Chicago's Journey Toward Equitable Transit-Oriented Development
Chicago has made notable strides in transit-oriented development in underserved areas, but challenges remain. A report highlights progress and future goals.
In the last five years, Chicago has embarked on a significant journey to enhance transit-oriented development (TOD), particularly in the historically underserved South and West sides. This initiative was galvanized by the 2021 adoption of the Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) plan, aiming to foster development that offers accessible and inclusive benefits without displacing existing communities.
The ETOD plan, a brainchild of city leaders, was designed to encourage development near public transit facilities, ensuring that neighborhoods that have often been overlooked receive the attention and investment they need. According to a recent report by Elevated Chicago, a coalition that includes community organizations and civic leaders, substantial progress has been made on over half of the 42 recommendations set out in the original plan. This progress is seen as a major achievement, though the report also notes that more work is needed to fully realize the plan's goals.
Key achievements include the adoption of the Connected Communities Ordinance in 2022, which reformed zoning laws to incentivize developers to build more housing units near transit zones, while reducing residential parking requirements. Additionally, the Chicago Recovery Plan allocated $10 million towards the first phase of an ETOD grant program, supporting mixed-use projects like Starling in North Lawndale and the Little Angels Learning Center in Englewood. These projects are indicative of the diversification of ETOD efforts, addressing community needs such as housing and local amenities.
Challenges remain, however, particularly in updating zoning codes to facilitate more diverse housing options like three-flats near transit zones—an issue highlighted by Juan Sebastian Arias, Executive Director of Elevated Chicago. These zoning reforms are crucial to preventing the loss of affordable housing units to single-family home conversions, which could undermine the ETOD efforts.
The city currently has over 100 ETOD projects in various stages of planning and development. While many are concentrated in the North Side, there is a growing focus on the South and West sides, particularly around the Green Line and the Red Line Extension. The report underscores the need for continued investment in these areas to ensure that the benefits of public transit accessibility are fully realized.
Looking ahead, collaboration between city officials, developers, and community organizations will be vital. The ETOD Working Group, co-chaired by Elevated Chicago and the mayor's office, continues to address key challenges such as zoning reforms and renter protections. There is also an ongoing effort to align ETOD with broader city initiatives to streamline development processes.
As Chicago endeavors to build a more connected, sustainable, and equitable city, the progress achieved thus far in transit-oriented development provides a promising foundation. However, the path forward will require sustained commitment and strategic collaboration to ensure all Chicagoans can benefit from these advancements.