Never even heard of it. Looking at their site and wondering if getting rid of Aldermanic Prerogative is on their wishlist (possibly under City Charter?).
This is one of the biggest issues I've seen in Chicago's housing/streetscape space.
Brand new org, I actually just joined because they're the only local urbanist group that's doing direct advocacy on governance reform. Chicago's aldermanic system is so broken that it's effectively impossible to do anything citywide when it comes to land use.
i’m p plugged into the chicago “urbanism scene” and know of them. they are legit and trying to elect alders that don’t shriek at any building project with more than 20 stories. they have a happy hour on sunday i think? at butchers tap
We're a newer organization looking to elect growth-minded leaders. If you'd like to learn more, get involved, or donate, check out our website: https://www.chicagogrowthproject.org
Their goals appear to be in line with what many urbanists would like. It’s very clear how city services differ from ward to ward. Having that streamlined would be good but would it result in hands being tied when alderpeople want to install new bike lanes, bump outs, etc?
Well-meaning, upper middle class, mostly white groups like this pop up all the time (33rd Ward Council anyone?). Everybody wants a little bit o' Daniel Biss bliss in their life.
They usually fail because they can't get traction with minorities and faith groups. I wish 'em the best, though.
I honestly have no idea. I think it ultimately has to be very transactional. Which is what good government is striving not to be. But if I'm a pastor in South Shore or a Guatemalan restaurateur with facility upkeep and bills, taking the time to collaborate has to have an immediate return.
Their descriptions have a lot of flowery, nonspecific language that could have been written by someone with just about any ideology? I read their whole website, and I still couldn't tell you whether they are progressive left, moderate center, or conservative right.
Also my first time hearing about it, seems like they got a good enough head on their shoulders though, especially the stuff about being supportive of development. That’s holding a lot of areas back, particularly with regard to keeping housing affordable.
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This is one of the biggest issues I've seen in Chicago's housing/streetscape space.
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https://BikePAC.org
@noisy-data.bsky.social have you heard of this??
They usually fail because they can't get traction with minorities and faith groups. I wish 'em the best, though.