Guiding Principles

 

Effective Government Structures

A Chicago with less red tape, better services, and responsible use of Chicagoans’ tax dollars starts with the foundation of our government. Fiscal responsibility, accountability, and strong oversight must be woven into the fabric of our government’s structure.

 

Objectives:

  • A city charter created by an independent charter commission and enacted by voter referendum
  • A thorough and transparent process for budgeting and accounting that provides city council the time and information it needs to diligently analyze budget proposals
  • An oversight body that is independent from the mayor’s office and empowered with the information access and enforceability it needs to conduct investigations
  • City services provided by expert-led departments, freeing aldermen to focus on creating quality legislation

 

A Growing Chicago

A thriving city with a growing population, growing economy, and a clear vision for the future. A Chicago with clean streets, safe public transit, and smart infrastructure. A Chicago that is a world class leader in commerce, industry, and culture.

 

Objectives:

  • A multimodal and integrated transportation system that promotes safe and convenient transit for all modes of travel, prioritizing high-impact solutions in the short-term that stabilize our system while planning for larger scale capital projects in the long run
  • Improved housing affordability through increasing supply by upzoning, reducing red tape, and adopting best practices from key reform movements like single-stair and parking
  • Economic incentives and streamlined regulations to grow local businesses and attract new companies, resulting in more job opportunities and better city services for existing and potential residents

 

A Vibrant Democracy

A representative yet efficient system of local government that prioritizes civic engagement and electoral reform to the benefit of all Chicagoans

 

Objectives:

  • Increased election turnout through structural changes such as ranked choice voting and aligning city elections with the national election cycle
  • Public input systems that shape decision-making and progress, not hinder them
  • Campaign finance reform to increase transparency, boost under-represented communities, and reduce “revolving door” politics 
  • Wards that accurately represent communities, eliminating gerrymandered boundaries designed to keep ineffective politicians in power