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Did You Know?

Only 11 percent of Chicagoland residents ride transit to work.

Let’s move ahead with the Red Line Extension Transit TIF  

For decades, people on the far South Side have heard promises about the extension of the Red Line. Now, finally, we’re thrilled to see the plan moving forward.

There is broad community support for the project. Extending CTA’s L system to the far South Side will improve residents’ access to education, employment, healthcare, and other crucial services. The Red Line Extension will also attract construction jobs and future development along the proposed corridor.

We at the Active Transportation Alliance are enthusiastic supporters of this project. We also support the proposed funding mechanisms, including the Transit TIF (tax increment financing).

Ensuring inclusive growth across the entire city means investing in the fundamental building blocks of healthy communities in each neighborhood.  

Communities across the city have long benefited from access to transit and, as a result, greater economic opportunities.

The proposed Transit TIF leverages the property value realized from investments already made in places like the South Loop and Chinatown. Roseland, Altgeld Gardens, and the other communities adjoining the extension deserve the same type of development and transit access as the neighborhoods in the proposed TIF district. 

Continued robust community engagement with far South Side residents will be vital to ensure that the project results in equitable development and economic opportunities for generations to come.  

 

This post was co-written by David Powe and Julia Gerasimenko.