The former president's Obama Presidential Center, to be constructed in Chicago's Jackson Park, has faced opposition from nearby residents concerned about its effects on the area.

A committee of Chicago's City Council has approved an agreement laying out how the Obama Foundation can use its Jackson Park site. Lolly Bowean reports, "for the first time, the committee revealed language in the legislation that seeks to protect current homeowners and residents who live closest to the selected site. As part of their agreement, which the panel approved unanimously, the city will monitor property values and other indicators of demographic changes near the center site. If there are dramatic changes, the city will implement measures to keep residents in their homes [...]"
The legislation, however, does not stipulate the exact nature of those measures. Some residents, who have advocated for a community benefits agreement with the Obama Foundation, are "unsatisfied." The full City Council will vote on the agreement on Oct. 31.
Community activists have waged various campaigns to influence the direction of the future Presidential Center. "The new language about property values was the latest in a series of steps the Obama Foundation and city officials have taken to address concerns related to the $500 million development. In January, the foundation scrapped plans for an aboveground parking garage after some community activists opposed it."
See also: First Look at the Future Obama Presidential Center
FULL STORY: Council panel approves agreement with Obama Foundation over use of Jackson Park

Minneapolis Housing Plan a Success—Not for the Reason You Think
Housing advocates praise the city’s move to eliminate single-family zoning by legalizing triplexes on single-family lots, but that isn’t why housing construction is growing.

New White House Housing Initiative Includes Zoning Reform Incentives
The Biden administration this morning released a new program of actions intended to spur housing construction around the United States.

‘Mega-Landlords’ Threaten Housing Stability for Renters
As institutional investors buy up a larger share of single-family homes, the families renting them are increasingly vulnerable to rent increases and eviction.

More Funds to Transform the Puente Hills Landfill into a Regional Park
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors just approved an additional $28 million to support the development of the Puente Hills Regional Park at the landfill site.

Denver Freeway Widening Plans on Hold
The Colorado Department of Transportation’s plan to widen the Interstate 25 freeway through Denver is one of a few plans to widen urban freeways under consideration in the United States.

Public Perceptions of Sprawl and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Urban density has a bad reputation.
Clarion Associates
Urban Planning Partners
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Redwood City
City of Rohnert Park
City of Hot Springs
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