The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) will recalibrate the Plan for Transformation – the largest public housing redevelopment effort in the history of the United States – by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders in a collaborative, open process, similar to the processes employed successfully by Mayor Emanuel during the City’s budgeting process in 2011.

Begun in 2000, the Plan has led to the reintegration of thousands of public housing families back into the fabric of the city of Chicago and has helped many residents move along the path to economic independence.  Dozens of blighted buildings have been demolished as CHA has increased the quality, safety, and affordability of its properties.

”The Plan for Transformation has been a historic and valuable program that has changed the fortunes of thousands of Chicagoans,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Now is the time to craft the plan for the next generation, to create safe, affordable housing options for families and propel Chicagoans toward economic independence throughout our neighborhoods.”

CHA is now working with stakeholders on an intense process to build the Plan for Transformation 2.0, using the same type of crowd-sourcing efforts the City used in preparing the 2012 budget. In addition to public meetings and other community engagement, CHA will launch a website that will collect input from visitors: www.thecha.org/pft2.  This will allow anyone with ideas about the future of CHA to make their voice heard and contribute to this historic, city-wide effort.  The website will remain available until March 30, 2012.

The crowd-sourcing efforts, in addition to the website, will include a number of resident and other stakeholder meetings around the city.

“We encourage everyone, especially CHA residents, to participate in the planning process. The external input received and ideas for the future will guide CHA as we update the Plan to address the economic realities of today and better serve CHA residents” said Charles Woodyard, CHA’s CEO.  “As we move forward, it is our hope that the Plan will encourage CHA’s clients to use housing as a platform to improve their lives and that CHA’s investment in our housing and land assets will serve as a catalyst to improve communities.”

With the support of the City of Chicago, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, CHA and its stakeholders will be exploring new tools and strategies for completing initial goals and planning for CHA’s future role in providing affordable housing options.  Residents, community members, service providers, researchers, foundations, developers, faith-based organizations, financial institutions, elected officials, and community, legal, and diversity advocates are among those who will provide their knowledge and expertise to inform the planning process.

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