Chicago Levels Up
Extra keys, extra customers, extra neighborhood life.
Chicago is moving towards smart growth, particularly in Uptown & Edgewater. In October 2025, the Broadway corridor received targeted upzoning that welcomes more apartments and active storefronts near the Red Line.
The Broadway playbook is centered around data: modest height, mixed uses, and fewer hurdles deliver homes and street life without losing neighborhood character.
Our role: Strong Towns Chicago teamed up with Neighbors of Edgewater and Uptown to champion Broadway upzoning and keep the conversation local, constructive, and focused on adding homes where they fit best. Smart upzoning is both pragmatic and popular when it pairs housing with safer streets and better transit access.
Down to UpZone
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For years, many blocks were downzoned to “protect neighborhood character,” reduce traffic, and solve parking stress. The misconception was that more neighbors automatically meant congestion and disorder.
The reality: Homes near transit mean fewer car trips per person, stronger local businesses, and more stability for schools and services.
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We’re not done yet. Join the next wins.
Scale the corridor playbook citywide. Start with frequent bus and rail streets.
Legalize 2–4 flats and ADUs citywide. More options on every block.
Streamline permits for small builders. Building should be safe, simple, predictable, and fast.
Show the receipts. Publish clear dashboards so everyone can see the gains in housing, safety, and neighborhood vitality.
