Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Policy & Planning

Rendering of an affordable TOD by 43rd Street Green Line stop.

Chicago housing department says it will prioritize racial equity in affordable housing resources

By Courtney Cobbs | Mar 16, 2021 | No Comments

The racial equity impact assessment will help ensure that developments supported by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits are equitably allocated to address the needs of BIPOC communities.

State rep Deanne Mazzochi is trying to ban red light cameras statewide, including in Chicago.

New data confirms red light cams save lives, IL politicians once again threaten to ban them

By John Greenfield | Mar 16, 2021 | No Comments

Data provided by CDOT shows injury crashes dropped 40 percent at RLC intersections between 2005 and 2018. Stats from other cities indicate that if lawmakers ban them, they'll have blood on their hands.

Commuters wait for a train at Metra's Rogers Park station. Photo: Igor Studenkov

What kind of infrastructure upgrades are needed for post-pandemic recovery?

By Igor Studenkov | Mar 15, 2021 | No Comments

Chicago business leaders and MPC agree that transit is key to post-pandemic economic revival, while also urging investment in freight rail, shipping facilities, roads, and bridges.

inside the special Metra express train to the 49th Street Training Center. Photo: Igor Studenkov

Metra, Loop building managers join forces to promote safe return to in-person work

By Igor Studenkov | Mar 15, 2021 | No Comments

"There’s no collaborative tool that can replace in-person networking," Metra CEO Jim Derwinski insisted. "You can’t build a company culture on a video call.”

Cover of the draft edition of the new MUTCD manual.

CDOT to the feds: The new draft of the MUTCD is still way too car-centric

By John Greenfield | Mar 12, 2021 | No Comments

Transportation chief Gia Biagi argued in a letter to the FWHA that the draft version of the next edition of the manual is "far too focused on motor vehicle operations and perpetuates the status quo."

Litter on the Red Line last month. Photo: John Greenfield

Yes, CTA needs to improve, but let’s avoid homeless-blaming and overpolicing

By John Greenfield | Mar 12, 2021 | No Comments

there are better ways to improve safety and rider experience on the CTA to help avoid a dangerous post-COVID spike in driving

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