Progress
progress by priority area
Our current Healthy Chicago 2025 plan supports all communities, particularly Black and Latinx Chicagoans, in working toward seven long-term priorities. We’re striving for our vision of a city where all people and all communities have power, are free from oppression, and are strengthened by equitable access to resources, environments, and opportunities that promote optimal health and well-being.
How do we measure progress? Healthy Chicago identified equity measures, or measurable goals, for each of the seven priority areas. We’ll compare data over time, as well as feedback from community residents, to measure our progress toward our vision.
Environment
Latest Update
Microsoft’s Project Eclipse, a community-driven air monitoring network, placed 100+ low-cost air pollution sensors across the city. Residents can scan QR codes at select CTA bus stops for real-time air quality.
Plan For Change
- Refine the Air Quality and Health Index and pursue new data sources with community input
- Form environmental equity working group
- Assess the cumulative impact of pollution at the local level
- Enhance policies related to zoning, environmental regulation, enforcement, and community participation
Equity Measures
- Reduce exposure to violence
- Increase buffers between sensitive/residential and industrial uses
Food Access
Latest Update
Launched Food Equity Council, a community co-led group focused on food policy and systems change. With funding from Greater Chicago Food Depository, a new position was created in the Mayor’s office to coordinate across city departments and sister agencies.
Plan For Change
- Publish a food environment map
- Establish a food policy initiative and advisory group to advance food equity and justice
- Use public health data to strengthen food policy, plans, and practices to increase equitable access to healthy food, strengthen the food safety net, and support local food producers and businesses
Equity Measures
- Increase healthy food access and food security
- Increase investment in local food producers and businesses
Health & Human Services
Latest Update
Many partners collaborated to create 211 Metro Chicago, a new website (211metrochicago.org) and call center to give residents an all-in-one source for health and human services information and referrals.
Plan For Change
- Evaluate and align funding across home assessment and repair programs
- Use health data to prioritize buildings for proactive healthy homes inspections
- Train developers to co-create health action plans with residents
- Apply health criteria to housing resource allocations, including the City’s Qualified Allocation Plan, Low-Income Housing Trust Fund, and TIF
Equity Measures
- Reduce health hazards in the home environment
- Increase availability of affordable and supportive housing
Housing
Latest Update
The 2021 Department of Housing Racial Equity Impact Assessment helped the City of Chicago change how it gives out housing subsidies. These changes focus on racial and geographic equity.
Plan For Change
- Evaluate and align funding across home assessment and repair programs
- Use health data to prioritize buildings for proactive healthy homes inspections
- Train developers to co-create health action plans with residents
- Apply health criteria to housing resource allocations, including the City’s Qualified Allocation Plan, Low-Income Housing Trust Fund, and TIF
Equity Measures
- Reduce health hazards in the home environment
- Increase availability of affordable and supportive housing
Neighborhood Planning & Development
Latest Update
City Council passed the Connected Communities ordinance. With leadership from the city and Elevated Chicago—a group focused on community development—we work toward fairer development of public spaces, buildings and vacant land around Chicago’s public transit.
Plan For Change
- Embed health equity measures and strategies in the Citywide Plan, TIF, Invest South/West and equitable transit-oriented development
- Train city personnel and support community partners to conduct Health and Race Equity Impact Assessments (HREIA) and walkability assessments
- Conduct HREIA and apply findings to decision-making
Equity Measures
- Increase public and private investment
- Increase community power in planning processes
Public Health System Organizations
Latest Update
CDPH is strengthening community leadership through the Healthy Chicago Equity Zones initiative, which funds local and community organizations to build partnerships that address health and racial equity.
Plan For Change
- Assess current practices, develop organizational goals, and participate in learning activities to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the public health system
- Adopt community engagement standards and processes
- Strengthen community leadership in public heath coalitions that address racial equity efforts, including the Partnership for Healthy Chicago
Equity Measures
- Increase diversity of workforce/leadership
- Increase availability of affordable and supportive housing
- Increase community engagement capacity
Public Safety
Latest Update
The Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (C.A.R.E.) program integrates behavioral health professionals into the city’s 911 response system. Mental health professionals now are available to respond to 911 mental health service calls. The city also is building crisis stabilization centers to serve individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Plan For Change
- Provide support and resources for community members, with a focus on youth, to lead public safety initiatives
- Make physical improvements to neighborhood spaces to promote mental wellness and prevent violence
- Advance a reform agenda that includes increased police accountability and reductions in negative engagement between community and policing systems.
Equity Measures
- Reduce exposure to violence
- Increase perceptions of safety and police accountability
HEALTHY CHICAGO IN ACTION
In the News 
Chicago Department of Public Health Begins Wastewater Testing for Polio
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will expand its existing wastewater surveillance program to begin testing for poliovirus.
Chicago Department of Public Health Releases New Rules for Rock Crushing Facilities to Strengthen Environmental and Public Health Protections
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today its new rules for Reprocessable Construction/Demolition Material Facilities (i.e., “rock crushing” facilities).
City of Chicago Reaches $23.8M Settlement Agreement with E-Cigarette Maker Juul Labs for Marketing and Selling Products to Underaged Youth
The City of Chicago announced today that a $23.8M settlement has been reached with JUUL Labs, a leading e-cigarette maker.
City of Chicago Announces New Initiatives to Combat the Opioid Epidemic Using Funds from Settlements with Pharmaceutical Companies
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today that the City of Chicago will implement new initiatives to address the ongoing opioid epidemic.
Videos 
Child Lead Wellness Check
Learn more about what to expect after your child’s wellness check at ages 1, 2, and 3 years of age.
HIV and the Journey Toward Zero
Join the Chicago Department of Public Health and our community partners for “HIV and the Journey Toward Zero.” Directed by award-winning filmmaker Chan C. Smith, the documentary highlights the stories of Midwestern survivors and sparks conversation around the “end of the epidemic.”
Photos 
