In a controversial move, the Trump administration has decided to drop two significant civil rights cases in Chicago that had previously highlighted discriminatory practices.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that it will no longer oversee a critical civil rights agreement with the city, which aimed to implement zoning and land-use reforms to protect low-income communities on the South Side and West Side from pollution.
This decision comes in the wake of a long-standing community battle over the proposed relocation of General Iron to the Southeast Side.
On her final day in office in 2023, former Mayor Lori Lightfoot signed the agreement with HUD, while current Mayor Brandon Johnson has expressed his commitment to uphold the terms of the pact.
In addition to the General Iron case, HUD is also dismissing an investigation stemming from a 2018 complaint.
This complaint accused City Council members of utilizing ‘aldermanic prerogative’—a form of veto power—to hinder the development of affordable housing in predominantly white neighborhoods.
Despite initial findings suggesting that the complainants’ arguments regarding civil rights violations were valid, HUD has reversed its stance.
Earlier this year, HUD, the city, and ten affordable housing organizations appeared close to finalizing an agreement related to these allegations, only for the federal agency to abruptly change course.
HUD’s recent communications, dated Wednesday, informed the advocacy groups of the decision to dismiss the cases.
The agency stated it is shifting its focus to “real concerns regarding fair housing,” thereby reclaiming jurisdiction over local zoning and housing decisions.
Both cases were noted in separate letters, where HUD explained that they were reversing previous determinations, indicating a new direction in enforcement priorities.
Mayor Brandon Johnson publicly acknowledged the significance of the complaints and reinforced his administration’s commitment to pushing reforms aimed at enhancing equity and affordability in Chicago.
In a statement to the Sun-Times, he stated, “In recognition of the fact that Chicago continues to be one of the most segregated cities in the United States, the Johnson administration is committed to pushing for reforms that make our city more equitable and more affordable.”
He further criticized HUD’s decision to cease monitoring the civil rights agreement, asserting it represents a retreat from protecting vulnerable populations from environmental hazards.
“Our neighborhoods and the health of our children are on the line,” Johnson added, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strict oversight concerning the locations of heavy industries.
Cheryl Johnson, executive director of People for Community Recovery and one of the complainants in both cases, assured advocates that their fight would not diminish in light of HUD’s withdrawal.
“HUD may have turned its back on us, but we’re not backing down,” she asserted, stressing the ongoing battle for justice in these matters.
Under the terms of the General Iron agreement, Mayor Johnson is supporting the introduction of an environmental protection ordinance aimed at reversing the historical trend of placing polluting industries within low-income communities of color.
Proposed in April, this measure honors Cheryl Johnson’s late mother, activist Hazel, but has yet to be debated at City Hall.
Meanwhile, a representative from one of the ten affordable housing advocacy groups involved in the aldermanic veto complaint criticized HUD’s actions, claiming it undermines fair housing laws.
Patricia Fron, executive director of the Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance, stated, “We see this as an absolute affront to the [U.S.] Fair Housing Act.”
Highlighting Chicago’s status as a highly segregated city, she noted that the practice of aldermanic prerogative has perpetuated this segregation—a reality previously acknowledged by HUD investigators.
Determined to continue their efforts, the advocacy groups recently announced plans to negotiate with Mayor Johnson directly, bypassing HUD’s involvement.
The recent communication from HUD starkly contrasts with previous letters sent in 2023, indicating a fundamental shift in the agency’s approach to civil rights and housing issues in Chicago.
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