Chicago residents can come up with their own community improvement projects and receive up to $ 1.5 million in funding to improve land belonging to the city as part of a program announced Thursday.

the Chicago Works Community Challenge aims to provide total funding of $ 10 million for smaller projects, such as converting vacant land into neighborhood playgrounds or gardens, or improving schools, parks or libraries.

This money will be distributed over each of the Chicago’s 7 Planning Regions. Chicago Works is a five-year capital plan to invest in community infrastructure.

“I want you to tell us about this vacant lot that you would like to turn into a playground or a community garden. Your local park or school that could use better facilities. Or your local library that might be missing a community hall, ”Mayor Lori Lightfoot said at an event in Auburn Gresham to launch the challenge. Thursday marked his second anniversary in office.

Applications will be accepted from June 1 and will be found on the Community Challenge website.

“The very soul of this city lies in our neighborhoods,” Maurice Cox, commissioner of the Ministry of Planning and Development, said at the press conference, which was held near 79th and Halsted streets. “And that’s why the investments we’re trying to create are targeted in neighborhoods like the one we are in now.”

After the initial selection, proposals will be assessed on the basis of their feasibility, design, community contribution and impact.

The finalists will be interviewed from October to December.

The winning projects are expected to start in 2022.