Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Alderman Desmon Yancy have led the passage of Ordinance SO2023-00040859, which introduces new housing affordability protections in Jackson Park and surrounding neighborhoods. The measure aims to prevent displacement and ensure that local residents benefit from economic development in the area.

"We welcome development in Chicago while standing firm in our continued commitment ensuring all residents benefit from equitable growth,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This ordinance is a meaningful step in our mission to grow our city’s housing supply while increasing affordability in our neighborhoods. Importantly, this ordinance was designed in partnership with the community to ensure their ground-level needs are addressed by this legislation.”

The new law seeks to expand affordable housing options and proactively address gentrification pressures that could force long-time residents out of their communities.

“This is the continuation of the work started by Alderwoman Taylor and I’m honored to have worked with Alderwoman Taylor, Alderman Hall, the Obama CBA coalition and Southside Together, and Mayor Johnson to prevent displacement in the Jackson Park area,” said Alderman Desmon Yancy.

Dixon Romeo, Executive Director of South Side Together, stated: "This is a monumental step in the fight against displacement and a testament of the power of community organizing. This ordinance is going to positively impact Woodlawn, Greater Grand Crossing and South Shore neighborhoods. It's also a testament to co-governance as Mayor Johnson kept his promise to fight for and pass this ordinance, and we look forward to working in the future to win more protections."

Under the ordinance, 30 City-owned lots will be reserved for affordable housing developments including single-family homes, multi-unit buildings such as 2-flats through 4-units, condos, and rental units at affordable rates. A Right to Return Preference will prioritize leasing for those displaced from these areas since 2015.

Additional measures include a Property Tax Debt Relief Grant Pilot Program offering $5,000 grants for long-term homeowners facing property tax debt in South Shore, Englewood, and Lower West Side; support for rehabilitating vacant properties through grants favoring local developers who commit to maintaining affordability; and an Expanded Fair Notice Pilot requiring extended written notice before lease non-renewals.

These efforts are part of broader initiatives by the administration aimed at increasing access to affordable housing across Chicago’s historically underserved communities while preserving neighborhood stability.