One of the nation's foremost public interest law and policy centers, BPI is known for its history of bold and innovative work on a variety of Chicago's most pressing and complex issues, including its victory in the United States Supreme Court on behalf of Chicago's public housing residents in the landmark Gautreaux case. Founded in 1969, BPI's believes that all people deserve equal justice and a quality of life that includes: equal access to opportunity; healthy learning and living environments; and a voice in decision-making processes that affect their lives. BPI's staff of lawyers and policy analysts uses legal and policy research, advocacy, organizing, litigation, and collaboration with non-profit, business, community and governmental organizations to accomplish its mission.

BPI is a public interest law and policy center that seeks out and addresses compelling issues of social justice and quality of life in the Chicago region.

Currently, BPI works to increase and preserve affordable housing in Chicago and throughout the Chicago region; transform segregated public housing; revitalize economically disadvantaged communities; improve Chicago's public schools; and promote open and honest government in Illinois.