Dear Neighbors,
Lots of news to report from June. During its June meeting, City Council approved the City's purchase of the Greyhound bus station. In 2024, Greyhound announced plans to close the station. The station sits only a few blocks from Union Station, and the City's acquisition of it provides a unique opportunity to expand its services to serve more Chicagoans and those traveling through our city.
State Representative Kelly Cassidy also joined for June's City Council, along with other leaders in the LGBTQ+ community, in honor of Pride month. State Rep. Cassidy has been a tireless advocate in the Illinois General Assembly, fighting to advance LGBTQ+ rights. She has championed bills banning conversion therapy, allowing transgender individuals to update gender markers on their birth certificates. strengthened reproductive healthcare protections, and so much more.
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On July 13, the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy will host a meeting at 12:00 p.m. in Room 201A at City Hall. Representatives from the Department of Environment will be in attendance to share findings in its data center report, which is slated to be finalized this week. The report is required under Alderman Villegas's data storage ordinance, a provision that Chairwoman Hadden advocated for at the time of passage. For information on how to attend a committee meeting or submit public comment, click here.
Finally, Saturday marked the United States' 250th anniversary of its independence from the British monarchy. This historical anniversary comes at a time of extreme distress for our democracy. The Trump administration's circumvention of legal procedure—from attacking Iran to the failed renovation of the Reflecting Pool—has proven to be the greatest stress test of our lifetime on the great American democracy experiment. Its further disregard for its people has pulled back the curtain on tyrannical leadership determined to consolidate power and eliminate checks and balances. Despite these threats to our democracy, I have seen our neighbors stand up in defiance to oppressive tactics. Whether it's organizing ICE watches or attending No Kings Day protests, our community has demonstrated its resiliency time and again. On this 250th anniversary, let us continue to build community and come together to fight authoritarian forces set on oppressing us.
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- Monday, July 13, 12:00 pm, City Hall Room 201A:
Committee on Environmental Protection & Energy
(Department of Environment's data center report hearing)
- Wednesday, July 15, 10 a.m., City Hall, Council Chambers:
City Council
- Thursday, July 16, 10:00 a.m., City Hall, Council Chambers: Committee on Budget and Government Operations
(Mid-Year Budget Hearing)
- Friday, July 17, 7 pm, 49th Ward Office:
Mid-Summer Block Party Town Hall
- Saturday, July 18, thru Saturday, July 25:
Chicago Climate Week
- Monday, July 20, 6 pm, Willye White Park:
Community Softball Game
- Tuesday, July 21, Willye White Park:
Community Softball Game
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Chairwoman Hadden Publishes Toolkit to Help Property Owners Make Their Buildings Bird-Friendly
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Chicago sits on the Mississippi Flyway, one of the busiest migration routes in North America. Over 250 bird species migrate through Chicago, using the lakefront, ponds, parks, street trees, and other vegetation as resting and feeding stops. On Tuesday, June 9, the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy launched the Make Your Building Bird-Friendly Chicago Toolkit. Created in collaboration between Chairwoman Hadden’s Chicago Bird-Friendly Working Group and Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy staff, the toolkit is filled with research and guidance provided by community leaders and experts in the bird-friendly building movement. This toolkit provides residents with an easy-to-use guide to help prevent bird collisions, injuries, and deaths and is an important next step in environmental conservation for the City of Chicago.
In July 2025, the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy held a subject-matter hearing on bird-friendly building design. During this hearing, a panel of experts discussed a variety of simple changes residents could implement to support birds on their migration path through Chicago. Following the hearing, Chair Hadden formed the Bird-Friendly Working Group— comprised of representatives from Studio Gang, Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, Bird Friendly Chicago, The Nature Conservancy, Skyline Glass, Field Museum, American Bird Conservancy, the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development, BOMA/Chicago, 1st Ward Alderman Daniel La Spata, 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins, and 30th Ward Alderwoman Ruth Cruz — to help craft policy and make bird-friendly design accessible to residents across Chicago. Starting in November 2025, the committee and working group began shaping what has now become the Make Your Building Bird Friendly Chicago Toolkit.
Neighboring cities, including Evanston, Skokie, and Highland Park, have already implemented bird-friendly design policies. Chicagoans now have the opportunity to join a growing movement to create safer, healthier cities for birds and people alike. We invite you to be part of that movement! Visit bit.ly/chibfd to learn more.
Make Your Building Bird Friendly Chicago Toolkit was published in tandem with the introduction of the bird-friendly design ordinance, which would require bird-friendly design features to be incorporated into new construction in the City of Chicago. The ordinance was referred to the Committee on Committees and Rules, where it remains, and Chairwoman Hadden and the coalition are engaging with stakeholders to gather additional feedback as they strategize on a pathway towards passage.
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Committee on Finance Holds Hearing on Parking Meter Sale
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On June 25th, the Committee on Finance held a subject matter hearing on a proposed sale of Chicago's parking meters to Stonepeak Partners, an investment firm based in New York. The current parking meter operator, Chicago Parking Meters LLC, a consortium backed by Morgan Stanley and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, purchased leasing rights to Chicago's parking meters in 2008 for a one-time payment of $1.2 billion dollars—a transaction that has been infamously dubbed the worst financial deal in any major US city. Since the sale, Chicago Parking Meters LLC has reported approximately $2.2 billion in revenues.
Components of the transaction and the City's involvement have appeared to be shrouded in secrecy, with the Mayor's office pointing to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) they signed in 2025. According to Stonepeak, that NDA has been waived, with Stonepeak's Senior Managing Director, James Wyper, offering to sign a blanket waiver during Thursday's hearing. During Thursday's hearing, members of City Council learned that the City submitted a $3.3 billion bid to re-purchase the parking meters, $800 million more than Stonepeak's bid. The City ultimately withdrew its bid, deeming it financially infeasible.
June's hearing also provided alderpeople the opportunity to raise questions and concerns about other businesses within Stonepeak's portfolio. Particularly concerning is Omni Air International, which serves as a contractor for the Department of Homeland Security. Stonepeak acquired Omni in 2025, and since then, Omni has provided flights for deportations. Mother Jones has reported cruel and inhumane conditions on these flights, including 25-50-hour flights with migrants shackled to their seats. There have been reports of people soiling themselves in their seats during these flights after being refused bathroom breaks. Additionally, Stonepeak acquired Seapeak in 2022, which helps export Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), thereby helping to fund Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. While Stonepeak leadership expressed moral outrage at aggressive ICE enforcement, it made no commitment to dissolve its investment in companies that profit from human oppression and suffering.
Any sale of the parking meters will ultimately need City Council approval. While the contract approved in 2008 is ironclad, there are some conditions that allow the City Council to disapprove a transaction, including the new operator's financial strength, reputation, and experience in operating parking meters. Chicago Parking Meters LLC has threatened City Council, saying that if they don't approve the transaction, they will bring financial ruin to the City through litigation. Thursday's hearing was the first opportunity alderpeople had to learn more about the transaction before the July 24th deadline to hold a vote. I will be scrutinizing any proposed sale closely and seeking guidance from our Department of Law as the deadline approaches.
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Army Corps of Engineers Provides Update on Shoreline Study during the Chicago Shoreline Advisory Board Meeting
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During the Chicago Shoreline Advisory Board's second-quarter meeting, representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) joined to provide updates on the USACE Shoreline Study. The Shoreline Study received a congressional appropriation in 2023 after Lake Michigan experienced historically high lake levels in 2019 and 2020. The lake levels caused significant erosion and damage across Chicago's entire shoreline, including in Rogers Park, where the Chicago Department of Transportation secured emergency FEMA funding to install armor rock revetments at Juneway, Howard, and Rogers Beaches to curtail further erosion and damage to public property and to keep Park District property safe.
During the Shoreline Advisory Board meeting, members learned that the release of preliminary plans has been delayed due to changes within the federal administration. These changes include a shift in support from the federal administration for this study, resulting in significant funding constraints. The USACE now anticipates that the report is on track to be finalized by the end of 2027, with a tentatively selected plan identified by the end of 2026.
The historic lake levels in 2019-2020 and the Army Corps' shoreline study served as the catalysts for Alderwoman Hadden to introduce and pass legislation establishing the Shoreline Advisory Board. This created a dedicated space to discuss all the issues affecting the multi-jurisdictional shoreline, rather than keeping them siloed within departments or other government agencies. Once the Army Corps identifies a tentative plan, Chairwoman Hadden will ask that they come before the Shoreline Advisory Board for its input before anything is finalized. Additionally, as part of the Army Corps' scoping process for the study in 2023, Alderwoman Hadden submitted feedback to the Army Corps calling for a robust community engagement process, restoration of our three beaches, and nature-based solutions to fight erosion. Our office remains committed to these solutions and will continue to advocate for additional community engagement opportunities and transparency as recommendations are finalized.
You can view upcoming meeting notices, agendas, and meeting minutes for the Shoreline Advisory Board on the City's website here.
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Protecting Renters Ordinance Introduced
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On June 29th, Mayor Johnson introduced a Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO) directly to the Committee on Housing and Real Estate, which held a subject-matter hearing on the ordinance that same day. The proposed ordinance would be the first major update to Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) since its passage in 1986.
The proposed ordinance seeks to address gaps in the existing RLTO by strengthening tenant protections, expanding enforcement infrastructure, and closing gaps in data collection. PRO would establish five core components in order to realize these goals:
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1. Citywide Rental Registry
PRO would establish a citywide rental registry to build the data infrastructure to put real names and information to Chicago's more than 620,000 rental units. Many units are held by LLCs or private equity firms, making it challenging for renters and the city alike to know who to contact when issues arise. The rental registry would function as a central hub, providing the Department of Housing and the Department of Buildings with ownership and unit-level data needed to enforce the City's municipal code.
The rental registry would have a per-unit fee to help fund the creation of the Bureau of Rental Housing Services (RHS), additional inspectors for the Department of Buildings, 311 operations, enforcement costs, and the costs to create and maintain the rental registry. The fee would be based on the number of rental units at an address, capped at $60/unit for properties with 50 or more units.
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2. Bureau of Rental Housing Services (RHS)
The Bureau of Rental Housing Services would serve as an administrative and investigatory arm within the Department of Housing, tasked with serving as the City's centralized operator for PRO. Its core functions would include:
- Receive complaints through 311 and a dedicated RHS intake channel
- Conduct investigations, document violations, and issue notices and findings
- Maintain enforcement records and case history
- Coordinate with the Department of Buildings on building habitability violation referrals
- Provide technical assistance and compliance support to landlords and tenants before penalties are enforced
3. Just Cause for Eviction
PRO would establish Just Cause for Eviction as a tenant right for the first time in Chicago's history. This means landlords would be required to provide a valid reason for eviction or lease non-renewal. When failing to do so, or in no-fault circumstances, landlords would be required to provide relocation assistance to tenants.
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4. Eviction Counsel Program
PRO would codify the existing Right to Eviction Counsel (RTC) pilot program, ensuring the continuity of this critical service for Chicago's most vulnerable tenants. The Right to Counsel program was established in 2022 using COVID relief and corporate funds. Since launching, it has helped more than 4,000 Chicago households facing eviction, with a 92-95% success rate in avoiding formal eviction judgments. Furthermore, for every $1 invested in RTC, the city has seen a $2.75-$3.35 return in economic benefits, generating a total of $13.6M in cumulative benefits since 2022. The current program will sunset at the end of December 2027 if an alternative funding source is not identified.
5. RLTO Reform & Tenant Rights
The Protecting Renters Ordinance is the first full modernization of the 1986 RLTO and would update key definitions, regulate move-in procedures, overhaul security-deposit and interest-payment rules, ban junk fees, reform allowable fees, and establish a Tenant Bill of Rights.
When the RLTO passed in 1986, it created a complex system for security deposits, disincentivizing landlords from charging them to their tenants and instead transitioning to opaque, non-refundable one-time fees charged at move-in. The proposed ordinance would eliminate many of the obstacles in the RLTO around security deposits to make this traditional avenue more easily available while eliminating the costly one-time junk fees that have replaced them.
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PRO does not ban all fees. Instead, it would ban only non-transparent junk fees. It would also reform how permissible fees are charged, requiring that fees reflect actual, documented costs. This creates a more transparent and fairer rental market by reducing hidden housing costs, preventing excessive and duplicative charges, ensuring tenants only pay for actual, documented costs, and standardizing allowable fees, thereby creating consistency across the rental market.
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Many components included in PRO are already in place in many major cities across the U.S., including New York and Los Angeles. The proposed changes to our landlord-tenant laws would bring Chicago into alignment with these municipalities and modernize our housing laws for a market that has changed drastically since the RLTO was first passed in 1986. It would also address affordability concerns as the cost of living has outpaced income growth by reforming how fees are applied to renters.
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On June 29th, the Committee on Housing and Real Estate held a subject-matter hearing on the proposed language. Many alderpeople expressed support for components of the ordinance, such as banning junk fees, while expressing concerns around the price tag attached to the just cause provisions. Landlords have also expressed concerns that the allowable reasons in the ordinance's just cause section are overly restrictive, requiring them to retain tenants indefinitely. Supporters of the just cause provision have shared their experiences of incurring exorbitant moving costs when a lease isn't renewed for just cause. They have also stated that the provisions in the just cause section of the ordinance will act as a tool to combat gentrification and prevent displacement.
With Rogers Park being 75% renters, Alderwoman Hadden welcomes these conversations and believes that updates to the RLTO are necessary to more accurately reflect the realities renters face in this market. Alderwoman Hadden is still evaluating the proposed language and engaging with multiple stakeholders as specific provisions of the ordinance continue to be negotiated.
You can view the full June 29th subject matter hearing by clicking here. A copy of the presentation shared during the hearing is available here.
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Ordinance Punishing Parents for Teen Takeovers
Fails to Pass City Council
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An ordinance introduced by Alderman Lopez that would fine parents $1,000 for teen takeovers failed to pass at the June City Council meeting, 32-16. Alderwoman Hadden voted no on the item.
After failing to pass the Committee on Public Safety, Alderman Lopez used a parliamentary maneuver to attempt to disapprove the committee report, which recommended a do-not-pass on the matter, thereby forcing a vote in the full City Council. However, the vote to disapprove the committee report failed, meaning that he could not bring the ordinance forward for reconsideration.
Following the City Council meeting, the Subcommittee on Youth Employment held a subject-matter hearing to hear directly from youth about the resources they need to thrive. During the hearing, teens reflected on the inequitable enforcement of the City's curfew laws and other gatherings, highlighting that police don't treat white teens coming to the city for Lollapalooza as they do other teen takeovers that are mostly BIPOC teens. They also discussed the lack of opportunities available to youth, whether it's a reduction in gathering spaces (such as the closure of malls) or a reduction in the number of jobs available to youth. They called on the city to work collaboratively to invest in youth opportunities and spaces, rather than continue to take an overly punitive approach that doesn't address the systemic issues driving these trends.
A full recording of the hearing is available here.
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Spotlight on EJ Community Work
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Center for Neighborhood Technology
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Since 1978, the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) has been organizing residents across neighborhoods to challenge harmful local environmental practices and improve the lives of city residents. From leading initiatives like rooftop gardens and green roofs in low-income neighborhoods to encouraging data sharing and better recycling practices among neighbors, CNT has always been community-driven. They work towards their vision of supporting "neighborhoods that are just, resilient, sustainable, and thriving for people from all walks of life" through their Theory of Change, which focuses on building trustworthy, accessible knowledge, community power, and just neighborhoods.
Learn more about their work by visiting their website at cnt.org.
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Share Your Favorite Environmental Organization
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This year, the Committee on Environment is looking for more opportunities to engage with Environmental Justice organizations and spotlight their great work throughout the city. Each month, we'll share information on different organizations, their mission, goals, and how to get involved.
Do you have an organization you think should be highlighted? Share it with us at this link!
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In Other Environmental News
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Park District Publishes Chicago Lakefront Shoreline Conditions Assessment
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The record-high lake levels and severe storm damage in 2020 resulted in widespread damage to Chicago’s iconic shoreline. As lake levels continue to fluctuate and with the continued risk of severe storms, the shoreline and Chicago Park District are presented with a unique set of risks.
The Park District developed a long-term plan to help guide investment in lakefront repair, maintenance and increased resiliency, which can be leveraged for future partnerships with Federal, State and Local funding partners. This report details an inventory and physical condition of shoreline protection features across the lakefront, such as revetments and beaches. The inventory and condition were documented through extensive drone footage and on-site visits by engineering experts. This information, paired with local stakeholder and District staff interviews and contextual data, was used to develop sets of needs and opportunities for both the Chicago shoreline and individual segments of the lakefront.
To view the report and learn more, visit chicagoparkdistrict.com/lakefront.
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Chicago Climate Week is coming to Chicagoland July 18–25
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Chicago Climate Week will take place July 18-25. As Chicago's first community-led, distributed Climate Week, it brings together events hosted by nonprofits, businesses, universities, community groups, government agencies, and residents across the region.
Whether you're climate-curious or deeply involved in the space, Chicago Climate Week offers opportunities to learn, connect, celebrate, and take action.
Learn more, browse events, and find ways to get involved at www.chicagoclimateweek.org.
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Help Your Tree Grow with these Tips from the Urban Forestry Advisory Board
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The subcommittee on outreach and education for the Urban Forestry Advisory Board is sharing tips to help our urban canopy thrive. Trees play a vital role in stormwater management and urban heat island mitigation. By following these simple tips, we can help grow our trees to be resilient and healthy.
 Show Your Trees Some Love: Mulch Like a Donut, Not a Volcano
Proper mulching is one of the simplest ways to care for a tree. Follow the 3-3-3 Rule: apply mulch 3 inches deep, in a 3-foot-wide circle, while keeping it 3 inches away from the trunk. This creates a donut-shaped mulch ring that helps trees thrive.
A properly mulched tree benefits from improved moisture retention, moderated soil temperatures, reduced weed competition, and protection against damage from lawn mowers and string trimmers.
Avoid creating "mulch volcanoes" by piling mulch against the trunk. Excess mulch around the base of a tree can trap moisture against the bark, encourage decay, promote circling roots, and create conditions favorable to pests and diseases.
Spending a few minutes flattening a mulch volcano into a donut-shaped ring can help prevent common tree health issues and support long-term growth.
Watering Reminder for Newly Planted Trees
Newly planted trees need regular watering to establish strong, healthy root systems and give them the best chance of long-term survival—especially during dry periods and drought conditions.
To support healthy growth and establishment, provide 10–15 gallons of water each week at the base of the tree—about 2–3 five-gallon buckets. Water slowly and deeply so the moisture penetrates the soil and reaches the developing roots rather than running off the surface. During drought periods, watering can also help established trees stay healthy.
Consistent watering during the first few years after planting is one of the most important steps you can take to help your tree thrive.
More information can be found here.
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Share Your Feedback on the Green Infrastructure Strategy
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The Department of Environment published its draft Green Infrastructure Strategy. The Chicago Green Infrastructure Strategy will serve as the City’s updated roadmap for using nature-based solutions to manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and create healthier, more resilient neighborhoods. The report prioritizes equity, climate resilience, and community co-benefits like cooler temperatures and cleaner air.
The draft report provides a series of cross-agency recommendations to address the City's increased frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change. It also identifies key challenges, from departmental alignment to securing funding, to implement these strategies.
The Department of Environment is accepting comments on the draft strategy until July 10. To read the strategy and submit a public comment, click here.
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Register Your Native Pollinator Garden
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The Department of Streets and Sanitation launched its native and pollinator garden registry. Native and pollinator gardens help to support local wildlife and ecosystems. They also help act as a natural defense against erosion and help manage stormwater.
To review the native and pollinator garden guidelines and register yours, click here.
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Greencorps Chicago is Now Recruiting!
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Greencorps Chicago is the City of Chicago’s green industry job training program for individuals with barriers to employment. Greencorps Chicago is currently recruiting potential candidates for this year’s Employment & Training Program. More information and how to apply can be found on the attached flyer and at https://greencorpschicago.org/how-to-apply/.
During the nine-month program, Greencorps Chicago trainees earn a starting wage of $18.50. Greencorps Chicago trainees receive practical experience, professional development, and classroom & field training in a variety of environmentally-related jobs with skills that are easily transferable to other industries. Trainees are offered several professional certifications, including Defensive Driving, First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER, OSHA 10-Hour Safety, Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Class, and the Illinois Pesticide license. Throughout the program, trainees are supported with wrap-around social services, a stable income, and assistance in finding full-time employment upon completion of the program.
For more info, please see: https://greencorpschicago.org/how-to-apply/.
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Reduce Your Carbon Footprint By Signing Up for the Citywide Composting Program
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In the fall of 2023, the Department of Street and Sanitation (DSS) announced its first-ever citywide composting initiative, a Food Scrap Drop-Off program, which allows all Chicago residents to bring their household food scraps to a drop-off location located throughout the city.
Since rolling out the program, over 6,000 households have signed up to participate, and over 300 tons of food have been diverted from landfills! That is the equivalent of approximately 24,000 gallons of gasoline!
Due to the success of the program, Streets and Sanitation expanded its drop-off locations to include three more sites, for a total of 20 sites across the city, including one at 6447 N. Ravenswood Avenue in Rogers Park! Participation is easy! Simply sign up for a nearby drop-off location, collect food in sealed containers, and bring the collected materials to the green carts at the drop-off sites. Upon collection, these materials are transferred to a composting facility, where food scraps are processed into compost, a valuable product that looks and smells like rich soil and can be used to improve soil health.
The 20 food scrap drop-off sites are:
- Avondale – 3143 N. Rockwell St
- Belmont Cragin – 5605 W. Grand Ave
- Bowmanville – 5333 N. Western Ave
- Brighton Park – 3359 S. Maplewood Ave
- Edgewater – 5853 N. Broadway
- Englewood – 611 W. 69th St
- Garfield Ridge – 5600 S. Central Ave
- Grand Boulevard – 4352 S. Cottage Grove Ave
- Irving Park – 4605 W. Lawrence Ave
- Logan Square –2460 W. Cortland
- Lower West Side – 1944 W. Cullerton St
- Morgan Park – 11059 S. Homewood Ave
- Near South Side – 1758 S. Clark St
- North Lawndale - 1817 S. Pulaski Rd
- Norwood Park – 6453 W. Higgins Ave
- Pullman - 1012 E. 103rd St
- Rogers Park - 6447 N. Ravenswood
- West Edelson – 3720 W. 55th St
- West Englewood – 1756 W. 74th St
- West Town – 2505 W. Grand Ave
All kinds of food scraps are accepted with the program, including meat, bones, and dairy, as well as fruit and vegetable scraps and old leftovers. A full list of accepted and unaccepted items is available here.
Food in our landfills contributes more to methane emissions than any other landfill materials. Composting is one simple way that Chicago can reduce its emissions while enriching our soil for future produce.
For more information on recycling and the Food Scrap Drop-Off program, including drop-off sites and where to sign up, please visit www.chicagorecycles.org and view the educational video.
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Follow the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy on Social Media!
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Chairwoman Hadden launched social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook for the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy!
Make sure to follow these accounts to stay updated on:
- Updates on EPE happenings
- Legislative progress
- Committee Hearings
- Urban Forestry Board updates
- Shoreline Advisory Board Updates
- City Council Recaps
- And more!
- Environmental Justice News
- Local, State, Federal and Global updates!
- City Council Happenings
- Recap videos
- Updates on important legislative happenings
You can find us on Instagram @chicagoepe and on Facebook at Chicago Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy.
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