Marisa Novara has been nominated to serve as Chicago's Commissioner of Housing by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.

CHICAGO—Marisa Novara, the vice president of the Metropolitan Planning Council, has been nominated to serve as Commissioner of Housing by Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.

Novara in her role at the MPC has overseen the Cost of Segregation project, a 2017 study that concluded the enormous cost of segregation still present in the Chicago economy. The study estimated that the city's economy could grow by $4.4 billion if decades-old patterns of discrimination in housing and transportation were addressed and access to jobs and education were improved. She also led a follow-up report detailing solutions for a more equitable city entitled “Our Equitable Future” roadmap.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that every Chicagoan has access to a quality, affordable home,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “I can think of no one more qualified than Marisa Novara to carry out this critical work. Her experience spearheading policies that drive equity in neighborhood development will be a huge asset as Chicago works to provide needed housing preservation, development and renovation in every neighborhood.”

Prior to joining MPC, Novara directed affordable rental and for-sale housing development for Lawndale Christian Development Corp. in the North Lawndale community, where she lived and worked for more than a decade. She received a master's degree in urban planning from the Instituto Politecnico di Milano in Milan, Italy, and a master's degree from the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration.

Previously organized under the Department of Planning & Development for over a decade, the Department of Housing oversees the development of new housing, monitors compliance with the Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO), administers homeownership programs and grants, and develops housing and community development policy. Its initiatives also serve owners needing repairs, rehab and tax relief, and developers seeking new housing opportunities in local communities.

“Throughout my career I have worked to both create quality affordable housing and enact good public policy that increases access to housing while addressing issues of systemic racial inequity experienced in many of our Chicago communities,” Novara said. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue this important work that will drive growth and sustainable futures for every neighborhood.”

Instant Insights /

Mayor Nominates Novara as Housing Commissioner

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