pick – Mac Wolf started a petition with more than 1,900 signatures to honor Chicago Bears legend Lovie Smith for his contributions as head coach for the Bears and the Texans, proposing that having him announce the Bears’ first-round pick on draft night would add excitement to the event.
10. JUSTICE FOR THE DAYS – With 1,800 signatures, this petition seeks to change kinship laws to prevent individuals charged with domestic violence from retaining next-of-kin status if their victim or children die suspiciously. It also calls for nullifying next-of-kin status in cases of separation. 

You can find a list of ten petitions here. Our top ten change-making cities in order are New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Miami, Denver, Dallas, and Charlotte. 

This list was compiled by Christina Martin, Change.org’s Senior Local Media Specialist. Are you a member of the press who would like to write about a Change.org petition? Christina can help. Email cmartin@change.org with your inquiry.