In April 2024, the Department of Planning and Development released to the public a draft of the updated Sustainable Development Policy -- the first update since 2017. Instead of making bird protection a requirement for new construction as well as significant renovation projects, the policy assigns a point value to bird-friendly mitigations along with all the other menu options developers can choose from to reach a 100-point target – meaning, bird-friendly mitigation is voluntary. The Bird Friendly Chicago coalition was very disappointed in this update. Developments approved after January 1, 2025 are expected to follow the updated policy.

However – there is progress! Bird Friendly Chicago continues to work with alderpersons who are champions of bird-friendly design. Maria E. Hadden (49th ward), Brian Hopkins (2nd ward) and Ruth Cruz (30th ward) introduced resolution R2024-0010861 in July 2024 asking for a subject matter hearing during which experts in avian conservation, urban planners, architects, City of Chicago Departments and other relevant experts will provide further policy recommendations on bird-friendly design. This meeting is proposed to occur in June, and will include data on which new construction developments have selected bird-mitigation options from the Sustainable Development Policy during the year since the updated draft was released.

Since the updated Sustainable Development Policy was released, Audrey Vicks and other volunteers have attended the monthly meetings of the Chicago Plan Commission, where they make statements on behalf of bird-friendly building measures as new building projects proceed through city permitting. They are helping to establish good relations with that group. Alderperson Daniel La Spata (1st ward) is a member of the Plan Commission, and he often speaks up for bird-friendly design.

We are hopeful that the ordinance effort will be back on track after the June hearing.