The Latest Breaking News from Marisa Novara

Mayoral allies nearing compromise on plan to raise tax on higher-end home sales, but office building owners still not buying in

The compromise that Chicago voters will be asked to approve in a binding referendum in March is the one that now former Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara floated last month. The changes are expected to reduce the annual revenue by $20 million — from $160 million to $140 million.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 17, 2023

Mayor’s allies lay groundwork for referendum on ‘mansion tax’ to aid city’s unhoused people

Brandon Johnson’s plan to raise the transfer tax on high-end homes is opposed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Democratic legislative leaders.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 27, 2023

Chicago aims to turn Diplomat Motel into ‘healthy housing’ for homeless people — with much more than a roof overhead

Chicago officials are closing in on plans to transform a budget motel along North Lincoln Avenue into a housing pilot that would provide on-site substance abuse and mental health treatment — part of the city’s long-term efforts to combat chronic homelessness by pairing temporary shelter with intensive health care.

Chicago Tribune · Jul 17, 2023

What can convince Chicagoans to rely less on cars? City aims to make ‘transit-oriented development’ the answer

In the illustration, a sun-splashed residential block is lined with spindly trees as tall as the buildings, a bike lane bustles with riders, people cross the street by foot or wheelchair — and there’s not a driver in sight. “Make streets safer for Chicagoans who walk, bike, roll and ride,”…

Chicago Tribune · Oct 20, 2022

Chicago to launch $3M Tiny Homes pilot on city lots with up to eight units on each

Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara told the City Council Friday the program will launch on city-owned land to eliminate land acquisition costs.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 14, 2022

City’s test of additional dwelling units finds most takers in gentrified wards

In the rollout of additional dwelling units, or ADUs, 83% are headed to Chicago’s North or Northwest sides with little activity in other areas.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 5, 2022

Black developers to build 3-flats in a single Woodlawn block, replacing 11 vacant lots

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle appeared at the ground-breaking to show her support, speaking candidly about how South and West Side neighborhoods have suffered from “racist disinvestment for generations” as predominantly white neighborhoods in Chicago have received the “lion share of…

Chicago Sun-Times · May 17, 2022

City offers free legal representation to low-income Chicago renters at risk of eviction

The Chicago Department of Housing on Monday chose two nonprofit groups to provide the legal help to tenants.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 4, 2022

Finance Committee OKs keeping demolition fees in Pilsen and along 606 trail

The surcharges, being extended for two more years, are $15,000 for demolishing a house, townhouse or two-flat and $5,000-per-unit for tearing down multi-unit residential buildings. Critics have said such fees steal equity from residents who “stuck it out through tough times.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 21, 2022

Committee OKs tool to reclaim distressed properties concentrated in communities of color

Planning and Development Commissioner Maurice Cox and Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara would be authorized purchase delinquent or forfeited property taxes from Cook County to assemble property for development.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 15, 2022