Problem

The Chicago Department of Housing would like to systematically incorporate projects to increase racial equity within their processes, but they do not have the resources to do so.

Solution

In collaboration with the Department of Housing, the Metropolitan Planning Council, and the Civic Consulting Alliance, we are piloting a racial equity program called Change Teams and strategizing how that program could roll out department-wide.

Goal

To launch this pilot program with two bureaus, measure success and identify key learnings, and create a toolkit for the Dept. of Housing to replicate this project with their remaining bureaus.

To create a guide for housing authorities around the globe to assess their actions through a racial equity lens.

Planned Activities

• Develop a clear, compelling change story – shared sense of priorities that answer the questions ‘What’s in it for me?’ for all stakeholders


• Recommend channels and tactics to deliver a consistent message frequently.


• Draft talking points, emails, and other communications that include the change story, transparently address the challenges and consequences of change, and cultivate support for this effort.

Target

The 80 employees within the Chicago Department of Housing

Impact

Indirectly, this will benefit everyone impacted by the Dept. of Housing's policies, which is the 3 million residents of Chicago. It will create more equitable policies and therefore lessen the racial wealth gap within our city.