@acitythatworks

Policy analysis and ideas on how to make Chicago work better.

 Chicago, IL
citythatworks.substack.com/
Joined January 2022
  • Tweets194
  • Following146
  • Followers1.2K
34Media
From fragmented systems to inefficient application processes, Illinois makes it far too laborious to finance affordable housing compared to other states. That needs to change. Feat. @ChiGrowthProj President, Adam Drakulic citythatworks.substack.com/p…
2
2
223
more replies
“The Governor’s office should direct IHDA to lead a common application and coordinated funding process with Chicago’s Department of Housing, CHA, and participating county and municipal housing agencies.”
1
70
“Illinois already makes major public investments in affordable housing. It should get more homes, faster, from the dollars we are already committing. The Governor, IHDA, and local housing funders should put the money we already commit to work together.”
71
“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.”
1
29
“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.“
1
58
“But most importantly, while the politics of zoning and code reform is challenging, the political cost of rising rents is far worse. As Republicans are about to learn in the upcoming midterm elections, the “affordability crisis” is not just a slogan for the campaign trail.”
1
60
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. citythatworks.substack.com/p…
2
208
more replies
“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.”
1
39
“Chicago also has some of the highest construction costs in the country, trailing just New York and the Bay Area. That’s a function of a highly restrictive building code that applies limits on wood frame construction and PVC piping.”
1
25
A City That Works retweeted
Richard Day@richsdayOct 13
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
1
2
14
556
Can Chicago truly be “world-class” when it built less homes than Omaha, Nebraska did in 2025?
1
7
26
775
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.
1
2
8
227
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…
2
3
126
A City That Works retweeted
Michael McLean
@cornoisseurOct 12
Replying to @cornoisseur @acitythatworks
@richsday @ConDurkin
1
1
1
297
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. 🏙️ 📈 citythatworks.substack.com/p…
3
5
13
1,025
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
142
Load more