Will the Chicago City Council pass the right ADU proposal

Our battle to legalize Accessory Dwelling Units throughout Chicago is heating up. REALTORS® helped pass it out of the City Council's Zoning Committee in July. But now we are now facing political gamesmanship and aldermanic prerogative as REALTORS® work to secure passage by the full Chicago City Council at its Sept. 25 meeting.

Since the 1950s, Chicago has banned the construction of new ADUs: attic and garden apartments, 'granny flats,' coach houses to name a few examples. ADUs represent a method of 'gently' adding housing stock, which in turn, can lower home prices.

Now opponents of ADUs argue that it can destroy the 'character' of neighborhoods.

In Chicago, Aldermen are worried they won't have the ability to block small-scale developments unilaterally by way of 'aldermanic prerogative.'

REALTORS® support repealing bans on ADUs in Chicago, and throughout Illinois. REALTORS® back Alderman Bennett Lawson's ordinance that has been discussed and negotiated for years.

Our years-long efforts in Chicago are culminating in a vote on Sept. 25, but not without some political theatre and gamesmanship.

Forty percent of Chicago City Council members have signed onto a new 'compromise' ordinance disguised as comprehensive legalization.

It will kill ADUs in Chicago.

Especially when it comes to passing sensible policy, we do not back down to political tactics. This latest version is an attempt to kill the very concept of ADUs in Chicago, and as a result, cripple our housing market further.

Nationally, the U.S. has amassed an "underbuilding gap" of 5.5 million housing units over the last 20 years. This translates to a $4.4 trillion investment deficit in housing, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. ADUs are a creative way to address these dire shortages.

Chicagoans are struggling to afford housing. Our data shows significant housing inventory and affordability decreases in the city since 2008. Because Chicago needs multiple tools to address the housing supply crisis, REALTORS® support citywide expansion of the ADU program.

Again, keep an eye out for ways you can engage and make your voice heard!