Accelerating Meaningful Change in Chicago: How the Trust Hopes to Work with the Johnson Administration

On May 15, Brandon Johnson will be inaugurated as the 57^th Mayor of Chicago. As with any mayoral transition, this is an opportunity to press “reset,” reflect on recent progress, and consider how to focus our efforts to accelerate meaningful change in our beloved city. 

In our commitment to closing the racial and ethnic wealth gap, the Trust recognizes the city government’s opportunity to create progress toward this goal. The wealth gap has its roots in intentional policies and practices, many of which shamefully began in Chicago – from redlining to contract buying to urban renewal. Even now, there are policies and practices that continue to exacerbate wealth inequality, including zoning codes and municipal fines and fees.  

The wealth gap has not only prevented Black and Latinx communities from maintaining financial stability and building generational wealth, but it also affects all of us by threatening our city’s economic future.  

However, closing this gap does not rest entirely on the shoulders of the public sector. With communities at the center, the corporate, philanthropic, and civic sectors must work collectively to address this issue.

Here are key policies and initiatives on which the Trust hopes to partner with the Johnson Administration to make progress toward closing the wealth gap in Chicago:  

1. Continue to drive public and private capital into commercial corridors and small businesses in disinvested communities. 
2. Expand the city’s Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD) agenda to make Chicago more affordable, sustainable, healthy, and racially equitable. 
3. Remove barriers to affordable homeownership and stable housing for all. 
4. Leverage federal recovery and infrastructure funds to invest in disinvested Black and Latinx communities and those hit hardest by COVID-19. 
5. Pursue comprehensive approaches to address community safety in neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by violence. 

The incoming administration does not have to start from scratch. With many collective efforts already in motion, including the Connected Communities Ordinance, INVEST South/West, and We Will Chicago, there is positive momentum upon which to build.  

We look forward to working with our new mayor, city officials, and our many partners to pursue a Chicago where every community is safe and thriving and every resident can reach their economic potential.