Chicago needs more affordable housing and more vibrant commercial corridors across the city. This is a complex, multilayered problem created by a range of factors, many of which are not in the direct control of City government. However, we recognize that the City of Chicago does play a major role in influencing the types, kinds, and locations of developments built. The City’s review processes (entitlements, financing, construction, compliance, etc.) can slow down necessary production and rehabilitation work. We have heard feedback from stakeholders across sectors that our processes should be clearer, more responsive, and less burdensome.

On December 11, 2023, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order requiring 14 City departments to evaluate their existing processes and propose solutions to accelerate approval timelines. This work resulted in more than 100 recommendations.