Growth thrives in safe communities where crime is low and residents feel secure.

OFI supports policies that strengthen dialogue between community and law enforcement, enhance constitutional and effective policing, invest in violence intervention programs, modernize law enforcement technology, and improve judicial coordination. These strategies aim to reduce crime, foster security, and support neighborhood growth.

A strong public education system is essential for equitable growth and long-term economic prosperity.

Chicago must focus on improving outcomes in reading, math, and graduation rates while enhancing college preparation and postsecondary success. Providing parents with better information and choice, preserving local school autonomy, and addressing district finances are critical to sustaining quality education.

OFI supports policies that prioritize academic achievement, fiscal responsibility, good governance, and strategic investments to prepare students for success in high school and beyond.

Sustainable economic growth requires focusing on GDP and population growth while fostering job and business creation.

OFI advocates for policies that expand the economic pie rather than perpetuate competition over a shrinking one, unite businesses and workers, and enhance competitive equitable tax structures.

By leveraging core assets — world-class universities, anchor businesses, entrepreneurs, and a resilient workforce — Chicago and Illinois can build a thriving, inclusive economy.

OFI believes growth “for all” means a city and state that works for everyone. To maximize growth, Chicago and Illinois must unlock the potential of underserved communities.

We support policies that promote business diversity, invest in small businesses, provide workforce development, and catalyze economic activity in key commercial districts.

Incentivizing businesses and institutions to partner with these communities especially on the South and West sides of Chicago will foster inclusive growth and reduce economic disparity.

Chicago’s relative affordability is a key advantage for attracting and retaining talent, but this could erode without addressing the housing crisis. Compared to peer cities like Miami, Austin, Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta, and Dallas, Chicago lags in housing development.

OFI aims to make Chicago a hub for housing development and capital by fostering a stable and transparent development environment.

OFI advocates for zoning reform, public-private partnerships, adaptive reuse, and streamlined approvals to increase the supply of affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities, ensuring the city remains competitive and inclusive.

Unfunded pension liabilities pose one of the greatest threats to the State’s and Region’s economic growth. Past government actions both at the State and City level have created a fiscal burden demanding responsible reform.

OFI supports efforts to restructure the pension system to ensure full funding, maintain government functionality, and create a stable tax environment that attracts investment, drives job creation, and supports essential services like education, healthcare, and public safety.

OFI advocates for reforms that address these unfunded liabilities responsibly and sustainably, while respecting the constitutional protections of pensioners.

Chicagoland’s position as a premier transportation hub — spanning railways, waterways, airports, roads, and mass transit networks — is vital to its economic growth.

OFI supports bold actions to reimagine and expand the region’s transportation system, improve intermodal connectivity, upgrade airports, and repair critical infrastructure.

Strengthening public transit, reducing costs, and enhancing reliability will ensure Metropolitan Chicago remains competitive, fosters economic opportunity, and secures its place as a global leader in transportation innovation.

Efficient governance is crucial for economic growth. Rising obligations have strained public sector budgets in Chicago, necessitating tough choices to reduce the burden on a shrinking tax base. Structural deficits necessitate aligning revenues with expenses while building reserves to reduce borrowing costs.

OFI supports a strategic review of city operations to streamline processes through vacancy cuts, department consolidation, staff restructuring, and technology adoption.

Simultaneously, OFI will advocate for strategic investments tied to equitable growth. Balancing budgets, fiscally responsible borrowing, reducing debt costs, eliminating redundancies, and avoiding unfunded programs will make the city and region more attractive for growth and population retention.