Abundant Housing Illinois Abundant Housing Illinois
Abundant Housing Illinois

We advocate for abundant housing and sustainable, inclusive cities throughout Illinois

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The Problem

Chicago is in the midst of a housing crisis. The cost of renting and buying in Chicago is going up because we don’t have enough homes for everyone in every neighborhood. We can help solve this problem by focusing on four things:

Our Priorities

A typical Chicago four-flat


Upzone Chicago

Chicago's four-flats are an iconic and affordable housing type, emblematic of the city. Sadly, constructing these homes is banned in about two-thirds of the city due to restrictive zoning laws. We advocate for reforms so that four-flats can be built on every block in every neighborhood. More homes = more options = lower prices.

A photo of a new housing development

Support Development

We advocate for more housing in all forms, from shelters to market rate developments. We do this by attending community meetings, either in-person or online, to voice our approval for abundant housing choices in our neighborhoods. We also show our support by signing petitions, sending letters, and meeting with our elected officials.

A photo of a new backyard ADU in Chicago's ADU pilot area

Legalize Coach Houses (ADUs)

Coach houses, or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), offer affordable housing in converted basements, attics, and backyards. They support multi-generational living and provide extra income to help low-income homeowners and retirees avoid displacement. We want to make it easier for people to build ADUs on their own land.

This is far too much parking for the demand


Eliminate Parking Mandates

Parking mandates require that developers create an oversupply of parking, often costing $30,000 to $50,000 per spot. This raises housing costs, limits supply, and drives up rents. Excessive parking stifles housing supply, hinders walkability, and lowers public transit use, which worsens traffic congestion. As a result of our activism, the Chicago city council has just passed meaningful parking reform which will make it easier to build in the city.

Get Involved

Take action

Contact officials, sign petitions, and take other action to push for change.

Current actions

Attend an event

Come to one of our social events, educational events, or chapter meetings.

Upcoming events

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Support our work for housing abundance, and join our online community.

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Our Solutions

Policies we support

Legalize Housing

Allow more housing in every neighborhood, especially historically affluent and exclusionary neighborhoods, removing barriers to both subsidized affordable and market rate housing

Fix Incentives

Reform structures that incentivize communities to say no to new homes, including tax systems and car centric transportation systems.

Streamline Permitting

Make housing permits fast and fair, removing arbitrary barriers to both subsidized affordable and market rate housing.

Increase Housing Stability

Enact policies that support current residents having stable housing choices amid growth.

Fund Affordable Housing

Increase funding for subsidized affordable housing through a wide variety of mechanisms, including direct subsidies.