Safeguard Chicago's Environment

Named after Hazel M. Johnson, known as the “Mother of Environmental Justice” and founder of People for Community Recovery. She was a lifelong advocate against environmental racism fighting to address pollution in Black and low-income communities. This ordinance is a citywide policy designed to protect communities from unfair pollution burdens. It calls for the City of Chicago to consider the cumulative impacts of pollution sources—traffic, industrial plants, and other environmental stressors—on public health when evaluating new zoning and permitting decisions.

Chicago is located along a major migratory bird route, and thousands of birds die each year from building collisions. The Bird-Friendly Design Ordinance would require new buildings and major renovations to include bird-safe design features, like patterned glass and lighting standards, to help reduce collisions and protect migratory bird populations.

Chicago has an opportunity to lead by example by reducing plastic waste in its own operations. This proposal would phase out single-use plastic foodware and beverage containers across city departments and replace them with reusable or compostable alternatives, helping cut pollution, reduce landfill waste, and move Chicago toward a more sustainable future. 

Chicago’s budget plays a critical role in protecting public health and neighborhood resilience. Advocates are calling for increased funding and staffing for tree protection, including expanded tree inoculation to protect Chicago’s urban canopy. Additionally, we seek greater transparency and accountability in the city’s lead service line replacement program, the rollout of flooding disaster relief resources on the South and West Sides and breakdown of the use of funds from speed cameras.