Zoning laws, the banal ordinances that dictate what buildings are developed and how they are used, play a massive role in our lives despite being unbeknownst to most. They impact the make up of the communities we live, shaping their structure and purpose, and in effect they shape us as we navigate through the world they molded. Zoning laws play a role in dictating housing availability, transit connectivity, and environmental sustainability, all things that consistently impact us. With housing becoming increasingly unaffordable, high rates of car dependency, and the health of the environment in the balance, everyone is impacted by poorly designed zoning laws that tear us down instead of build us up.

To address these concerns that stem from poor zoning laws, we at Next Zone Chicago are purposing a change, eliminating exclusive single family zones in the city. Being an outdated zoning practice, exclusive single family zones no longer work for the current climate we find ourselves in. Their inefficient use of land decreases the availability housing, subsequently increases the price by limiting the supply. The spread out nature of their development increases urban sprawl and heavily contributes to a car centric lifestyle most Americans find themselves in. This inefficient use of resources and car centric approach to transportation unnecessarily pollute as well, making our environment worse.

By eliminating exclusive single family zoning, we can begin to build denser, smarter developments that address these issues. By joining this petition, you will be helping show the Chicago government that there is support in this city for change.