The principles enumerated here shall be enforced with the understanding that they are interrelated and each one must be upheld to create and enforce a just housing system. The Chicago Housing Justice League Guiding Principles were adopted March 27th, 2018.
The City of Chicago Is Responsible for Implementing Housing Strategies, Policies, and Procedures to Ensure:
- Everyone has access to safe, healthy, accessible, and affordable housing, regardless of where they live.
- New investment does not lead to displacement.
- Development is driven through democratic process, by and for the community.
- Low-income households have increased access to affordable housing options near public transit, jobs, parks, healthy food options, health clinics, and good public schools.
- No households after paying housing costs, including utilities, shall be cost-burdened.
- Housing policies are viewed through a racial equity lens.
- Housing is created and maintained in a way that is ecological sustainable.
- Housing is preserved or created for families and traditionally marginalized communities, including but not limited to: people with disabilities, immigrants, indigenous peoples, homeless and low-income residents, seniors, veterans, people of color, reentering citizens, gender non-conforming individuals and LGBTQ persons.
- Tenants and residents are guaranteed the right to organize.
- Historical injustice is recognized and rectified.
- Culture, art, food, language and other components of communities are inclusively honored and valued.