2022 Guaranteed Income

2022 Guaranteed Income

Led by City Bureau’s senior reporter Sarah Conway, four emerging journalists reported on Chicago’s guaranteed income pilot program and private efforts provide cash directly to individuals who struggle to access the social safety net, such as people who have been incarcerated.

2022 Affordable Housing

2022 Affordable Housing

Led by City Bureau’s engagement reporter Jerrel Floyd, four emerging reporters looked into the city’s promises to spend a billion dollars building affordable housing. The reporters focused on Bronzeville, where a developer is promising a mixed-income community built with the help of tax-payer dollars near public transportation.

The Housing Cliff

The Housing Cliff

Experts say an eviction avalanche is coming. But thousands of Chicago renters have already been pushed to the brink of the housing cliff.

Immigrants and the Election

Immigrants and the Election

Fall 2020: How are Chicago’s immigrants empowered through the electoral process, and in what ways do election outcomes affect their lives?

Chicago on a Budget

Chicago on a Budget

The city faces a historic deficit. Where will the mayor find money, and where will services be cut?

Census 2020

Census 2020

As the census approaches, stakes are high in Illinois as the state has billions of federal funding dollars—and perhaps even a seat in Congress—at stake.

Black Chi Wealth

Black Chi Wealth

What does Black wealth look like in Chicago? Our reporting fellows look to tell the expansive story of how generations of Black Chicagoans built, lost and passed along wealth by looking beyond the financial statistics.

The Cord: Resources for Modern Mamas

The Cord: Resources for Modern Mamas

A Spring 2019 City Bureau project is tackling issues of racial inequity in maternal and infant health and telling stories of community solutions and resilience.

Restorative Justice in Chicago

Restorative Justice in Chicago

In July 2017, a new court opened on Chicago’s West Side that aimed to restore defendants to the community via peace circles rather than punishing them within the criminal justice system.

The Austin People-Powered Voter Guide

The Austin People-Powered Voter Guide

Where do candidates stand on the issues West Side residents care about the most? Responses from six front-running mayoral candidates, and aldermanic candidates in the 28th, 29th and 37th Wards.

Is Chicago Any Less Segregated Than It Used To Be?

Is Chicago Any Less Segregated Than It Used To Be?

Chicago is one of the nation’s most diverse — and segregated — cities. But while Census numbers say Chicago is more racially integrated than it was 30 years ago, numbers don’t tell the whole story.

Living With Lead

Living With Lead

Flint. East Chicago. Our own city’s parks and schools. Despite assurances from city officials seeking to quiet fears after the crisis in Flint, lead poison continues to affect thousands of children.

"911, What's Your Emergency?"

"911, What's Your Emergency?"

We look at the people and systems that handle what might be the most important phone call of your life.

Changing Chatham

Changing Chatham

City Bureau explores economic development, a street corner open mic and new initiatives aiming to make a lasting impact on the South Side.