The Congestion Pricing Movement Comes to Chicago

A large, powerful coalition of advocacy groups, local universities, and other organizations sent a letter to Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to consider congestion pricing for single-occupant automobile trips in the city's core.

1 minute read

June 29, 2019, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Chicago Transit

JW_PNW / Shutterstock

"Transit advocates and public policy groups are asking Mayor Lori Lightfoot to consider imposing 'congestion pricing' fees to help cut traffic in busy areas during rush hour," according to an article by Mary Wisniewski.

Making the case for congestion pricing in Chicago: a letter signed by representatives of the Active Transportation Alliance, the Metropolitan Planning Council, the Center for Neighborhood Technology, the Shared-Use Mobility Center, transportation experts from DePaul University and the University of Illinois at Chicago, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and the Via ride-share service.

"The letter recommends that single-passenger trips that start and finish in transit-rich areas during rush hour should come with a high fee, while shared trips to and from 'transit deserts' and low-income areas should be exempted or have a much lower fee," according to Wisniewski.

On the receiving end, Mayor Lightfoot's administration has shown a willingness to experiment with new funding mechanisms for transportation, though it hasn't shown specific support for congestion pricing, yet.

Friday, June 28, 2019 in Chicago Tribune

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

6 hours ago - Anchorage Daily News

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

7 hours ago - Governing

Aerial view of mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter with snow at dusk.

Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing

Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.

March 28 - CBS News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.