Policy Priorities
Explore Nathan’s plans for a stronger, more connected, and more livable ward.
More Homes
Family-Friendly and Attainable Housing
Family-friendly housing is increasingly difficult to find. Decades of prioritizing studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units have left families struggling to find apartments and condos that work for them. We should make it easier for families, university students, and new residents to comfortably make the 34th Ward their home.
Select a topic to read the proposals.
Fixing the Municipal Zoning Code
- Encourage construction of more three- and four-bedroom homes
- Support multifamily housing in desirable transit-oriented neighborhoods
- Redevelop aging Loop office buildings into residential uses
- Streamline conversion of vacant commercial space into attainable housing
- Proactively support mixed-use zoning and residential infill
Protecting Vulnerable Renters
- Support PRO and other tenant protections
- Develop stronger municipal services to investigate neglectful landlords
- Make it easier to report rental hazards to the city
- Reduce unnecessary barriers to applying for housing
Safer Streets
Street Safety for All
Too many of our streets still reflect an industrial-era design rather than the neighborhoods that exist today. Streets should be comfortable places to walk, bike, take transit, shop, dine, and spend time. Modern street design can make our neighborhoods safer while creating stronger street life.
Select a topic to read the proposals.
Connecting Neighborhoods with Multimodal Infrastructure
- Complete the Morgan Greenway from Harrison Street to Washington Boulevard
- Complete the Jackson Boulevard Greenway from Jefferson Street to Michigan Avenue
- Establish Monroe Street as a fully protected westbound greenway from Michigan Avenue to Ogden Avenue
Enhanced Pedestrian Street Improvements
- Raised crosswalks and curb extensions along the Madison Street culinary district from Elizabeth Street to Halsted Street
- Establish an exclusive pedestrian interval at Clinton and Jackson
- Add traffic-calming measures on Van Buren and Peoria, including raised crosswalks and curb extensions
- Install raised crosswalks and curb extensions around Mary Bartelme Park to better protect families and pedestrians
Better Bus Infrastructure
- Prioritize grade-separated or physically protected bus lanes on Halsted Street from Washington to Roosevelt
- Ashland Avenue from Congress Parkway to Ogden
- Van Buren Street from Paulina to Michigan Avenue
- Michigan Avenue from Van Buren to Lake Street
Connecting the ward
Proposed greenways
- Morgan
- Jackson Boulevard
- Monroe Street
Proposed bus corridors
- Halsted Street
- Ashland Avenue
- Van Buren Street
- Michigan Avenue
More Green Space
Adapting to a Changing Environment
Chicago’s century-old sewer infrastructure is increasingly strained by heavier rainfall and a changing climate. Green infrastructure, including rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavement, and a stronger tree canopy, can reduce flooding while making our neighborhoods greener, cooler, and more beautiful.
Select a topic to read the proposals.
Green Infrastructure as the Standard
- Update public-right-of-way and development standards to incorporate green infrastructure into new projects
- Include rain gardens wherever feasible in new curb extensions
- Build a stronger, more biodiverse urban tree canopy
Creating New Parks
- Convert underutilized parking and public land into parks and public spaces
- Incentivize developers to incorporate publicly accessible green space into major developments
- Pursue capping portions of the Kennedy Expressway to create new parkland and reconnect neighborhoods
Help build the future
of the 34th Ward.
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