Waterways
Below, Chicago mayor-elect Brandon Johnson responds to our environmental questionnaire on the topic of waterways.
Q: The Environmental Law and Policy Center released a report in June 2022 about rising levels of Lake Michigan and the vulnerability of some of the densely populated areas along the lakefront. Chicago depends on its lakefront to attract workers, families, businesses, and conferences, but it’s incomplete and unprotected, leading to flooded neighborhoods and damaged property when the lake is high. If elected, will you commit to working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to rebuild the neglected parts of Chicago’s shoreline, and developing a plan to protect DuSable Lake Shore Drive and support shoreline residents (i.e. South Shore, Rogers Park) impacted by the dual impact of rising lake levels and more severe storms caused by climate change?
A: Rising lake levels and shoreline protection are critical issues in the Chicago metropolitan area, particularly for densely populated areas along the lakefront. Chicago's lakefront is an essential part of the city's identity and economy, and its protection is crucial for the safety and well-being of residents, businesses, and visitors.
Working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to rebuild the neglected parts of Chicago's shoreline and developing a plan to protect DuSable Lake Shore Drive is an essential step towards protecting the shoreline and ensuring that communities along the lakefront are not adversely impacted by rising lake levels and more severe storms caused by climate change.
The rebuilding and protection efforts should also consider the needs of the shoreline residents, particularly those in vulnerable communities such as South Shore and Rogers Park. This would involve working with community organizations and other stakeholders to identify the most vulnerable areas and developing strategies to address their unique needs.
Overall, addressing the issue of rising lake levels and shoreline protection in the Chicago metropolitan area will require sustained and collaborative efforts from officials, community organizations, industry leaders, and other stakeholders. It will also require a commitment to equity and social justice to ensure that vulnerable communities are not left behind.
Q: Will you support work to protect the Chicago River and Lake Michigan from invasive species?
A: There are ongoing efforts to prevent and control invasive species in the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. For example, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources have implemented programs to monitor and control the spread of invasive species, such as Asian carp.
Protecting the Chicago River and Lake Michigan from invasive species is an important goal that requires ongoing attention and cooperation from various stakeholders, including agencies, environmental organizations, and the public.
Q: Habitats and waterways transcend political boundaries and Chicago's metropolitan area holds significant ecological value locally and globally. How would you collaborate across political jurisdictions to pass habitat-friendly laws and policies to benefit the City of Chicago and region? In fact, please describe how you plan to work with federal, state, and county agencies to accomplish any of your goals?
A: Collaboration across political jurisdictions to establish a regional coalition of stakeholders, including elected officials, environmental organizations, community groups, and businesses. This coalition would work together to identify shared goals and priorities related to habitat conservation, and advocate for policies and legislation that support those goals.
We will leverage the existing Metropolitan Water ReclamationDistrict of Greater Chicago, to facilitate collaboration and coordination across different levels of government. Additionally, engaging in public outreach and education campaigns can be helpful in building public support for habitat-friendly policies and laws. By raising awareness about the importance of habitat conservation, and the benefits that it can provide to the community and the environment, it can help to generate public demand for policy changes that support habitat conservation.
To work with federal, state, and county agencies, it is important to establish clear lines of communication and build relationships with key stakeholders. This can involve attending meetings and events, participating in public comment periods, and engaging in collaborative planning processes. Additionally, identifying and working with champions within these agencies can help to build support for habitat-friendly policies and laws.