Policy analysis and ideas on how to make Chicago work better.
Chicago, IL
Joined January 2022
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“Candidates are already starting to roll out policy proposals. Voters should watch out for empty promises to build some eyepopping number of units, “streamline” permitting or that old standby: “cut red tape.”
“Chicagoans should look for candidates that clearly explain the causes of the city’s shortage, and are willing to make specific policy commitments that reflect the scale of the problem we face.“
Housing and affordability are two of the most pressing issues in upcoming elections, including Chicago’s mayoral race. The upcoming mayor will have to go beyond mere promises of “streamlining” and take tangible steps.
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“It is also not a mystery why Chicago builds so much less than other cities. To start, our zoning code severely restricts the allowable height and density across much of the city.”
A City That Works retweeted
Come hang out with the City That Works team and meet a bunch of great candidates for Chicago’s School Board this Thursday. Join @biggs4chicago, Anthony Hargrove, and @Isaiah4CPS at the Goose Island Salt Shed Pub from 5-7pm. luma.com/o32e7cw6
Amongst other major cities in 2025, Chicago ranked dead last in housing construction. For a city of over 2.6 million residents, this ranking is not only an indictment against our cumbersome regulatory environment but threatens our city’s affordability and population growth.
Chicago must address its building and zoning codes, rework its permitting process, and address high taxes and regulation that have sent development elsewhere.
Read more about solutions to our housing crisis:
citythatworks.substack.com/p…
A City That Works’ voter guide for 2026 midterm elections is here. Our recommendations prioritize competent governance and sensible ideas that will steer Chicago in a pro-growth direction. 🏙️ 📈
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Make sure you are registered to vote and have a plan in time for the election on Tuesday, November 3rd. Early voting is already open in downtown Chicago. 🗳️
chicagoelections.gov
With Chicago facing a projected $85.1 million budget shortfall this year, harder decisions will likely be necessary to balance the budget by December, even with the city’s risky decision to refinance bonds last week.
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“That doesn’t mean refinancing is inherently a bad idea – it’s also bad to keep rolling the dice over and over and hoping for better conditions down the road – but it does mean we’re going to have to look elsewhere to close the budget gap.”
November’s upcoming election for Chicago’s first fully-elected school board can be divided into two camps: those backed by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and those backed by a mix of moderate and business groups. 🧵
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“But as the policy demands of the CTU have advanced over the last few years, the politics have shifted dramatically. Most notably, the SEIU, which has long been a close ally of the CTU, is now endorsing non-CTU candidates in a number of races across the city.