2025 Kreisman Initiative Housing Challenge Symposium

Welcome to the 2025 Kreisman Initiative Housing Challenge Symposium, an event that brings together innovative minds and passionate advocates to address one of the most pressing challenges facing our city: the severe shortage of affordable housing in Chicago.

Hosted by the Kreisman Initiative for Housing Law and Policy, the symposium marks the culmination of the inaugural Kreisman Initiative Housing Challenge (KIHC), a groundbreaking competition aimed at inspiring actionable solutions to create 126,125 affordable rental homes in Chicago over the next 3-5 years.

Beginning in January, University of Chicago students—both graduate and undergraduate—were invited to develop comprehensive proposals addressing this ambitious goal. Teams were challenged to craft solutions grounded in funding strategy, planning and design, and community engagement, addressing the critical shortage identified by a recent report from Housing Action Illinois and the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC).

With a $5,000 prize on the line, finalists have worked tirelessly to prepare their proposals. These exceptional teams will present their visions during the symposium, sharing innovative ideas to confront the city’s affordable housing crisis.

We hope this event fosters bold conversations, collaboration, and momentum toward real change in housing policy and development.

Tentative Schedule – May 2025

1:00 – 2:00    Keynote

3:00 – 4:00   Panel

4:00 – 4:15    Coffee Break

4:15 – 5:00    Student Finalist Policy Presentation

5:00 – 5:25    Winner announcement and closing remarks

5:15 – 6:15      Reception