Chicago's Pay-to-Play Zoning Redux

A continuation of the series of articles from the Chicago Tribune that look at zoning and the politics that shape the city's land use.

1 minute read

February 12, 2008, 5:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"Compare and contrast results of the Chicago tradition of aldermanic prerogative and the cozy relationships that guide zoning decisions in the city."

"After nearly 50 years, in 2002 Chicago re-wrote its Zoning Ordinance to better reflect the current market realities. Rather than follow that law that guides how zoning changes are to be evaluated, in Chicago's 11th Ward--home to the Daley family political dynasty--the current alderman seeks zoning advice from the party committeeman (a Daley) and zoning changes appear to be negotiable (as long as you play along)."

Thanks to Lynn Stevens

Saturday, February 9, 2008 in The Chicago Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

June 18, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Two people walking away from camera through pedestrian plaza in street in Richmond, Virginia with purple and white city bus moving in background.

Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA

The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.

June 17, 2025 - WRIC

Two small wooden one-story homes in Florida with floodwaters at their doors.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?

With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

June 16, 2025 - Governing

Low view of row of red, grey, and black Tesla electric cars.

Texas Safety Advocates Raise Alarm in Advance of Tesla Robotaxi Launch

The company plans to deploy self-driving taxis in Austin with no oversight from state or local transportation agencies.

4 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

San Francisco Muni bus on street, line 14 with MISSION - Ferry Plaza" on front marquee.

How to Fund SF’s Muni Without Cutting Service

Three solutions for bridging the San Francisco transit agency’s budget gap without reducing service for transit-dependent riders.

5 hours ago - San Francisco Chronicle

Blue Austin public transit bus with graphic reading "I ride to keep the city clean and earth happy."

Austin Tests Self-Driving Bus

Autonomous buses could improve bus yard operations for electric fleets, according to CapMetro.

6 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive