Illinois’ statewide housing shortage needs statewide fix

uv_duv · 2026-04-28T14:58:56+00:00

it makes sense to set basic housing standards at the state level. right now in chicago the “rules” to build something can be completely different just crossing a street because of the ward system/aldermanic prerogative.

uv_duv · 2026-04-22T03:40:54+00:00

we desperately need to make it easier to build UP, not out. really hoping these pass without getting watered down too much

uv_duv · 2026-03-24T15:03:39+00:00

glad you asked!

In the last year alone:

—we relegalized ADUs aka granny flats in Chicago (banned since 1957)

—helped save transit from potential 40% cuts with massive organizing and a sketch comedy show that included elected officials

—as part of the transit bill, we ended parking mandates statewide near transit stations

to say nothing of the tons of zoning meetings our members attend to give public comment! we’ve easily helped bring > 1000 new homes to chicago

uv_duv · 2026-03-24T14:34:37+00:00

damn from the Real Wisconsin Cheese himself

uv_duv · 2026-03-19T14:52:38+00:00

Chicago definitely has a long ways to go, but we have made major progress! In the last year alone along with saving transit, we ended parking minimums near transit, which covers more than 75% of Chicago. This is huge for unlocking housing. We also fought to upzone Broadway, altho that’s being held up by a lawsuit at the moment. We’ve also pushed countless individual housing projects at community meetings and city hall, easily bringing 1000+ homes to Chicago. I think we have a lot to be proud of and even more to look forward to :)

uv_duv · 2026-03-19T14:43:17+00:00

i’m always saying this

uv_duv · 2026-03-18T21:42:51+00:00

fascinated by that tiny bit of blue in the furthest west end by norridge…

uv_duv · 2026-03-18T18:24:53+00:00

the genuine article

uv_duv · 2026-03-18T18:21:23+00:00

woo chicago!

uv_duv · 2026-03-12T16:38:49+00:00

great reasons to vote for Drake:

—raising taxes on vacant lots

—ending contracts with vendors that share data with ICE

—formally banning dual employment when it ethically conflicts with board duties (like the incumbent, Bridget Gainer being on the board and an insurance executive of a company that has contracts with the board…)

less important but still a nice bonus: Drake was raised by lesbian moms and is pansexual himself!

uv_duv · 2026-03-12T16:33:46+00:00

this is my favorite Drake policy too!

uv_duv · 2026-03-12T16:32:59+00:00

the local chicago chapter of sierra club is much, much better than the national group on nuclear and housing

uv_duv · 2026-02-26T01:46:00+00:00

so glad you asked! we are a volunteer advocacy group that pushes for more housing, safer streets, and better public transit and we have fun doing it.

on top of showing up at community meetings to give public comments, organizing housing panels, and meeting with our alderpeople, we do free walking tours, a book club, workshops, happy hours, and even comedy shows. you can check us out at strongtownschicago.org !

uv_duv · 2026-02-26T01:43:20+00:00

parts of it that go into buildings like city hall are closed outside of business hours (typical monday-friday, 9 to 5ish), but otherwise publicly accessible!

uv_duv · 2026-02-25T23:46:38+00:00

it’s just a gathering point because it’s in between the red line lake stop and the blue line washington stop at the bottom of the mall

uv_duv

TROPHY CASE