Southwest Chamber Talks Bike Lanes and Businesses

At its second event, a members meeting on July 21, 2026, the Southwest Chamber of Commerce looked at possible implementation of protected bike lanes on Chicago’s Southwest Side, pushed forward organizational development and enjoyed a lunch at host Base Community Cafe.

Chamber President pro tem Carlos Chavarria welcomed attendees and led announcements and group updates, highlighting the new chamber’s finalization of needed bureaucratic infrastructure, including incorporation, registration and a bank account.

“We’re now ready to accept member dues,” said chamber Treasurer pro tem Monica Rodriguez.

Bike Lanes and Businesses

Justin Kerr, vice president pro tem and publisher of the McKinley Park News, led a presentation on Bike Lanes and Businesses, looking at the publication’s most recent reporting and the results of a poll on the issue: the only one of its kind, he said.

Chamber Vice President pro tem Justin Kerr presents on Bike Lanes & Businesses at the group's July 21, 2026, meeting.During the meeting’s Q&A segment, attending business owners shared ideas and concerns on new bike lanes in the Brighton Park neighborhood, including the local, business-led “2 lanes, not 1” campaign addressing recent street changes on South Archer Avenue.

Members Resolutions

In his presentation, Kerr outlined ideas for how a chamber might engage with issues such as bike lanes and parking, including localized studies in advance of changes, collective development of chamber advocacy and a demand for business representation in municipal decision-making.

Meeting attendees also reviewed two proposed Members Resolutions: the first to define pro tem board of directors involvement, and the second to scope and enable engagement with third parties, including other chambers of commerce.

Team Business

Kerr welcomed both Greater Bridgeport & South Loop Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Julie O’Connor and Logan Square Chamber of Commerce Executive Producer Nilda Esparza to the meeting, noting how chambers are collaborating across the city.

“We are all on the same team: Team Business,” Kerr said.

Leadership Academy

The Southwest Chamber of Commerce will continue its learning through the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Academy, Kerr said, with the next meeting hosted by the Pilsen Chamber of Commerce.

The Southwest Chamber welcomes the opportunity to integrate best practices from other chambers, Kerr said, as it builds governance and leadership culminating in full-term officers and directors elections in December 2026.

National Media Coverage

Wall Street Journal reporter Joe Barret attended the meeting and included coverage of it in his July 30, 2026, article "Chicago's Bike Lanes Spark a Rebellion from Businesses."

The next meeting of the Southwest Chamber of Commerce will be from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the offices of Stellar Performance, 1515 W. 18th St., Chicago.

Check the Southwest Chamber of Commerce website at https://southwestchamber.biz for more information on the chamber, its upcoming events and how to join.

The McKinley Park News is a founding member of the Southwest Chamber of Commerce