Chicago's Pay-to-Play Zoning

Aldermanic prerogative and well-timed political campaign contributions spell U-P-Z-O-N-E in Chicago. "The real zoning code in Chicago is unwritten, but developers know it well: Changes in zoning go hand in hand with contributions to aldermanic campaigns."

"In an unprecedented investigation of city development, the Tribune examined 5,700 zoning changes approved by the City Council over the last decade...."

"Anyone driving around town has seen how the face of Chicago has been transformed:" condo canyons, French embassies stick out among traditional cottages and two-flats.

First in a series of articles on zoning tradition in Chicago, followed by a look at community groups' input in the process and additional cozy relationships.

Thanks to Lynn Stevens