CHICAGO (STMW) – Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Saturday the creation of a new department designed to link city departments with communities throughout the city.

The goal of the new Office of Public Engagement is to better connect community members to city resources, according to a release from the mayor’s office.

“Chicago is a city of communities and our diverse communities are what make Chicago great,” Emanuel said in the release. “One of our goals is to ensure we are doing everything possible to reach out to each and every community, engage them in working to improve our city, and to make government services and assistance available.”

The new office will work with the Office of New Americans, Commission on Human Relations, Faith Outreach, Civic Engagement and Service (formerly the Chief Service Officer) and Chicago Alternative Policing Strategies (CAPS), as well as external and community affairs representatives from city departments and sister agencies, according to the release.

The office will also collaborate with neighborhood and civic organizations, nonprofits, policy advisory groups to enhance community outreach and engagement efforts.

Felicia Davis, the mayor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, will lead the creation of the new Office of Public Engagement, the release said.

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