July 25, 2018 City Council
Amendment of Municipal Code Creating New Section Entitled "City of Chicago Affordable Housing Equity Ordinance"
WHEREAS, it is a public purpose of the City of Chicago that all individuals and families in Chicago have access to safe, decent affordable housing for as long as they need it; and
WHEREAS, there is a scarcity of multi-family affordable housing in Chicago for low-income individuals and families in need; and
WHEREAS, there is a particularly dire shortage of affordable housing for families with children, especially in predominantly white neighborhoods and in gentrifying areas; and WHEREAS, there are some wards providing a disproportionate share of multi-family affordable housing units, while other parts of the city provide virtually none; and
WHEREAS, the entire City has a duty to affirmatively further fair housing by taking meaningful actions that overcome patterns of residential racial segregation and foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity based on protected classes; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO:
SECTION ONE: RECITALS. The foregoing recitals are incorporated herein as the findings of the City Council.
SECTION TWO: A new Chapter 17, Section 14-600 of the Municipal Code of Chicago is hereby created as follows:
17-14-0600 City of Chicago Affordable Housing Equity Ordinance.
17-14-0601 Purpose and Intent. The purpose and legislative intent of this Chapter is to advance equitable and inclusive communities and expand affordable housing options for low-income households, especially families with children, across all of Chicago. This chapter will help meet the City's goals of creating equity in the availability of affordable housing across the City, reducing residential racial segregation, and equalizing opportunity.
17-14-0602 Definitions. For the purpose of this sections, the following definitions shall apply:
a. "Underserved Ward" means a ward in...
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