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Episode 187: Department of Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara; Moving Chicago Forward

Marisa Novara was appointed as Commissioner of the Department of Housing (DOH) in 2019 and has since led the creation of policies to promote equitably distributed affordable housing across the City.

Commissioner Novara starts by explaining the purpose of the DOH. She dives deep on a fascinating study on segregation across the City that her team conducted. She speaks to the results of the segregation study and how her team is utilizing the findings to create policies that promote affordable housing development. The Commissioner explains how the Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO) and Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) Ordinance are also tools that the DOH is utilizing to combat the affordable housing issues. Commissioner Novara closes with powerful words on the importance of making your voice heard to address these issues within your community!

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04:00 Housing Provider Tip: Understand how legal notices work!

05:54 Intro to our guest, Commissioner Marisa Novara of the Chicago Department of Housing (DOH)!

07:05 Commissioner Novara explains the origin and purpose of the Chicago Department of Housing!

10:30 Commissioner Novara talks about the segregation study her team conducted?

15:35 How was Commissioner Novara’s team able to perform a study on such a complex topic?

19:47 How were the findings of the study quantified?

26:33 How were findings of the study received? 

27:40 Where does Commissioner Novara’s passion for her work come from? 

30:33 Commissioner Novara discusses the Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO) and its challenges!

39:04 Commissioner Novara explains the Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) Ordinance! 

44:32 What are some things happening behind the scenes at the DOH?

49:00 Commissioner Novara talks about Tiny Homes and affordable housing communities in general!

53:37 What is Commissioner Novara’s competitive advantage? 

55:13 One piece of advice for new investors.

56:22 What do you do for fun?

57:26 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 

58:37 Local Network Recommendation?

59:30 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

That’s our show! Thanks for listening!


Guest Name: Commissioner Marisa Novara

Guest Company: City of Chicago Department of Housing

Guest Linkhttps://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh.html

Other Links for show notes:

Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO)

Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) Ordinance

City-owned Vacant Land for Sale

SUCI Ep 38 - Cook County Land Bank

How to Meet Yourself (Book Recommendation)

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