The Home Front

By Don DeBat There is a sweeping regulatory movement underway, pushed by Mayor Brandon Johnson—an avowed Democratic Socialist—to take private property rights away from landlords, and give excessive protection to renters. An estimated 54% of Chicago’s residents—some 600,000 people-are apartment renters, according to the City of Chicago, so Mayor Johnson, who is up for reelection next spring against at least a half-dozen opponents, obviously needs votes. Chicago currently has

By Don DeBat Renters hunting for an affordable apartment in a nice North Side Chicago neighborhood this spring may be in for some sticker shock. Between February of 2025 and February of 2026, Chicago’s median rental prices rose more than many other major cities, according to a national survey by Axios Media, Inc. The survey is based on new leases signed each month in 54 metro areas with at least one million residents. Chicago’s median apartment rent rose 4% to $1,670 a month

(Above) Humboldt Park, northwest of the Loop. Photo by 606 Vision. By Don DeBat A donnybrook is shaping up on Chicago’s Northwest and...