Illinois

Chicago Looks to Boulder Landlord Registry as a Model for Tenant Protections
Unlike the Colorado city, where code violations in rental housing are quickly identified and fixed, Chicago lacks a robust system of inspection and enforcement.

Chicago Had a Banner Year for Bike Infrastructure
The city built more bike lane miles in 2023 than in any previous year.

Why Chicago Doesn’t Own its Parking Meters
More than a decade ago, the city sold control of its curb parking to private investors.

Chicago Transit Releases 2024 Budget
The agency projects modest ridership growth while aiming to make long-term investments in bus and rail improvements.

Chicago Mayor Calls for Permanent Rental Assistance
A proposed ordinance would extend a pilot program launched during the pandemic to support struggling renters and prevent evictions.

Historic Chicago School Building to Become Affordable Housing
The adaptive reuse project will create 50 income-restricted housing units and community amenities.

$2 Billion Federal Grant for Red Line Extension Project to Chicago’s South Side
A plan to extend the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Red Line 5.6 miles to the south won a $2 billion grant from the federal government.

Historic Victory for Environmental Justice on Chicago’s South Side
The city of Chicago has agreed to take significant steps to remediate decades of discriminatory zoning and land use policies.

Rail Electrification: Caltrain adds BEMUs to its EMU Order
Caltrain, the San Francisco-to-San Jose commuter railroad, plans to begin electrified operation next year on its 49-mile mainline. A 28-mile extension south to Gilroy would continue to be served by diesel trains, with one train powered by battery.

Chicago Transit Could See Consolidated Agencies, Fare Systems
A report makes recommendations for closing the region’s transit funding gap and improving service frequency and reliability.

Chicago Garage Becomes 72-Unit Apartment Building
The East Lakeview project is within easy walking distance of local businesses and transit.

Expanding Chicago TOD Zones Could Boost Transit Ridership
Data indicates broadening the definition of transit-oriented zones to include more of the city would put housing within easy reach of transit for more residents and increase ridership.

Chicago Approves Sidewalk Clearing Pilot
The new program will develop plans for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice to improve accessibility.

Chicago Flood Mitigation Scrambles to Keep up With Climate Change
The city’s geography and the growing intensity of storms due to climate change are making it difficult for local officials to prevent neighborhood flooding and wastewater spills.

Champaign-Urbana Awarded Grant to Electrify Bus Fleet
Funding from the Low or No Emission Vehicle federal program will help the city replace its buses with new electric and other zero- or low-emission vehicles.

An Interview with the APA President: Angela D. Brooks, FAICP
APA President Angela D. Brooks discusses a career focused on affordable housing, supportive housing, and joint-use facilities. The interview suggest ways for planners to help solve some of the biggest challenges facing the country today.

Chicago Adding to Electric Bus Fleet
The city is working toward its goal to fully convert its transit fleet to electric buses by 2040.

Illinois Legislators Pass Controversial I-55 Road Expansion Legislation
Legislation to enable the addition of express toll lanes on Interstate 55 in the Southwest Side of Chicago, opposed by environmental justice advocates, cleared the Illinois General Assembly last month.

Chicago Mayor Proposes Permanent Outdoor Dining Program
The mayor’s proposal would create permanent rules for restaurants wanting to continue using their Covid-era outdoor dining setups or build new ones.

Chicago-St. Louis Corridor Trains Cleared for 110-mph Speeds
Amtrak has final federal approval for train speeds of 110 miles per hour between Joliet and Alton, culminating almost ten years of planning and investing.
Pagination
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service