It's been a year since Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson released his ‘Cut the Tape’ report to boost affordable housing and economic growth. Little of the red tape has been removed.

Granny flats and basement dwellings could help with housing affordability, but Chicago’s outdated zoning rules make them nearly impossible to build. Those rules were created to promote economic and racial segregation. They need to be changed

Other cities unleashed small-scale housing. Chicago buried it in red tape. Now it’s hurting renters, seniors and working families.

House Bill 1813 would prevent municipalities from prohibiting the construction of accessory dwelling units such as granny houses or basement apartments, allowing more opportunity for naturally affordable housing solutions.