01
Clean + Reset
Litter and debris removal, alley resets, coordinated bulk-item pickup.
Neighbor-led stewardship
We're not just building in Chicago. We're helping build it up.
Thrive Chicago brings residents, businesses, developers, and volunteers together to clean, green, and care for city blocks — one nominated block at a time.
From first cleanup to lasting upkeep — care that sticks.
How it works
A practical model for visible, lasting neighborhood care.
02
Green + Beautify
Flowers, planters, tree-bed care, approved landscaping.
03
Maintain + Steward
Return visits and seasonal upkeep, so improvements last.
04
Neighbor Assist
Snow shoveling, yard cleanup, and outdoor help for residents who need it.
05
Block Pride Projects
Resident-nominated fixes for the corner, storefront, or lot that needs it most.
06
Mobilize the Private Sector
A clear way for developers, businesses, and corporations to pitch in.
The process
From a neighbor's idea to a cared-for block.
- Nominate
Tell us about a block.
- Verify
We confirm it's safe, permitted, and fundable.
- Design
We build a simple project plan.
- Match
We line up sponsors, volunteers, and partners.
- Activate
We do the work, together.
- Maintain
We keep it looking that way.
“A block's condition shapes how people feel about it. Cleaner, greener, better-lit spaces are linked to greater pride, safety, and community trust.”
Our Leadership
Meet Our Board
The people behind Thrive Chicago bring together experience in real estate, business, law, nonprofit leadership, community development, and service — united by a commitment to creating meaningful change across Chicago.
Irina Bugatova
President & Secretary
Chicago real estate broker, investor, developer, and entrepreneur bringing more than a decade of experience in residential real estate, investment, renovation, and construction.
Timothy Rhoten
Vice President & Treasurer
Managing Broker, investor, entrepreneur, and longtime Chicago real estate professional with more than two decades of experience across residential and multifamily real estate, development, and investment.
Bradford Miller
Board Member
Founder of Bradford Miller Law, P.C. and an accomplished real estate attorney with extensive experience spanning real estate transactions, development, leasing, property matters, and civic involvement.
Leora Conway
Board Member
Nonprofit executive and strategic communications leader with more than 20 years of experience across philanthropy, public affairs, organizational growth, partnerships, and community engagement.
Learn more about the people helping guide Thrive Chicago’s mission.
Meet The Full Board
Care is a practice, not a one-day event.
About us
The condition of a block shapes the condition of the people who live there.
When a block looks neglected, that neglect becomes part of daily life. When it's clean, planted, and visibly cared for, it says something different: this place matters, and somebody is paying attention.
“A Chicago where every neighborhood feels cared for, valued, connected, and full of possibility.”
Our mission. We organize residents, volunteers, developers, corporations, local businesses, and civic partners around one goal: clean it, beautify it, maintain it, and measure the result.
Our founder's why. Thrive Chicago grows from a builder's mindset. Real estate development changes buildings, but a thriving city needs more — clean streets, cared-for public spaces, and neighbors who feel ownership over where they live. We're willing to get our hands dirty to make that happen.
Nominate your block
See a block that needs care? Tell us about it.
Nominate a corner, a lot, or a storefront strip — anywhere that could use cleanup, greening, or ongoing upkeep. We'll evaluate it for feasibility, safety, and impact, then bring together the partners to make it happen.
Fund the work
Every dollar goes into a block, not overhead.
Your gift funds the plants, materials, dumpsters, and follow-up visits that keep a block looking cared for long after the first cleanup day.
What could one cared-for block unlock for the next?
Choose an impact level
Giving will open once Thrive Chicago's charitable status is confirmed. No payment will be processed today.