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Woodlawn Housing Data Report and Recommendations

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Overview

In 2020, partner organization Woodlawn East Community and Neighbors (WECAN) presented policy recommendations based on South Side Housing Data Initiative (SSHDI) data to local public officials considering policies to help preserve affordable housing ahead of the Obama Center’s development. Those recommendations were among the materials that helped inform the Chicago City Council in the development of the high-profile Woodlawn Housing Preservation Ordinance, which was passed that same year and featured key components that aligned with SSHDI’s findings.

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Report and Supporting Materials

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Woodlawn Community Partners

Woodlawn East Community and Neighbors (WECAN)

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Key Findings from Harris School of Public Policy Students

  • High vacancy
  • At-risk renters
  • At-risk homeowners
  • Increasing market activity
  • Inadequate resources

Policy Recommendations Developed by WECAN

The following recommendations are designed to protect existing Woodlawn residents and prevent their displacement in the face of forthcoming community change.

In 2020, partner organization Woodlawn East Community and Neighbors (WECAN) presented policy recommendations based on SSHDI data to local public officials considering policies to help preserve affordable housing ahead of the Obama Center’s development. Those recommendations were among the materials that helped inform the Chicago City Council in the development of the high-profile Woodlawn Housing Preservation Ordinance, which was passed that same year and featured key components that aligned with SSHDI’s findings.

      • Fund a centralized Housing Resource Center in Woodlawn
      • Establish a new 5-year $25 million Housing Fund to invest in the needs of current residents
      • Conduct a Community Census to better understand the housing and other needs of current residents

    • Implement a collaborative community process to establish a vision for utilization of vacant land
    • Repurpose the Woodlawn TIF, with priority uses to include investment in affordable housing and home repairs

    • Establish property tax relief for income-eligible residents who are longtime Woodlawn homeowners
    • Provide property repairs assistance, and pro bono legal assistance and property tax assistance
    • Collaborate with local community land trusts to permanently preserve Woodlawn’s affordable homeownership units

    • Collaborate with the Preservation Compact on a focused Woodlawn strategy to preserve rental units
    • Ask the City of Chicago to monitor housing conversion activity and protect residents from displacement