Politics
Old Town Chi Council Approves 2026 Infrastructure Bond for Road Repairs and Job Training
The measure directs $25 million toward projects that will affect commuting times and employment access for Old Town Chi residents in the coming year.
How we reported this
The Old Town Chi City Council voted 7-2 on July 7 to pass the 2026 Infrastructure and Workforce Bond Ordinance. The action allocates $25 million for pavement resurfacing on North Avenue and Wells Street plus three new vocational centers operated through City Colleges of Chicago.
The vote took place during the council's regular session at the municipal building on North Park Avenue. It follows the release of the city's draft capital improvement plan in June, which identified $47 million in deferred maintenance across 12 miles of local streets and a projected shortfall in skilled trade positions.
Daily travel and hiring changes for residents
Residents who drive or take the 22 Clark bus will encounter staged lane closures on North Avenue between Clark Street and LaSalle Drive starting in October. The resurfacing covers 3.2 miles and includes new curb ramps at 18 intersections. The three training sites will offer certification courses in asphalt work, traffic signal maintenance and commercial driving, with the first cohort of 120 participants scheduled for September enrollment at the Old Town branch library annex.
City budget documents list the bond repayment schedule at 3.1 percent interest over 15 years, drawn from increased sales tax collections that reached $188 million in fiscal year 2025. Local advocates note that similar past outlays supported 87 hires through the Department of Transportation in 2023.
Implementation begins with contractor bidding in August. The Department of Procurement Services will issue requests for proposals for the paving segments and will coordinate with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning on workforce targets. Quarterly progress reports are required under the ordinance and will be posted on the city website.