The Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) initiated public discussions in 2022 about potential enhancements to the 2017 Sustainable Development Policy (SDP) that reflect best practices, technology improvements, municipal code updates, and City initiatives (2022 Climate Action Plan, 2023 Citywide Plan, 2023 Cumulative Impacts Assessment) involving environmental justice and neighborhood equity. Discussions and research that continued through 2023 included approximately 150 design professionals, developers, community groups, advocacy organizations, elected officials, attorneys and nonprofit entities. 

As part of this outreach, DPD and the City’s Office of Climate and Environmental Equity convened 14 focus group and subject-matter-expert meetings to help inform potential improvements. Funded by a $25,000 American Cities Climate Challenge grant, the meetings addressed bird-friendly design, energy efficiency, sustainable design and construction, workforce development, public health, environmental justice and other issues for potential policy updates. During this period, DPD also engaged other City departments and public agencies for input on relevant SDP issues.