STREET VENDORS OF CHICAGO

For over a century, street vendors have been a vital part of various neighborhoods across Chicago. Navigating the city’s ordinances, restrictions, and rules have proven to be difficult for many vendors. For areas such as Little Village, Pilsen and Back Of The Yards, street vendors are a signature of these predominantly Mexican communities.  Until 2015 street vending was illegal. Street vendors were harassed by the police and health inspectors for lack of licensing. Although street vending is allowed in Chicago, the process to get licensed to street vend is even more difficult and costly. As a result, many street vendors remain in the shadows, unable to grow and develop their businesses. Today, street Vendors, such as Maria Mendez and Asociación de Vendedores Ambulantes, are organizing and advocating for an accessible and easy pathway to licensing.