Chicago Housing Justice League's Principles and Recommendations

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:

1. Everyone has access to safe, healthy, accessible, and affordable housing, regardless of where they live.
2. New investment does not lead to displacement.
3. Development is driven through democratic process, by and for the community.
4. Low-income households have increased access to affordable housing options near public transit, jobs, parks, healthy food options, health clinics, and good public schools.
5. No households after paying housing costs, including utilities, shall be cost-burdened.
6. Housing policies are viewed through a racial equity lens.
7. Housing is created and maintained in a way that is ecological sustainable.
8. 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.
9. Tenants and residents are guaranteed the right to organize.
10. Historical injustice is recognized and rectified.
11. Culture, art, food, language and other components of communities are inclusively honored and valued.