Housing & Jobs: Key to stable, affordable, healthy communities

Northside Action for Justice members put 2 referendum questions on the Nov. 4 ballot. Action for Justice is encouraging a vote of "YES" on both questions. Affordability and stability depend on both housing cost and household income.

Even the Chicago Tribune admitted (7/6/08) that "low income families face one of the worst housing crises in recent memory." Since the summer, the foreclosure crisis, economic meltdown and worsening recession have only become worse.

The City claims it has no money to address human needs, and threatens lay-offs, while hundreds of millions of dollars sit in TIF funds, destined to subsidize the big business friends of City Hall. The federal governemtn bails out Wall Street without meaningful conditions and, so far, does little to bail-out the rest of the country that is hurting.

It is important that we send a message to civic, political and corporate leaders that we must use all tools available to address the crisis in both housing and jobs. These advisory referenda are one small way to keep sending the message, that we want economic security, stable and affordable housing, corporate accountability and good jobs that pay a living wage.

Questions:

Should the City of Chicago adopt a policy whereby beneficiaries of public subsidies (including TIF) with more than 15 employees must give local residents first chance to apply for jobs, certify that all employees and contractors' employees receive a living wage and pledge to honor worker rights, including safety standards and the right to organize without interference?

Should the City of Chicago allocate 40% of TIF funds (Tax Increment Financing) to preserve and produce housing affordable to persons at or below the community median income, including acquiring vacant or foreclosed-upon properties, rehab and construction?