About Us

Common Ground Collective (CGC) is a 501(c)(4) issue advocacy organization dedicated to educating and mobilizing local elected officials, building grassroots coalitions, and proactively engaging voters around effective progressive policies that benefit Chicagoans in every neighborhood. Focused on solving problems and delivering results, CGC shares Chicago’s deeply held democratic values and works to defeat extremist efforts from both the far right and far left that seek to divide our city.

CGC is a nonpartisan organization and operates independently of candidate campaigns, in full compliance with federal and state laws.

What We Stand For

Common Ground Collective (CGC) stands for effective progressive policies that make our city more affordable, safe, and equitable across every neighborhood.

  • Affordability for all Chicagoans

    Every resident deserves access to housing, groceries, utilities, and healthcare at prices they can manage. CGC supports effective progressive policies and revenue proposals that reduce the cost of living and create pathways to economic stability for working families.

  • Safe and reliable public transportation

    A strong city depends on a transit system people can trust. CGC advocates for investments in CTA and Metra that improve safety, reliability, and accessibility – connecting every neighborhood to jobs, schools, and services.

  • High-quality education

    Chicago’s students deserve access to a high-quality education, regardless of neighborhood or circumstance. They deserve to be supported in their educational journey that will prepare them for the jobs of the future, whether that be in a neighborhood school, a magnet school, a vocational school, or other specialized CPS school programs.

  • Efficient city services

    City government should deliver for the people it serves. We push for modernized services that are transparent, responsive, and efficient, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely and effectively.

  • Safer communities

    Keeping our neighborhoods safe requires effective policing based in community trust, as well as policies that address root causes. CGC promotes comprehensive strategies that ensure fair and effective policing, invest in our youth, strengthen our approach to mental health challenges, and support vital community-based programs.

  • Responsible government budgeting

    Chicago’s fiscal health underpins its future. We support budgets that are balanced, equitable and sustainable — investing in essential services while avoiding short-term fixes and irresponsible borrowing that burden future generations.

Our Approach

We listen to communities, elevate the voices of everyday Chicagoans, and work with policymakers to turn ideas into action. By combining grassroots energy with smart advocacy, CGC builds the momentum needed to make lasting change. Our work ensures that Chicago’s future is not shaped by division, but by shared values, common sense progressive solutions, and a commitment to progress that benefits everyone.