“If we don’t provide real, intentional help for these social equity dreamers, we’re going to let them down as a state. All of their money will be lost,” a key lawmaker said.
Alex Nitkin
Alex Nitkin is a government finance and accountability reporter conducting investigations on systemic problems and the public policies that are meant to fix them in Chicago, Cook County and Illinois government. Before joining Illinois Answers, he worked as a reporter and editor for The Daily Line covering Cook County and Chicago government. He previously worked at The Real Deal Chicago, where he covered local real estate news, and DNAinfo Chicago, where he worked as a breaking news reporter and then as a neighborhood reporter covering the city's Northwest Side. A New York native who grew up in Connecticut, Alex graduated Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism with a bachelor’s degree.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
Illinois Doled Out Millions to Pot Growers. It Still May Not Be Enough to Save the Industry.
As independent ‘craft growers’ in Illinois struggle to secure financing for their cannabis businesses, a state-backed fund has emerged as a key lifeline.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
As Chicago Punts on Apartment Safety, Denver Shows What’s Possible
Chicago has no way of tracking landlords, nor does it require rental units to be inspected. That was the case in Colorado’s largest city, until officials decided to do something about it.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
Chicago Doesn’t Keep Track of Landlords. Renters Are Demanding Change.
Chicago’s building safety enforcement lags behind many peer cities. Boulder offers a model that Chicago could follow.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
As Chicago Considers a ‘Mansion Tax,’ Evanston and LA Show Potential Paths Forward
Evanston is using its additional revenue to fund a housing reparations effort. Meanwhile, Los Angeles’ new funds are frozen as the tax is challenged in court.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
Could Chicago Impose an Income Tax? Here’s What It Looks Like in Other Cities.
As Mayor Brandon Johnson looks for new revenue, an income tax may be one of the city’s only progressive options. It comes with risks.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
How Chicago’s Newest City Council Leaders Plan to Use Their Power – Part 2
From crowdsourcing legislation to hosting meetings in neighborhoods, the new class of City Council leaders wants to democratize committee work.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
How Chicago City Council’s Newest Leaders Want to Use Their Power
The new committee chairs, whose ideas were often ignored under the Lightfoot administration, are planning big policy moves for Chicago.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
How the ‘Most Equity-Centric’ Law on Weed Went Wrong – and Where Illinois Can Go from Here
Illinois is finally issuing new dispensary licenses. But after legislation failed last month, advocates say the state’s cannabis industry has a long way to go to achieve true social equity.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
A Popular Affordable Housing Initiative Is Ripe For Expansion in Chicago — But When?
City officials and multiple alderpeople agree the Additional Dwelling Unit program deserves a boost. But amid political and logistical hurdles, they warn it will take time.
