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.
“Yes, in God’s Backyard”
A New Tool for Affordable Housing
HB5083 / SB3187 Empowers Faith-Based Organizations to Solve the Housing Shortage
The bill has been replaced by SB0635 SFA2 - download fact sheet YIGBY SB635 - Status Update 5.29.26
Challenge
Faith-based organizations ("FBO", including churches, synagogues, mosques, etc.) often own or steward land that could be developed to address the housing shortage in Illinois, but face significant bureaucratic hurdles and inexperience developing property.
Consider a congregation that owns their building which has deferred maintenance and the congregation is at risk of having to raise significant funds from its members or relocate. With YIGBY in place the congregation could develop, or partner with a developer, to build housing on its property and use some of the revenue to fund a renovation project.
- Subjective barriers: Current zoning processes often require discretionary or political approvals that often delay projects to the point that they are withdrawn.
- Uncertainty: Faith-based groups may lack legal and professional resources to navigate the development process. Character objections and arbitrary zoning constraints prevent them from utilizing their own property to serve their communities.
Solution
Create a statewide option to remove barriers for housing on faith-based land
The YIGBY Act establishes a uniform review process. If a faith-based organization’s housing proposal meets objective safety and building codes, local governments must approve it – eliminating veto points that are leveraged to stop new housing. This ensures that FBOs can responsibly develop their land to provide multifamily and supportive housing, while still adhering to essential health and safety regulations.
Key provisions
Who qualifies?
- Faith-based organizations: Religious corporations, congregations, and affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
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.