Our Mission

To create a positive identity for South East Oak Park and to empower its citizens to act on behalf of their neighborhood

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Our Cultural Beliefs

Public Safety

an open community where everyone feels safe and respected

Transportation

a walkable community sustainably connected to the world

Economic Development and Planning

a prosperous community where people invest their time, energy, and talents

Community Pride and Outreach

a unique and diverse community where residents are connected to each other and to a larger purpose

Civic Engagement

a resilient community able to respond to change

From the Blog

  • SEOP stories – Melissa Elsmo

    SEOP stories – Melissa Elsmo

    We’re excited to share another SEOP story. Meet Melissa Elsmo, from the 1150 block of Taylor Ave. SEOPCO: Tell us a little about yourself. ME: My husband, Leif, and I bought our home in SEOP more than 20 years ago. We fell in love with our tiny bungalow and our SEOP community immediately. We raised…


  • SEOP Stories – Billy Kunz

    SEOP Stories – Billy Kunz

    Family is on everyone’s mind this time of year, and we’re proud to share another SEOPCO Story, of someone who raised their children in Southeast OP. Meet Billy Kunz! William (Billy) Kunz lives on the 1150 block of South Lombard. He’s a retired CTA bus driver and yogi who enjoys READING, his grandchildren, and travel…


  • SEOP stories – Tim Giuffi

    SEOP stories – Tim Giuffi

    Meet Tim Giuffi, of Lyman Avenue Bread. Q. Where do you live? A. 1100 Block of Lyman Ave. Q. Tell us a little about yourself. A. Born and raised in Brooklyn; began baking sourdough bread as a hobby when I became a stay-at-home dad six years ago…which has since turned into a small home based…


  • SEOP stories – Jim Kelly

    SEOP stories – Jim Kelly

    We want to share some of the stories of our neighbors in South East Oak Park and there’s really no one better to start with than Jim Kelly. Jim was one of the founders of SEOPCO in 2003. He was one of a small group of people inspired to form a community organization that would…


  • 2020 Accomplishments

    Carried out in March our first ever Cabin Fever event at Oak Park Friends School, featuring musician Mark Dvorak. SEOPCO collaborated with two important organizations, Beyond Hunger and Music & Potlucks. Initiated a meeting with neighbors and five leading Oak Park officials to discuss the proposed Taco Bell at Roosevelt and Austin in February. Neighborhood…