This short video, plus others from a June 2021 webinar, offers insight into the development of Chicago’s Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Policy Plan. First off, Mariia Zimmerman, MZ Strategies (now Strategic Advisor for Technical Assistance and Community Solutions at USDOT), discusses Chicago’s journey in crafting the Plan. While many TOD policies take years to come together, this Plan was assembled in just 18 months. The secret? Harnessing existing data, tapping into prior plans, and most importantly, valuing the lived experiences of the community. This collective wisdom painted a vivid picture of community needs and the gaps in current city policies. With Mayor Lightfoot’s administration at the helm, the city saw an unprecedented collaboration across departments, all working towards a more equitable Chicago.
Also, check out clips featuring Elevated Chicago’s Roberto Requejo on different views of transit and TOD, and Endeleo Institute’s Melvin Thompson on policy and participation.