Updates from the chapter
Tonight at 6pm virtually, Ald. Curtis will provide an update on the Ford City development. The most recent version of this proposal contained no new homes or mixed-use, only an industrial campus. taftlaw.zoom.us/j/91990286192
"Chicago’s 3,916 new units ranked just ahead of Omaha, Nebraska (at 3,776). Suburban Cook County permitted just 1,053 units in 2025."
Oak Park has been suffering from a propaganda campaign about their proposed zoning changes, and the people living there are being told their homes will be demolished. This is not true, despite what a viral video claims. www.chicagobusiness.com/real-estate/...
We are here at a packed house in Oak Park for the first information session over Shape Oak Park, a “strategic update of the zoning code to create more opportunities for Missing Middle Housing”.
"Under the city’s comprehensive plan, low-density uses are called for. That means dwellings are encouraged to fall between 0-4 units/acre. The proposed development calls for 4.4 units/acre, however."
Oswego has a proposal for single-family and townhomes on an open parcel between a high school and existing multiplexes. '“I think what we’re looking for is a design that is a little more open, rather than so dense,” Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Charlie Pajor said during the meeting.'
Go to oak-park.us/ShapeOakPark or attend the first of a series of community meetings to learn about the Shape Oak Park proposal, expanding housing options throughout the Village! 6:30-8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14 Community Recreation Center, 229 Madison St., Oak Park, IL
Yes in God's Backyard? Find out more about how Illinois can build housing on land owned by faith-based organizations: abundanthousingillinois.org/resources/ye...
Oak Park is rewriting its zoning code and wants to hear from you. Open houses run through 9/24 — start here: Mon 9/14, 6:30 PM: Community Rec Center Sat 9/19, 10 AM: Farmers Market & 1 PM: Main Library Yes Oak Park is leading pro-housing turnout: facebook.com/groups/yesoakpark
We are very excited for @nitachicago.bsky.social to exercise it's new authority and mandate to develop transit-supportive land use!
Need an intro to how zoning works in Chicago? @metroplanning.bsky.social is hosting four info sessions at @chipublib.bsky.social locations this fall. The first one is tonight at the Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch!
"Single-stair buildings are 1 commonsense strategy, especially considering what other cities and states have done," Ald. Martin said. "Chicago is increasingly out of steps with peers." We advocate for single stair in small multifamily buildings because they are safe and allow more bedrooms.
Events
Oct
07
Abundant Housing Illinois + Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth for 48th October Happy Hour and Fundraiser
Wed 4:30 PM
Who we're endorsing
We haven't made our endorsements for this cycle yetMembers vote on every endorsement. Join the chapter to help decide who we back.
Resources
Guides and reference from Abundant Housing Illinois.
This page will be updated as more information about the act becomes available.
AHIL statement on Governor Pritzker's BUILD Act
Statement on Building Up Illinois Developments (BUILD) from Housing Organizations
FACT SHEET:
Building Up Illinois Developments (BUILD)
Gov. Pritzker’s Affordability Agenda Proposes Suite of Housing Solutions to Cut Red Tape, Increase Supply, and Lower Costs
Working families are struggling to buy or rent a home because the United States, including Illinois, is facing a housing crisis. Illinois is short about 142,000 housing units and will need to build over 225,000 units in five years to keep up with growing demand. With few housing options to choose from, Illinoisans are spending more of their income on housing – oftentimes in inadequate spaces for their families.
Developer demand to build is high, but red tape gets in the way. A patchwork of different local building restrictions makes it harder for developers to get permits to build, driving up the costs of building new housing. In the past five years alone, the number of home listings has dropped 64 percent and new construction permits have dipped to 13 percent.
As part of Governor Pritzker’s Affordability Agenda, Illinois is proposing a comprehensive approach to expand housing for working families by accelerating homebuilding through a holistic, coordinated strategy that combines legislative reform, targeted capital investment, and innovative financial tools.
Unlock existing housing potential in communities across Illinois:
- Legalize a wider range of family friendly housing types (duplexes, triplexes, four-flats, etc.) statewide, expanding access to homes families can afford.
- Allow homeowners to boost their income and increase housing supply by allowing them to add Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs, like granny flats, backyard cottages, or above-garage apartments) to existing property.
- Let developers build more housing with fewer and more sensible parking space requirements.
Cut red tape to build housing faster and more economical: - Streamline the permitting process to give developers clear, predictable timelines for housing permit reviews and inspections
Frequently asked questions
How we work
Reform the rules
Back zoning reform and streamlined permitting so more homes are legal to build, especially near transit and jobs.
Educate & engage
Turn out residents to the meetings that matter and make it easy to take a pro-housing position on local projects.
Build partnerships
Work with neighbors, labor, faith groups, and builders toward a shared abundant-housing agenda.
Abundant Housing Illinois is a chapter of YIMBY Action.
One of the local groups organizing for more homes across the country, backed by the national team.