Mayor Lori Lightfoot

Chicago Illinois

‘We Will Chicago’ Plan Adopted in the Windy City

Chicago has its first “comprehensive plan” since the 1960s, but without a land use map, the “We Will Chicago” plan is devoted more to laying out the issues and challenges facing the city than setting new policies.

February 19, 2023 - Chicago Sun-Times

Runner passing the Chicago Theater are blurred as they pass by the camera for a race on the streets of Downtown Chicago.

Nascar Set to Race the Streets of Chicago Starting in 2023

Nascar races are a series of loops. Chicago has The Loop. Chicago also has a heated debate about traffic safety that probably doesn't have room for sponsored cars doing speeds upward of 100.

July 21, 2022 - Forbes

Chicago Transit Authority Green Line Train at 35th-Bronzeville-IIT

Chicago Updating its Climate Action Plan for 2022

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Earth Day announced the forthcoming release of a new plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare communities for the effects of climate change.

April 28, 2022 - Streetsblog Chicago

Marijuana

Zoning Change to Create More Marijuana Business Opportunities in Chicago

By opening more of downtown Chicago to pot shops, the city hopes that more minority businesses owners can get in on the lucrative business of marijuana.

September 9, 2021 - The Chicago Tribune

Chicago Transit

Chicago's New Strategic Plan for Transportation Prioritizes Equity and Accountability

The plan calls for safer streets, more equitable distribution of resources, and expanded community engagement.

August 1, 2021 - Streetsblog Chicago

CTA

New Approach to Capital Investment Expected in Chicago

Mayor Lori Lightfoot is readying a new capital investment plan that will spur the local economy and change the way the city apportions its infrastructure funding.

November 8, 2020 - Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago, Illinois

Advocates Urge Mayor Lightfoot to Keep Transit Running in the Event of Post-Election Unrest

Nine organizations signed a petition to prioritize access to transit during potential post-election protests.

October 22, 2020 - WTTW

CTA Buses

Pop-Up Bus Lanes Coming to Chicago

New pop-up bus lanes on two of the most heavily traveled bus routes in Chicago will help move essential workers more efficiently during the pandemic.

September 24, 2020 - Smart Cities Dive

Coronavirus and COVID-19

Chicago Has a Plan for Recovery

Chicago's COVID-19 Recovery Task Force, launched and chaired by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, has produced a detailed plan for leading the city out of the pandemic.

July 22, 2020 - Governing

Chicago, Illinois

Tax Increment Financing Reforms Promised by Chicago Mayor Lightfoot

The controversial tax break known as TIF looks headed for reforms in the Windy City, as Mayor Lori Lightfoot promises reforms that ensure more equitable application of the benefits of TIF.

February 11, 2020 - Chicago Tribune

The Bloomingdale Trail

Proposed Development Moratorium Near Chicago's 606 Linear Park Causes Political Spat

Two aldermen want to halt all development activity The 606, also known as the Bloomingdale Trail, in Chicago to slow gentrification near the popular linear park.

January 16, 2020 - Chicago Tribune

Southside Chicago

Proposed $20 Billion Chicago Megaproject Gets Reprieve

The 34-acre One Central project still faces opposition, but an extension on a federal loan application could give it a much-needed boost.

January 6, 2020 - The Real Deal

Chicago Commuter Rail

What's Hindering Regional Transportation in the U.S.?

Public transportation that serves regional areas makes sense, but the United States has been slow to pursue strategies and policies that foster these types of systems.

September 29, 2019 - the transport politic

Street Construction

A Traffic Safety Commitment for Chicago's West Side

Transportation planning will take on a much more safety-oriented focus according to the West Side Vision Zero Traffic Safety Plan announced last week.

September 16, 2019 - Streetsblog Chicago

Casino

Large Doses of Skepticism for Chicago Casinos

The idea of a casino in Chicago didn't sound like a good idea to a state-hire consultant, nor does it seem like the city's Pulitzer Prize winning architecture critic likes the idea either.

August 18, 2019 - Chicago Tribune

Interstate 94

Maurice Cox Departs Detroit to Lead Planning Chicago

The highly praised head of planning in Detroit will assume the same role in Chicago.

August 8, 2019 - CBS Chicago

Chicago Transit

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.

June 29, 2019 - Chicago Tribune

Chicago, Illinois

Editorial Board Calls for Tax Increment Financing Reform in Chicago

The Chicago Tribune says the city of Chicago can't be trusted with tax increment financing (TIF), so it's time for a do-over.

June 25, 2019 - Chicago Tribune

Street Design

Op-Ed: Good Design Isn't Just for Downtowns

Richard Driehaus attests to the importance of intentional, context-oriented design on the neighborhood level.

June 16, 2019 - Crain's Chicago Business

Southside Chicago

Many Contender Sites for Chicago Casino

The decision about where to locate a new casino project depends on competing goals—to maximize revenues or bring jobs and development to neighborhoods that need them.

June 13, 2019 - Chicago Tribune

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

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Websites

The best of the Internet—since 2002.

Top Apps

Planning apps for a brave new world.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

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.