Illinois Legislature passes transit bill 🚇
We breathed a huge sigh of relief when we woke up on Halloween and read that the Illinois Legislature voted to save public transit from the fiscal cliff.
Investing in our public transit system will be transformative for Illinois, and a well-functioning public transit system underpins all of our housing advocacy efforts. Frequent, fast, and reliable public transit saves families money by reducing their automobile use, reduces our carbon footprint, and supports the types of dense, walkable, people-centered communities that we strive to build.
We are immensely proud of the coalition that fought tirelessly for the past few years to make this win a reality. Every organization we have partnered with since our founding played a part, demonstrating that we are stronger when we work together. There are too many orgs to name, but Better Streets Chicago deserves special recognition for keeping the pressure up and for their incredible ground game. We would also like to give a shout out to AHIL Lead Ben Wolfenstein for organizing multiple trips to Springfield to advocate for transit funding.
While we're already hearing about the benefits of increased transit funding (24-hour Orange Line service, anyone?), we try not to count our chickens before they hatch. Therefore, we look forward to celebrating transit with you after the bill is signed by Governor Pritzker. More details to come.
Let's win some statewide zoning reform next. 😉
Broadway: Rezoned ✅
On October 14th, the Zoning Committee voted 15-2 to approve the Broadway Land Use Framework. The framework standardizes zoning along Broadway from Montrose to Devon and allows up to 18,000 new homes on the corridor. AHIL delivered 765 letters in support of the ordinance and dozens of our members attended the meeting in person in a strong show of support.
As expected, October's Zoning Committee was spicy, and NIMBYs were notwell behaved:
"Alderman Lawson Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th Ward), the committee’s vice chair, struggled to keep order during the meeting, which was frequently disrupted by opponents of the plan, who heckled supporters. Lawson had several ejected from the chambers during the debate, which lasted nearly two hours." - WTTW
There are few places in Chicago where it is easier to live a car-free or car-lite lifestyle. Broadway parallels four brand-new CTA Red Line stations and there are a plethora of CTA bus routes to get you where you need to go. We cannot wait to see the corridor blossom into a pedestrian-friendly stretch filled with abundant housing in the coming years.
Help us thank Alders Clay and Manaa-Hoppenworth for supporting the Broadway rezoning! Click below to add your name to our e-card.
Sign the Broadway rezoning e-card! 💌
ADU-friendly territory is expanding 🏘
On September 25, 2025, Chicago City Council voted 46-0 in support of a new ADU ordinance. Key details of the new ordinance:
- Takes effect April 1, 2026
- Defines interior ADUs as "conversion units" and detached ADUs as "coach houses"
- Allows ADUs in all multifamily zoning districts (RT, RM), and mixed-use business and residential zoning districts (B1, B2, B3, C1, and C2)
- Allows ADUs in all RS zoning districts within the current five Pilot Areas
- Allows for removing parking to build an ADU via an administrative adjustment
- Contractors working on coach houses (but not conversion units) must participate in Registered Apprenticeship Programs
The initial eligibility area more than doubles the amount of Chicago where ADUs are allowed, from 12% to 29%. Thankfully, individual alders can opt-inpart or all of their ward. The map included above outlines the areas that alders have opted in, and the color denotes what, if any, ADU restrictions are applicable. For example, the navy blue area with the number "7" represents Julia Ramirez's 12th Ward (thank you, Julia!).
Our goal: get the entire city to the navy blue color (i.e., no owner occupancy requirement, no annual limits, and no administrative adjustment required).
To learn more about every detail of the ADU ordinance, we encourage folks to check out our Accessory Dwelling Unit FAQ.
Madison Street Corridor Vision 📝
In Spring 2025, the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) launched the Madison Street Corridor Study. The Study "seeks to create a community-oriented plan for land use, density and development along Madison Street on the West Side." As part of the visioning process, DPD created a survey to collect feedback on the proposal. We encourage our members to submit a survey response and request greater housing density.
What is the significance of the corridor study?
- Improves community buy-in and sets clear standards
- Reduces the need for contentious future rezoning battles
- Connects housing, transit, mobility, and economic issues
- The Broadway rezoning originated from a similar framework
Don't procrastinate; survey responses are due November 9th.