Nothing about us, without us, is for us.

Legislative Efforts

The CAEC has defeated legislation that was detrimental to the African American community ie. Privatization of evictions-HB5395, Anti eviction ordinance and Keep Chicago Renting Ordinance (KCRO).  We were able to pressure the County Sheriff’s department by protesting the Sheriff’s office to put into practice a moratorium on evictions during the holidays.  The Sheriff was served a five day notice and five days later he issued a moratorium on evictions due to fraud and also put in place a holiday moratorium. The CAEC has also advocated for modifications successfully.  One homeowner Ce Ce Edwards saved over $200,000 on her own with Wells Fargo.  The CAEC partners and allies work to get city legislation that would ensure banks upon foreclosing on property with tenants would have to pay a minimum of $10,000 dollars in relocation assistance or when offering cash for keys.  We are working with the Cook County Sheriff’s office whose vocational rehab impact center will be training and certifying inmates for rehab and construction.  These skills earned by these inmates can be utilized for redevelopment of the communities in which they live and provide an economic alternative to crime.  The CAEC also supported legislation of the county sheriff’s department that would allow for alternative sentencing for non-violent offenders in the county.  This was also an opportunity for them to be productive participants in their community.

Policy Work

While much of the Campaign’s work is on the ground, they also work amongst Chicago’s policy makers. On Thursday, December 6, 2018, Mayor Emanuel’s 2019-2023 Five Year Housing Plan, was passed by city council. The Campaign was part of a plan drafted a committee of local housing experts that makes way for 40,000 affordable housing units over the next five years. With more than 8,000 units being built a year, Mayor Emanuel’s housing plan looks to address the overdue issue of displaced families caused by the demolition of public housing in the early 2000s (i.e. Cabrini Green Communities), as well as, the current issue of gentrification across Chicago, and maintaining affordable housing for our residents.