What is the Chicago Growth Project?

Chicago Growth Project is a PAC (Political Action Collective), promoting a pro-growth agenda for Chicago. We believe the city's key structural issues demand a more positive, progressive politics. The Chicago Growth Projects wants to see a vibrant city, both in the Loop and on the margins. An enterprising and growing Chicago with increased equity, where fiscal stress is reduced and we take policymaking seriously. We have three core beliefs and support candidates who share those beliefs with us:

1. The lack of a city charter has led to chaotic governance, poor decisions, and an inability to solve big problems and think strategically.
2. City Council members should be focused on policy rather than city services. Routine administrative issues and delivery of city services should be overseen equitably at the citywide level and run effeciently by a city manager hired by City Council.
3. Chicago needs pro-growth policies that promote the highest quality of life for working people and that working people have a deliberative role in shaping those policies.

Do you agree? Become a volunteer, run for office, or donate today to make an impact!

Why start the Chicago Growth Project?

Chicagoans are frustrated with our city’s inability to solve problems. We can and must do better in living up to our potential as a great global city. We believe that electoral pressure is the only way to create a mandate for systemic change.

Chicago is the only major city in the US without a city charter and an outlier in its dysfunctional governance structures. Decades of poor decision-making have led us to a confluence of crises (crippling pension debt, parking meter deal, etc) that lay bare our lack of collective problem-solving capability and our inability to plan for sustainable growth. See Is Chicago About to Hit Rock Bottom and The New Chicago Way for a fascinating look at the connection between our governance structure and our mess.

To create the city we want to live in, we need a clear governance framework, a vision for growth, and elected leaders who understand that mandate. That is why we started the Chicago Growth Project: to elect positive, pragmatic progressives who will deliver on a vision for good governance and a growing economy that Chicagoans deserve and other cities will seek to emulate.