Newsletter: July 2023
July 15, 2023
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and classic Chicago two- and three-flats make up over 25% of all the homes in the city.
We're in the Tribune!
Last month, UE members Alec Schwengler and Richard Day published an op-ed in the Chicago Tribune describing our work surveying Chicago City Council members about various housing policies.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and classic Chicago two- and three-flats make up over 25% of all the homes in the city. They’re smaller and less expensive options for people to live close to jobs, schools, public transit, family, and other amenities. But zoning laws make it illegal to build new ones in most of the city today.
However, this could soon change. Alec and Richard found that a majority of the current Chicago City Council supports legalizing ADUs and three-flats citywide.
In another sign of ADU legalization continuing to gain traction, Alderman Bennett Lawson re-introduced an ordinance allowing ADUs citywide at the first City Council meeting of the new administration.
We're thrilled to have substantial City Council support for these critical missing middle housing solutions and we're excited to work with city staff to help turn the support for ADUs and three-flats into real solutions for housing affordability and walkability in Chicago.
Infill Podcast feat. Alderman Matt Martin
Last month, our Executive Director, Joanna Gubman, interviewed Alderman Matt Martin and IL Co-Lead Robert Spragg on an episode of YIMBY Action's Infill podcast. The topic of the podcast was "Urban Environmentalism in Chicago." We had a great time discussing the connections between housing, transit, and climate, the unique characteristics that Chicago has, and where we hope to focus our efforts in the coming year.
This was our first-ever podcast recording, so any feedback on the episode is highly welcomed!
Wicker Housing Win!
Back in May, we sent an email to 1st Ward residents encouraging them to complete Alderman La Spata's questionnaire and express support for new homes next to the Division Blue line station.
We're happy to announce that the majority of the responses his office received were supportive of the project, and that he submitted a letter of "no objection" to the zoning committee.
"Now, after collecting more than 100 digital responses from neighbors — a majority of which were in favor — the 1st Ward office said the proposals will move forward at Tuesday’s zoning meeting."
