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Diamond Jones left her Richton Park home in 2022 after being issued an eviction notice that cited a “crime-free ordinance,” a controversial local law.
Anthony Vazquez and Ashle Rezin/Chicago Sun-Times

The 21st Show

Do ‘Crime-Free Housing’ ordinances in Illinois target vulnerable tenants or simply protect neighborhoods?

In Illinois, as in other states, there are many towns and cities with what are known as “crime-free housing” ordinances. The idea is to keep drugs and other illegal activity out of apartment buildings and other rental properties. Critics say the ordinances disproportionately target low-income families and people of color while supporters of the law say the programs ensure safety and have helped revitalize struggling neighborhoods.

Illinois Arts Council Agency

These programs are partially sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.