Founded in 1947, BAPA is a model for grassroots community organizing, bringing together staff and volunteers to advocate for all aspects of neighborhood living. Program areas include community safety, housing, historic preservation, school support, and business development. BAPA represents the community on issues ranging from supporting crime prevention initiatives to preserving the historic integrity of homes to facilitating programs designed to strengthen the schools.

BAPA publishes The Villager, a monthly newspaper covering neighborhood people, places and events, and hosts this website. 

BAPA may be best known for its special events such as the Beverly Hills/Morgan Park Home Tour, now in its fourth decade of showcasing spectacular neighborhood architecture, and the Ridge Run, one of Chicagoland’s most popular 10K races.