South Side Chicago

Interstate 55 with cars and green freeway signs in Chicago, Illinois

Illinois Legislators Pass Controversial I-55 Road Expansion Legislation

Legislation to enable the addition of express toll lanes on Interstate 55 in the Southwest Side of Chicago, opposed by environmental justice advocates, cleared the Illinois General Assembly last month.

June 7, 2023 - Chicago Tribune

CTA Red Line

Update: Chicago Red Line Extension TIF Approved

The long-anticipated project that will bring the Chicago Transit Authority rail system into transit deserts on the Southside of Chicago is making substantial progress.

December 14, 2022 - WBEZ

A rider waits on the platform of the Sox-35th station on the CTA Red Line in Chicago.

Chicago’s Red Line Extension Environmental Review Complete

The Red Line Extension on Chicago’s South Side could be a game changer, if the city can figure out the local funding.

September 7, 2022 - Mass Transit

Chicago

Chicago Planning Commissioner Focuses on Disinvested Neighborhoods

A new initiative seeks to bring investment dollars to Chicago communities that for decades have suffered from the loss of wealth and population.

December 29, 2019 - Next City

Caffeine

Chicago Coffee Shops Breaking Social and Economic Ground on the South Side

Cafes on the city's South Side are more than just businesses. They also provide important spaces for community building and economic development in neighborhoods that have been historically overlooked.

July 8, 2019 - Chicago Tribune

Chicago Transit

Chicago Gets Federal Money for TOD Planning Efforts to Accompany Red Line Extension

The long-discussed 130th Street Red Line stop gets federal money for planning transit-oriented development to accompany the proposed new station.

December 26, 2018 - Streetsblog

Stony Island Arts Bank Chicago

Theaster Gates Brings Together Planning and Art to Empower Communities

His work in Chicago has created spaces that protect and celebrate black lives and experience.

December 12, 2018 - Forbes

Jackson Park

Chicago Moves Forward Legislation on Obama Presidential Center

The former president's Obama Presidential Center, to be constructed in Chicago's Jackson Park, has faced opposition from nearby residents concerned about its effects on the area.

October 12, 2018 - The Chicago Tribune

Op-Ed: Chicago Intentionally Forces Out Black Residents

Illinois gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy made waves when he said the rapidly shrinking population of African Americans was the intended result of the city's policy. An op-ed in the Chicago Reader agrees.

January 22, 2018 - The Chicago Reader

Editorial Raises Concern About Access to Planned Golf Course Near Obama Library

It doesn't get anymore high profile than the names behind planned projects in Jackson Park on the South Side of Chicago. The question is whether a new Tiger Woods-designed golf course will be accessible to residents.

September 3, 2017 - Chicago Tribune

Chicago, Illinois

Plans for Empty Lot Raise Gentrification Fears in Chicago's Pilsen

Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood is getting more expensive and more white, and some in the neighborhood say the plan for a new apartment complex will further that trend.

June 22, 2017 - DNA Info

A Rap Song About Bike Safety? Yes Please.

Activist politician and rapper, Rhymefest, partners with Blackstone Bicycle Works and Donda's House to attempt the impossible: a compelling song about bike safety.

June 19, 2017 - YouTube

Jackson Park

Obama: Pedestrianize Street Next to Presidential Center

Barack Obama supports closing Cornell Drive, a six-lane road next to the future site of the Obama Presidential Center, to automobile access. He cites safety concerns and the need for green space.

May 11, 2017 - Chi.Streetsblog

Chicago

Eviction Hot Spot: Chicago's South Shore

Rising rents and low income residents have made this South Side neighborhood a locus for evictions and forced moves.

April 30, 2017 - Chicago Reader

Commuter Rail

A Simple Idea to Fix Transit on Chicago's South Side

On Chicago's massive south side, fixing transit means working on more than just CTA trains.

April 29, 2017 - South Side Weekly

Hilliard Towers

Chicago's Hilliard Homes Succeed Despite Trend Away From High-Rise Projects

The Hilliard Homes avoided the wrecking ball for 50 years, even while other high-rise projects were knocked down. A Chicago Reader pierce suggests the design and management of these buildings could make them a model for future High-rise projects.

October 12, 2016 - Chicago Reader

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Websites

The best of the Internet—since 2002.

Top Apps

Planning apps for a brave new world.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.