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On Chicago

From the January 2026 CTA Board Meeting
Attending CTA Board meetings so you don't have to! In this edition, "mitigating the impact of smoking," new buses and another lively public comment…
 • Joshua Woods
Let's Talk About The Chicago Parking Meter Deal 💸
In 2008, Chicago leased control of its on-street parking meters for a $1.15 billion cash infusion to plug a short-term budget hole. The buyer made $2B…
From the November 2025 CTA Board Meeting
Attending CTA Board meetings so you don't have to! In this edition, an obligatory NITA download, what it means for the CTA, and a lively public comment…
 • Joshua Woods
From the October 2025 CTA Board Meeting
Attending CTA Board meetings so you don't have to! At this edition, a systemwide ridership update (by me), automatic bus stop ticketing cameras, and the…
 • Joshua Woods
Chicago Wards, Aldermanic Prerogative and a City Charter?
We take a deep dive into how Chicago functions, looking at wards, aldermen and aldermanic prerogative in this edition of I Hope This Helps👍🏽
From the July 2025 CTA Board Meeting
Attending CTA Board meetings so you don't have to! At this meeting, a Transit Ambassador program was announced, and updates were provided on the "CTA…
 • Joshua Woods
The Illinois Legislature Failed to Pass Transit Funding. Are We Headed for a Transit Death Spiral?
We can bank on last minute deals in Springfield to save transit, or we can focus on preserving a core network that averts a "death spiral" and provides…
 • Joshua Woods
I Hope This Helps👍🏽: Zoning Edition
A deep dive into zoning and housing affordability in this edition of I Hope This Helps👍🏽!
I Hope This Helps 👍🏽 (Week of 5/5)
Tactical urbanism IRL, the case against zoning, #BuildTheTunnel, and the power of asking the question "why" in this edition of I Hope This Helps👍🏽!
A New Era for Chicagoland Transit: Seizing the Moment for a World-Class System
The CTA president retired after 10 years. There's downstate legislation to create a new transit system altogether. A service led approach could mean…
 • Joshua Woods
I Recently Attended a Public Meeting, and I think You Should Too!
Go to learn about the development. Stay for the people-watching
 • Joshua Woods
The Last Five Years
If you want to hear a professional transit planner living in Chicago gripe about the current (2024) state of the Chicago Transit Authority, this might…
 • Joshua Woods
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