UPTOWN CHICAGO COMMISSION

CURL's 2002 Uptown Housing and Land Use Study

Background

This 30-page demographic and housing study was prepared by Loyola University's Center for Urban Research and Learning. It looks at changes in the 10 year period from 1990 to 2000. $100,000 in state funding was provided by State Representative Larry McKeon. Some controversy surrounded this work at its inception, due to wording of the originally-stated objectives and also to composition of the local advisory committee. Despite its rough beginning, the resulting report appears factual and objective.

Summary Findings for Uptown:

• Has a stable population.

• Is an ethnically diverse community, with the majority of residents coming from minority populations.

• Is an economically diverse community, with 25% of its population living at or below the poverty line.

• Is densely populated, with a high proportion of rental units (77%).

• Has appreciating property values.

• Has schools with declining numbers of neighborhood children.