A Chicago City Council vote to approve tax increment financing for the massive Lincoln Yards redevelopment proposal scored a surprising reversal and a big win for outgoing Mayor Rahm Emanuel, with an assist from Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot.

Last week, the Chicago City Council approved $2 billion in tax increment financing for the Lincoln Yards mega-development only 48 hours after outgoing Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced intentions to delay the vote to honor the desires of Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot. The latter's election was considered in small part a referendum on the project, given her public questioning of the project.
Shia Kapos and Arienne Hurst report that Mayor-elect Lightfoot was able to negotiate a few changes for the development, signing off on the agreement and helping clear the way for the City Council vote before taking office in May. More from Kapos and Hurst on Mayor-elect Lightfoot's public announcements on the project before last week's council vote:
“I am appreciative” of Emanuel and Finance Committee Chairman Patrick O’Connor “agreeing to defer Monday’s vote,” Lightfoot said in the statement, adding that after “subsequent discussions” with the mayor, community stakeholders and a number of aldermen “we expect that this deal is likely to pass.”
Lightfoot said she also had “productive meetings” with the Sterling Bay and Related Midwest development team. As a result of those conversations, the mayor-elect says “developers agreed to meaningfully strengthen their commitments to minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises” from $80 million to $400 million overall participation and that they would comply with “explicit controls” for the city to measure and require compliance. “These changes represent a vital sign that my administration will be able to make progress toward an equitable and fair deal for our communities.”
For additional background on the project, and the TIF that will help finance it, see also coverage by Jay Koziarz.
FULL STORY: BREAKING: LIGHTFOOT says yes to Lincoln Yards, 78 — BUTTIGIEG likes Chicago — PRITZKER rallies unions

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie