A Victory for BIAGC: How Our Collective Effort Made a Difference
Statement by Michael Freiburger, President of the Building Industry Association of Greater Chicago, after the defeat of the “Bring Chicago Home” tax increase referendum:
The Building Industry Association of Greater Chicago wants to thank the voters of Chicago for seeing the danger of raising the real estate transfer tax without a clear plan for addressing the problems of homelessness in Chicago. Passing the tax increase would have hurt, not helped, the Chicago housing market.
Our engagement was not just about opposing a tax increase; it was about advocating for sustainable and fair policies that support the growth and health of our industry. The defeat of this proposal is a testament to the strength of our unity and the effectiveness of our collaborative efforts.
Rather than raise taxes, now is the time for the City of Chicago to begin seeking constructive policies that will create more, not less, affordable housing. BIAGC stands ready to join with other real estate organizations and community groups to advocate for policies that will enable housing providers and developers to address the shortage of affordable housing in our great city.
BIAGC took an active role in advocating for defeat of the “Bring Chicago Home” referendum. BIAGC was a party to the litigation seeking to knock the referendum off the ballot and was a member of the Chicago Forward Coalition that led the real estate industry campaign against the referendum.
This victory translates into substantial financial savings for BIAGC members and the real estate industry at large. By preventing the increase we’ve ensured a more stable and predictable environment for investments and operations in Chicago’s housing sector.
As we celebrate this win, let’s also take it as a motivation to continue our active participation and advocacy on housing policies such as zoning, building, and energy codes; efforts to ban natural gas; affordable housing; and more. Together, we are not just building structures; we’re shaping the future of our industry and our city.
Let this victory be a reminder of what we can achieve together and a call to action for continued involvement and support. Our collective efforts do make a difference, and this is a prime example of our association’s commitment to protecting and advancing the interests of our industry.
To all our members and supporters, thank you for your commitment and participation. This win is yours, and it’s a shining example of the power of collective action and the vital role BIAGC plays in our industry. Let’s continue to stand united, advocate effectively, and shape a prosperous future for our industry in Chicago.
