Oak Park

Mandating unaffordability: How Chicago’s housing affordability requirements decrease supply and increase costs

By Josh Bandoch, LyLena Estabine
10/01/2025
As housing prices continue to soar out of reach for more Americans, an impulse from policy makers across the country has been to attempt to mandate “affordable” prices through legislation. One common idea is rent control, which limits how much landlords can increase rents on residents. A related one is inclusionary zoning, which forces developers...

Oak Park natural gas ban faces legal challenge

By Jerry Barmore
07/24/2025
In 2024, Oak Park, Illinois, went where Mayor Brandon Johnson tried to take Chicago – banning all natural gas connections in new building projects. The high cost of this inconsequential, feel-good move is getting legal pushback.

River Forest considering local grocery tax hike

By Dylan Sharkey
08/26/2024
Illinois is cutting the statewide grocery tax, but some local governments may reestablish it. One Chicago suburb is already moving in that direction. Its neighbor will let taxpayers keep their grocery money.

TAGS: grocery tax

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families 


By Josh Bandoch, Joe Tabor
07/09/2024
Published July 9, 2024 America is facing a housing affordability crisis. According to a 2022 survey, 73% of Americans said the average person could not afford a home in their area, and 69% were worried about their children and grandchildren being able to afford a home. That’s unfair. Everyone deserves a good roof over their...

Small business owner fears Amendment 1 tax hikes

10/28/2022
Linda Ekendahl hoped buying property for her business would be the best move – until her $30,000 property tax bill came. Another tax hike under Amendment 1 would further damage her business.