Mayor Lightfoot is creating inclusive economic growth and reversing the trend of historic disinvestment on our South and West Sides.

Mayor Lightfoot:

• Launched the INVEST South/West Initiative in 2019, which has mobilized more than $1.4 billion in public and private investments. The Initiative aims to revitalize 10 historic South and West Side communities that have been neglected for far too long. 
• Placed the largest investment in affordable housing in city history, pledging more than $1 billion to build new and preserve existing homes across the city.
• Addressed rapid development and gentrification to prevent the displacement of long-time residents by revising the Affordable Requirements Ordinance. The ordinance creates much-needed affordable housing across the city and helps address the legacy of racial segregation. 
• Helped working families by establishing and extending indefinitely the Utility Billing Relief Program. Some 17,000 low-income homeowners have enrolled in the program to reduce the burden of costs tied to their utility bills. 
• Invested in the $3.7 billion Chicago Works plan to improve infrastructure and create jobs for Chicagoans. Chicago Works’ investments include repaving some 165 miles of streets and alleys, 6,000 ADA-compliant curb cuts, 1,950 new streetlight poles/wiring, as well as bridges, bikeways, and firehouses.
• Unveiled a citywide vision for 48 miles of new trails and open green spaces to connect transit, housing, and parks for bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Released the “Blueprint for Fair Housing,” the city’s five-year plan to address long-standing housing segregation.