Chicago
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From Policy to Practice: The Breakdown of Chicago’s Hospital Price Transparency
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Imagine: After her doctor recommended a hip replacement, a 67-year-old Chicago grandmother sat down at her computer hoping to compare prices before scheduling surgery. Instead, she spent nearly an hour navigating hospital websites, clicking through estimator tools that asked for billing codes she did not recognize and insurance details she…
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Pulling the Plug on Teen Takeovers
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What started as a need for social space and activity has become a flashpoint in Chicago, sparking debate among residents, community activists, and city leaders. Large gatherings, commonly characterized as “teen trends” or “teen takeovers” have seen a surge in recent years, with some even escalating into violence. In March…
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How Chicago’s Economic Fault Lines Dictate Classroom Success
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In a spatial analysis of Chicago’s community health, a series of five choropleth maps reveals a city deeply divided by a reinforcing cycle of economic hardship and educational outcomes. By mapping data for populations below the poverty line, unemployment rates, and proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Science,…
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The Second City: Why Chicago Should Implement America’s Next Congestion Pricing
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After a lengthy, contentious, and still ongoing political process, New York City became the first American city to implement congestion pricing in January of this year. Despite fierce opposition, the move has been a smashing success and is winning over the public. If Chicago wants to keep pace as one…
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Walkable Cities: Ending the Automobile Reign
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In the US, the car is an unkind king to its citizens. Cars mobilize, but also blast out pollutants and promote a sedentary and lonelier lifestyle. Conversely, walkable cities—where reaching local amenities on foot is both feasible and pleasant—bring myriad health and social benefits. Suburban sprawl is not conducive to…
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The Case for Chicago’s Public Health Vending Machines
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On November 2, 2023, the Chicago Department of Public Health launched its first Public Health Vending Machine at Harold Washington Library as part of a one-year pilot program aimed at providing harm reduction and opioid overdose prevention supplies. This pilot program deploys a total of five Public Health Vending Machines…
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Cui Prodest? The Victims’ Justice Ordinance and Chicago’s Future
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With her poll numbers falling in the lead-up to the Chicago Mayoral election in 2021, an embattled Lori Lightfoot sought to appear “tough on crime” by proposing the Victims’ Justice Ordinance, one of the most controversial civil asset forfeiture laws ever put forward in Chicago’s history. Despite the fact that…
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Chicago Citizens Need Predictability in Their Electricity Bills
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Chicago, a bustling metropolis, is known for its architectural splendor, robust sports, museum culture and vibrant economy. However, beneath its towering skyline, there lies a pressing issue that often goes unnoticed: the disproportionate impact of fluctuating energy costs on its marginalized communities. These communities, crucial to the city’s diverse tapestry,…
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Chicago Parking Reform: An Interview with Lindsay Bayley
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Lindsay Bayley is the Co-Founder and Advisory Board Member of the Parking Reform Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the impact of parking policy on climate change, equity, housing, and traffic. Lindsay is also the Program Lead for Safe & Complete Streets at the Chicago Metropolitan…
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Doing The Work: Robin Rue Simmons on Implementing the Nation’s First Government-Funded Reparations Program
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Robin Rue Simmons is the Founder and Executive Director of First Repair, a nonprofit organization that provides expertise, technical assistance, and advocacy for local reparations nationwide. As the 5th Ward Alderwoman in Evanston, Illinois from 2017-2021, Ms. Rue Simmons choreographed the establishment of the United States’ first municipally-funded reparations legislation.…
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What Happens to Chicago if the Bears Leave for the Suburbs?
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The Chicago Bears are likely leaving Chicago for Arlington Heights. In June of 2021, the Chicago Bears — a founding member-team of the National Football League (NFL) — purchased Arlington International Racecourse for $197.2 million. The final sale is expected to close by early 2023, but the team has already…