The Latest Breaking News from Marisa Novara

Brandon Johnson’s plan to raise the transfer tax on high-end homes is opposed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Democratic legislative leaders.

Chicago officials are closing in on plans to transform a budget motel along North Lincoln Avenue into a housing pilot that would provide on-site substance abuse and mental health treatment — part of the city’s long-term efforts to combat chronic homelessness by pairing temporary shelter with intensive health care.

In the illustration, a sun-splashed residential block is lined with spindly trees as tall as the buildings, a bike lane bustles with riders, people cross the street by foot or wheelchair — and there’s not a driver in sight. “Make streets safer for Chicagoans who walk, bike, roll and ride,”…

Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara told the City Council Friday the program will launch on city-owned land to eliminate land acquisition costs.

In the rollout of additional dwelling units, or ADUs, 83% are headed to Chicago’s North or Northwest sides with little activity in other areas.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle appeared at the ground-breaking to show her support, speaking candidly about how South and West Side neighborhoods have suffered from “racist disinvestment for generations” as predominantly white neighborhoods in Chicago have received the “lion share of…

The Chicago Department of Housing on Monday chose two nonprofit groups to provide the legal help to tenants.

The surcharges, being extended for two more years, are $15,000 for demolishing a house, townhouse or two-flat and $5,000-per-unit for tearing down multi-unit residential buildings. Critics have said such fees steal equity from residents who “stuck it out through tough times.”

Planning and Development Commissioner Maurice Cox and Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara would be authorized purchase delinquent or forfeited property taxes from Cook County to assemble property for development.