Chicago’s Anti-Gentrification Push Advances on Rosh Hashanah, Raising Transparency Concerns
- Natalie Frank
- Sep 24
- 1 min read
Housing committee advances sweeping ordinance with tenant protections as real estate groups warn of economic fallout
Natalie C. Frank, Ph.D September 24, 2025
CHICAGO - A controversial proposal to slow gentrification in Chicago’s South Shore cleared a major hurdle this week, moving from the City Council’s Committee on Housing and Real Estate to a full council vote.
The South Shore Housing Opportunity Ordinance would create new tenant protections, including a right of first refusal for renters when buildings are sold and stricter rules for just-cause evictions. It also expands funding for housing stability programs, setting up a likely clash between community advocates and Chicago’s powerful real estate industry.
At the core of the ordinance is a requirement that landlords give tenants the first chance to buy their building before selling to outside buyers. That would give renters time to form tenant associations and seek financing, aimed at helping residents stay in their communities instead of being pushed out by rising rents.
