Soon, Chicago's City Council will vote to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) across the city. The vote is still divided and there are many undecided alderpersons. To increase the voting margin, Abundant Housing Illinois and Strong Towns Chicago partnered and presented "ADU Advocacy 101" with special guests from AARP Illinois ("AARP") and Urban Land Institute Chicago ("ULI Chicago").
In the webinar, led by Abundant Housing Illinois member Josh Chodor, speakers made the case that housing advocates should support ADUs, and contact their alderpersons to either thank them or ask them to vote in favor of ADUs. Speakers provided a history of ADUs in Chicago (from the 1950s to now) and talking points that advocates can adapt into their outreach. Finally, Josh explained how to attend City Council meetings for the planned large showing of support.
History of ADUs
Swasti Shah is a planner and Director of Community Engagement for ULI Chicago, and was a manager of the ADU task force in 2019-2020 that involved city officials, developers, architects, and housing advocates. She explained what ADUs are, their benefits, and why allowing them is so important to resolve some of the housing issues in Chicago. She also talked about some of the challenges in the city's codes that inhibit the reuse of residential properties and developing new ADUs, and mentioned some of the best practices of ADU ordinances. Ald. Lawson's proposed ordinance, which was approved by the City Council's zoning committee on July 15, incorporates many of these best practices.
Talking points about ADUs
I've selected a handful of talking points from Adam Ballard's presentation. Watch the full video or open the slideshow to view all of them.
- They support multigenerational living, provide housing for caregivers, and offer rental income to homeowners.
- AARP found that 69% of adults 50+ would consider living in an ADU to be close to family while maintaining independence.
- ADUs cost significantly less to build than traditional homes—average ADU construction in California is $166,500, compared to $494,859 for a single-family home.
- In cities like Portland and Seattle, 60% of ADUs are rented below market rate, making them a viable affordable housing option.
- Homeowners often use ADUs to offset mortgage payments, property taxes, or unexpected expenses.
Advocacy for ADUs
Steven Vance, a co-lead for Abundant Housing Illinois, talked about the three ways that Abundant Housing Illinois is asking its members and housing advocates to engage with their alderpersons in the short time between the webinar and the vote.
- Sign the petition before September 24.
- Find fellow members in the same Ward as you to request a meeting or a scheduled phone call to discuss the alderperson's decisionmaking process for ADUs and express the group's support for them. Coordinate in either the Abundant Housing Illinois or Strong Towns Chicago Slacks for this, calling on Josh and Steven for help. There are specific wards that we are focusing our advocacy on; please access the Abundant Housing Illinois Slack to find the latest list.
- If a meeting cannot happen, email your alderperson directly, asking for their support of ordinance "SO2024-0008918". Tell a personal story about why ADUs are important to you, and freely incorporate Adam's talking points.
Attending City Council meeting on 9/25/25
City Council will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 10 AM. In the meeting the alderpersons will vote on Ald. Lawson's ADU ordinance, SO2024-0008918, some time after the public comment period.
If you are planning to give a public comment please show up by 9:30 to 9:45 AM to sign up. There will likely be a lottery and you may not be selected.
You can optionally RSVP with Abundant Housing Illinois, to add to your calendar and to ensure you receive any last-minute information we may provide.