# Committee on Housing and Real Estate meeting, July 9, 2025

- When: Wed, Jul 9, 2025, 11:00 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: [Committee on Housing and Real Estate](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/housing-and-real-estate)
- Video: https://vimeo.com/1099711739
- Transcript: [full text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/1099711739.txt) (46,365 words, official captions)

## Meeting notes

> AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.

The Committee on Housing and Real Estate heard public comment and then recommended approval of seven appointments to the board of directors of the new Residential Investment Corporation under the Green Social Housing program, after members questioned the nominees and the Housing Commissioner about funding, transparency, acquisition, labor representation and South and West Side development. The committee also recommended passage of amendments to the City Lots for Working Families program, a Lincoln Park Zoo right-of-entry extension, a CDOT easement and two remnant-parcel transfers, and several city land sales including a Missing Middle housing cluster in North Lawndale and an urban agriculture district for We Sow We Grow in the 21st Ward. Item 9 was held in committee at the request of the local alderperson. The meeting closed with a subject matter hearing, with no vote, on Alderperson Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez resolution on algorithmic rent price-setting software, featuring testimony from Local Progress, State Senator Guzmán and the Shriver Center.

Topics: Green Social Housing, Residential Investment Corporation board, City Lots for Working Families, city land sales, Missing Middle housing, urban agriculture, CDOT remnant parcels, algorithmic rent pricing, affordable housing, public comment

### Agenda items discussed

- [46:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=2790) Rule 45 report from June 11, 2025: passed
- [46:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=2809) Appointments of Kristen Horn, Don Villar, William Towns, Edith Tovar, Gwendolyn Hatten Butler, Daniel Hertz and Juanita Garcia to the Residential Investment Corporation board: passed
- [1:40:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=6012) Second amendment to right of entry agreement with Lincoln Park Zoological Society for research at Lurie Garden (Item 8) (O2025-0018171): passed
- [1:45:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=6351) Item 9, held at the request of the local alderperson: held
- [1:45:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=6354) Substitute amendment to City Lots for Working Families program (Item 10): passed
- [2:00:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=7203) Acceptance of permanent easement from Union Pacific Railroad for pedestrian safety work at North Nagle Avenue crossing, 45th Ward (Item 11): passed
- [2:03:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=7389) Transfer of remnant parcels for Burley Avenue roadway improvements, 10th Ward (Item 12) (O2025-0018190): passed
- [2:13:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=7986) Substitute: transfer of remnant parcels for Archer Avenue / Belt Railway grade separation, 23rd Ward (Item 13): passed
- [2:16:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=8163) Sale of city-owned property at 5227-5229 S. Cicero Ave. for a Paisans Pizzeria, 23rd Ward (Item 19) (O2025-0018227): passed
- [2:19:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=8394) Substitute: sale of city-owned lots and redevelopment agreement with Missing Middle Chicago LLC for eight residential buildings in North Lawndale, 24th Ward (Item 14): passed
- [2:30:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=9039) Sale of city-owned property at 5831-5835 W. Chicago Ave., 29th Ward (Item 15) (O2025-0018254): passed
- [2:37:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=9444) Sale of city-owned property at 2426 W. Madison St. for open space, 27th Ward (Item 16) (O2025-0018251): passed
- [2:39:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=9566) Sale of city-owned property at 3116 W. 5th Ave. for a side yard, 28th Ward (Item 17) (O2025-0018245): passed
- [2:41:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=9669) Sale of city property on S. Emerald Ave. to NeighborSpace in partnership with We Sow We Grow for an urban agriculture district, 21st Ward (Item 18) (O2025-0018235): passed
- [2:55:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=10545) Sale of city property at 2019 W. Washington Blvd. to Franklin Holdings, 27th Ward (Item 20) (O2025-0018247): passed
- [2:59:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=10785) Sale of city property at 1400-1408 E. 67th Place to JD Housing LLC, 5th Ward (Item 21) (O2025-0018249): passed
- [3:03:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=10986) Sale of city property at 4336-4338 S. Forrestville Ave., 3rd Ward (Item 22) (O2025-0018248): passed
- [3:19:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=11976) Subject matter hearing on algorithmic rent price-fixing and housing affordability (Item 23) (R2024-0012413): discussed

### Alderpersons who spoke

- [Byron Sigcho-López](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/25) (chair): Called the meeting to order, noting 23 items on the agenda. ([21:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=1275)); Agreed with Alderperson Jeanette B. Taylor that developers who do not meet their commitments under the City Lots program should be held accountable and offered to continue the conversation. ([1:57:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=7051)); Opened the subject matter hearing on algorithmic price fixing, noting that RealPage was invited but could not attend and that no vote would be taken. ([3:19:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=11976))
- [Jeanette B. Taylor](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/20) (alderperson): Asked the board nominees how they would use their relationships to build more affordable housing given reduced federal and state funding. ([1:04:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=3873)); Asked how the corporation would coordinate with CHA and the Cook County Land Bank. ([1:09:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=4159)); Asked how the department works with the Assessor to ensure all houses are on the tax roll to relieve residents' property tax burdens. ([1:10:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=4221))
- [Pat Dowell](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/3) (alderperson): Asked nominees how to shorten the roughly ten-year timeline cited for bringing green social housing to South and West Side communities. ([1:12:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=4374)); Asked whether the board's strategic plan would be presented to City Council and whether the commissioner would present it to the housing committee. ([1:16:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=4573)); Asked whether breaking ground in 2026 was realistic and whether nominees were renters, veterans or members of the disability community. ([1:17:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=4632))
- [Andre Vasquez Jr.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/40) (alderperson): Asked about the role of acquisition rather than subsidy in parts of the city where market rents are already affordable. ([1:18:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=4710)); Asked nominees how they would ensure transparency and accountability in how the board makes funding decisions. ([1:20:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=4806)); Suggested public reporting on the health of the revolving loan fund as another level of transparency. ([1:24:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=5046))
- [Walter R. Burnett](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/27) (alderperson): Thanked the nominees and raised construction costs, suggesting unions could contribute to underwriting to make affordable housing more feasible. ([1:25:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=5113)); Said affordable housing in his ward attracted further residential and commercial development, and cited union pension funds that financed buildings when developers could not get loans. ([1:27:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=5274))
- [Anthony J. Quezada](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/35) (alderperson): Asked what business would receive the Burley Avenue remnant parcels and whether the land transferred exceeds the land taken. ([2:09:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=7761)); Questioned whether giving the remnant land to a business is a fair trade-off or whether the city could use it for housing, and asked about zoning analysis. ([2:10:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=7839)); Said algorithmic rent setting shows the need to discuss ending the statewide rent control ban, property tax reform and other regulation as part of addressing housing affordability. ([4:00:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=14421))
- [Silvana Tabares](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/23) (alderperson): Expressed support for the Cicero Avenue land sale for a Paisans Pizzeria, citing community input and support from local organizations. ([2:18:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=8316))
- [Monique L. Scott](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/24) (alderperson): Asked colleagues to support the Missing Middle sale, noting the ward has about 3,000 vacant lots and that owner-occupancy requirements support community wealth building. ([2:25:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=8758))
- [Chris Taliaferro](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/29) (alderperson): Supported the Chicago Avenue mixed-use project as part of the Soul City Corridor developed with community stakeholders and asked for favorable consideration. ([2:35:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=9348))
- [David H. Moore](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/17) (alderperson): Said that transferring land before environmental remediation sets a precedent and he does not want residents denied land in the future for lack of remediation. ([2:50:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=10231))
- [Ronnie L. Mosley](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/21) (alderperson): Supported the urban agriculture district, said cleanup funding has been allocated, and said he would like to find a way for We Sow We Grow to hold an interest in the land. ([2:52:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=10374))
- [Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/33) (alderperson): Introduced the hearing, describing rent-setting software as facilitating price coordination among competing landlords and citing a federal antitrust lawsuit. ([3:21:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=12072)); Said downloaded RealPage data showed nearly 90,000 Chicago rental units affected and urged the Council and mayor's office to consider prohibiting such software. ([3:27:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=12477)); Said RealPage declined to testify but was open to a future hearing, and that she is working with the mayor's office on legislation while enforcement remains a challenge. ([3:58:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=14316))

### Exchanges between members

- [1:57:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=7051) The chair agreed with Alderperson Jeanette B. Taylor that developers who miss commitments should be held accountable.
- [2:18:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=8322) Alderperson Silvana Tabares thanked Chairman Byron Sigcho-López for advancing the Cicero Avenue item.
- [2:50:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=10231) Alderperson David H. Moore thanked Alderperson Pat Dowell for her question before raising the remediation issue.
- [2:55:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=10530) The chair thanked Alderperson Ronnie L. Mosley for his remarks on the urban agriculture district.
- [3:50:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=13848) Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr. thanked Alderperson Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez for raising the algorithmic pricing issue.
- [3:52:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=13968) Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr. noted that Chairman Byron Sigcho-López has discussed a rental registry or licensing as accountability mechanisms.
- [3:55:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=14134) Alderperson Pat Dowell thanked Alderperson Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez for the resolution while asking to hear from RealPage users.
- [3:58:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=14316) Alderperson Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez responded to Alderperson Pat Dowell that RealPage was open to a later hearing and agreed more parties should be heard.
- [3:59:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=14376) Alderperson Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez said Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr. enforcement question reflects the core roadblock in drafting legislation.
- [4:02:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=14558) Alderperson Anthony J. Quezada thanked Alderperson Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez for bringing the conversation forward.
- [4:07:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432?t=14823) The chair commended Alderperson Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez and her team for bringing the item.

## Documents

- [Agenda](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/e38cd208-e23a-4026-8728-03a1e866c3cd.pdf)
- [Summary](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/fe0ee349-8814-4f3e-aed3-a6b5bbb4ab77.pdf)
- [Notice](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/b7d8c290-84b2-47a1-9986-fa9c897178c3.pdf)

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/C9C00235-FC51-F011-8779-001DD830A432 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt