How does equitable transit-oriented development move from aspiration to systems change?

Elevated Chicago’s Three-Year Impact Report tells that story.

Between 2022 and 2024, Elevated Chicago advanced its role as a convener, funder, advocate, and bridge-builder—helping position Chicago at the forefront of equitable transit-oriented development nationwide.

During this period, our work:

• Brought together more than 1,000 developers, community leaders, and policymakers across sectors around a shared vision for vibrant communities near transit;
• Supported a pipeline of 60+ community-led ETOD projects;
• Strengthened emerging developers through Elevated Works technical assistance;
• Developed the In.Field Kit, a new tool supporting developers, planners and policymakers in applying more inclusive and joyful community engagement practices; and
• Helped secure landmark policy wins, including the Connected Communities Ordinance, now the nation’s strongest local ETOD policy.

This report reflects on the people and processes that help shape places more equitably—and what it takes to move from pilot programs to lasting policy and practice.

We invite policymakers, practitioners, funders, and community partners to explore the report and reflect on how collaborative, equity-centered approaches can build more vibrant transit-connected neighborhoods.