Chicago aldermanic control issue again stalls granny flats

By LyLena Estabine

07/18/2025

Residential permits across Chicago remained low in 2024, and efforts to increase housing on existing lots have been put off. Some of Chicago’s aldermen want to maintain power over their wards, including thwarting a popular housing solution.

Chicago Ald. Ed Burke wants to fine pedestrians up to $500 for ‘distracted walking’

By Vincent Caruso

11/09/2017

The proposal would fine pedestrians $90 for checking their phone at city intersections and $500 for the offense of being distracted.

TAGS: Chicago, Ed Burke, overcriminalization

Rahm’s 2018 budget: More fee hikes on the way

By Chris Lentino

10/18/2017

Mayor Rahm Emanuel looks to increase costs for Chicagoans to fill budget shortfalls and failing pensions.

TAGS: budget, Chicago, fees, Rahm Emanuel, taxes

Chicago City Council seeks to hike ridesharing fees

By Chris Lentino

10/05/2017

One alderman with strong ties to the traditional taxicab industry has suggested raising fees on ridesharing to fill the growing budget gap.

TAGS: Anthony Beale, Chicago, collaborative economy, Lyft, regulations, rideshare, Uber

State, federal lawmakers pave the way for self-driving cars in Illinois

By Amy Korte

09/08/2017

As Illinois’ state government and the federal government move toward promoting the development of autonomous vehicles, Chicago aldermen are taking a combative stance against the budding industry.

TAGS: autonomous vehicles, Bruce Rauner, Chicago, driverless cars, Ed Burke, regulations

The end of Uber in Chicago? Ordinance would require fingerprinting of rideshare drivers and limit surge pricing

By Brendan Bakala

09/02/2017

The ordinance was pushed through committee by taxi industry ally Alderman Anthony Beale, 9th Ward.

TAGS: Lyft, rideshare, sharing economy, taxis, Uber

Burke to the future: Chicago alderman wants to ban self-driving cars

By Brendan Bakala

08/23/2017

Alderman Ed Burke argued in favor of a ban on driverless cars with a movie clip from “Back to the Future.”

TAGS: Ed Burke, manufacturing, regulations

Illinois politicians dub March 8 ‘Cubs Day’ despite contentious history

03/09/2017

Springfield lawmakers passed a ceremonial resolution March 8 congratulating the Chicago Cubs on winning the 2016 World Series. But that pat on the back doesn’t make up for the adversarial relationship politicians have held with the Cubs and other professional sports franchises in Chicago.

TAGS: Chicago, Chicago Cubs, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Mike Madigan, regulations

Chicago aldermen propose ban on driverless cars

By Amy Korte

09/15/2016

A new ordinance would ban all cars with autonomous technology from Chicago, preventing Uber from expanding the fleet of self-driving vehicles it recently introduced in Pittsburgh.

TAGS: Chicago, collaborative economy, jobs, regulations, Uber

Uber and Airbnb ordinances show Chicago ushering in new era of hyperregulation

By Chris Lentino

06/21/2016

In the face of fleeing residents, the Chicago City Council has chosen to add more and more layers of regulation instead of reforming.

TAGS: Airbnb, Chicago, collaborative economy, Lyft, Rahm Emanuel, regulations, Uber

Ninth Ward of New Orleans

Chicago aldermanic control issue again stalls granny flats

Chicago Ald. Ed Burke wants to fine pedestrians up to $500 for ‘distracted walking’

Rahm’s 2018 budget: More fee hikes on the way

Chicago City Council seeks to hike ridesharing fees

State, federal lawmakers pave the way for self-driving cars in Illinois

The end of Uber in Chicago? Ordinance would require fingerprinting of rideshare drivers and limit surge pricing

Burke to the future: Chicago alderman wants to ban self-driving cars

Illinois politicians dub March 8 ‘Cubs Day’ despite contentious history

Chicago aldermen propose ban on driverless cars

Uber and Airbnb ordinances show Chicago ushering in new era of hyperregulation

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students