Podcasts about chicago department

What if instead of treating illness we also confronted the reasons Americans get sick in the first place? That's the origin of this podcast and also the 4 billion dollar question Dr. Bechara Choucair is tackling at Kaiser Permanente. Bechara, who is KP's Chief Community Health Officer, joins Claudia to talk about the organization's focus on climate change and health, workforce pipelines and addressing broader social needs.We discuss:The surprising fact that two-thirds of KP's members (who are mostly covered by employer insurance) have at least one unmet social needThe common sense moves the Common Health Coalition is taking to build bridges between healthcare and public healthWhat KP is doing to tackle a big problem limiting the mental health workforce: only 57% of masters trained therapist get licensedWhat it took for KP to achieve carbon neutralityBechara reminds us that bridge-building is a crucial part of this community health work:“We need more and more bridges between public health and healthcare... [They have] operated as two separate disciplines operating in their own silos... [When] there is a public health emergency we build more bridges, we strengthen those bridges that already exist. And then when that public health emergency subsides, we all retreat into our own disciplines and we continue that siloed journey.”Relevant LinksRead about the NAM initiative on climate change and healthExplore why the US needs more community health workers from this articleLearn more about the Common Health CoalitionDive into details on KP's sustainability journeyAbout Our GuestDr. Bechara Choucair, MD, is executive vice president and chief community health officer for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and Hospitals — known as Kaiser Permanente, one of America's leading integrated health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Dr. Choucair oversees the organization's national community health efforts and philanthropic giving activities aimed at improving the health of its 12.2 million members and the 68 million people within the communities it serves.Previously, Dr. Choucair served as senior vice president, Safety Net and Community Health, at Trinity Health, and was the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health.Dr. Choucair, a family physician by training, completed his Family Practice Residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He holds an MD from the American University of Beirut and a master's degree in health care management from the University of Texas at Dallas.SourceConnect With UsFor more information on The Other 80 please visit our website - www.theother80.com. To connect with our team, please email claudia@theother80.com and follow us on twitter

May 19, 2025 Commissioner Lissette Castañeda, Chicago Department of Housing City Club event description: Lissette Castañeda comes to the role of DOH commissioner with two decades of experience in affordable housing development, housing services, and organizational leadership. Castañeda is tasked with streamlining the affordable housing development process as per Mayor Brandon Johnson's recent executive order […]

Susan Cappello, Acting Executive Director at the City of Chicago Department of Animal Care and Control, joins John Landecker to discuss the new free 24-hour pet microchip scanning station in Pilsen. For more information, visit chicago.gov/city/en/depts/.

WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore sits down with Ivan Capifali, the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, to discuss the tariffs by the Trump Administration, how it will affect local businesses & more.

Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local market, including how the number of Chicago-area homes under contract jumped in November.Plus: Albertsons sues Kroger for breach of contract in failed deal after Jewel-Mariano's parent merger blocked by judge, Chicago Department of Aviation inks big office lease near O'Hare, The Onion's bid for Alex Jones' Infowars rejected by judge and state leaders tell Bears and Sox to look elsewhere as tough budget year looms.

For us, a Thanksgiving table isn't complete without a pie. Luckily, Chicago has no shortage of pie shops and bakeries, so the team is doing a little taste test. Honeypie Bakeshop in Edgewater  First Slice Pie in Andersonville Bang Bang Pie in Logan Square Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain in Humboldt Park  Pie, Pie My Darling in Humboldt Park Hoosier Mama Pie in West Town  Give Me Some Sugah in South Shore  Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in River North  Give Me Some Sugar in Roscoe Village  Justice of The Pies in Avalon Park Classic Cobbler in Bronzeville Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 27 episode: The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection  Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

A forecasted snowstorm during the busiest travel season of the year — what could possibly go wrong? Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea explain what you need to know heading into Thanksgiving. They've also got updates on the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan and the overturned conviction of Jussie Smollett.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 26 episode: The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection  Become a member of City Cast Chicago.

It's the season for giving back, and mutual aid is a term that has become more prevalent over the past few years. Host Jacoby Cochran is talking with Maira Khwaja, a writer, reporter, and co-founder of Market Box Chicago. They explain the basics of mutual aid, where to find networks in Chicago, and why it can make you feel more connected to your community. Groups mentioned: Chicago Community Jail Support Edgewater Mutual Aid Rogers Park Free Store The People's Grab-N-Go Pilsen Solidarity Network Farm, Food, Familias Femme Defensa Lists from Borderless and Block Club Chicago Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 25 episode: The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection  Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Earlier this week, the Chicago Board of Elections finished counting ballots, and out of 77 Cook County judges seeking retention, Shannon O'Malley became the third judge in the past four elections to lose retention. Injustice Watch's Kelly Garcia and the Tribune's Jake Sheridan tell us what this result means for election participation and the growing chasm between city and suburban voters. Plus, we discuss city budget negotiations, CPD's sluggish reform progress, and play a round of "Is It Decent, Decent or Decent." Good News: The 12th annual Grabadolandia Print Fair Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Program Director Event Productions, Neal Heitz, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 22 episode: The Second City Orthodontic Experts Court Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Aldi abruptly closed its West Pullman store last week, leaving yet another Chicago neighborhood without easy access to fresh food. The move leaves us wondering (once again) if big grocery chains are Chicago's only option. So we're revisiting a conversation from the spring with Matthew Ruffi, board president of Chicago Market and senior program director for Link Up Illinois. He tells host Jacoby Cochran about some grocery alternatives and why food access is a growing concern in Chicago. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Program Director Event Productions, Neal Heitz, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 18 episode: Mubi The Second City Orthodontic Experts Court Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Typically, freelance musicians don't have the benefits many 9-to-5 jobs offer, like retirement accounts or health benefits. But a new group called Golden Egg, in partnership with the Experimental Sound Studio, is trying to change that through a matching grant program funded through the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. It will select 16 artists to receive a share of $50,000 to put into a retirement fund. Reset learns more about the goals of the effort with Golden Egg's project manager Deidre Huckabay and steering committee member Adrian Ruiz. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The “Starbucks effect” is when property and home values rise after the second-largest restaurant chain in the world opens a new location. As Little Village prepares for a new Starbucks by the end of the week, residents and community activists are voicing their concerns. Chicago Tribune reporter Laura Rodriguez Presa tells host Jacoby Cochran how it could impact the city's largest and most recognizable Mexican immigrant community. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Performing Arts Programmer, Carlos Cuauhtemoc Tortolero, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 18 episode: Paramount Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago Cares Navy Pier Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

In August, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a 2025 budget gap of $985 million dollars. He said Chicago would have to make sacrifices and find creative solutions. He left no options off the table including property tax hikes. This week the Johnson administration implemented a hiring freeze. WTTW's Heather Cherone and Sun-Times' Mariah Rush help us understand why the budget hole is so large and what potential solutions are available. Plus, we are discussing an environmental ruling against Trump Tower, a record $50 million police misconduct decision, and ongoing concerns with Save A Lot store operator Yellow Banana. Good News: Brookfield Zoo Helping Preserve Endangered Bird & Englewood Music Festival.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Performing Arts Programmer, Carlos Cuauhtemoc Tortolero, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 13 episode: Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Chicago Association of Realtors Wastenot – use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Aligner Experts Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Program Staff Amy Valdez Barker and Adam Mixon speak with Dr. Olusimbo Ige (Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health) about compassion as her "why", building trust across differences, and how she sees her public health work as ministry. This conversation is part of our ongoing series “When Politics Is Upstream of Faith”. You can listen to the Healthy Chicago Podcast in English and Spanish on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

Roy McGrath is a Chicago based tenor saxophonist and multi-woodwind instrumentalist, composer and bandleader. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico and educated in Boston, New Orleans and Chicago, Roy brings to bear these diverse influences in his playing and composing. In addition to leading and recording his own ensembles, he is a member of several others as an in-demand player, recording artist, and producer. He has led four international tours to Mexico, Singapore, Myanmar, South Korea and China. As a composer and arranger, Roy is firmly in the jazz tradition, but his Caribbean heritage is an ever-present mind set, leading to wholly original works that are a true expression of who he is.  Menjunje features folkloric rhythms of Puerto Rico such as Bomba (Sica, Yuba, Cuembe), Plena, Seis Araucano, as well as Cuban Guaguanco, Bolero, Chachacha, and Son. For this particular project he flew in musicians from Puerto Rico: Drummer Efrain Martinez (Viento de Agua, Cultura Profetica, La PVC, and many more) and Eduardo Zayas (Charlie Sepulveda,  Mahya Veray, Bobby Valentin). As well as musicians from the Chicago area, Constantine Alexander on trumpet, Kitt Lyles on Bass, Javier Quintana-Ocasio and Victor “Junito” Gonzalez on Percussion, and Jose Carrasquillo on Cuatro. This project is a product of working in conjunction with the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, the Puerto Rico Arts Alliance, the Walder Foundation, and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events of Chicago.  In 2022 Menjunje played festivals around Chicago and surrounding areas: Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago Latin Jazz Festival, Glenwood Arts Festival, CU Jazz Festival, Mayfest, Mole de Mayo Festival. Also in 2022 Roy plays on supporting the release of Giovany Revelle's self-titled album, which Roy co-produced, wrote horn arrangements, string arrangements, and coached the rhythm section. In 2017 Roy released his Latin Grammy nominated prior album, “Remembranzas”, a new batch of original compositions that incorporate folkloric Bomba rhythms and other Puerto Rican elements in a jazz framework. Originally, in 2015 the project was called the Julia al Son de Jazz project and was commissioned by Chicago's Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, where he worked as director of the youth Afro-Caribbean Jazz Ensemble for five years. The project used the writings of revered Puerto Rican poet Julia de Burgos as a springboard for new compositions that included spoken word recitations of her poetry. Its debut was followed by successive performances throughout Chicago including three dates for the Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks summer concert series in 2016.  In 2017 Roy also led two special big band tribute projects: one honoring legendary Puerto Rican composer Rafael Hernández, with his son, Chali Hernandez singing, and a local All-Stars tribute to Dizzy Gillespie's United Nations Orchestra that played the Chicago Latin Jazz Fest. Roy sang in school choirs before picking up the saxophone at age 16. After attending the Berklee College of Music Summer Workshop, he earned a full scholarship to attend Berklee's five-week Summer Performance Program. Back in Puerto Rico, he honed his improvisational skills performing with jazz pianist and Beach Boys alumnus Carli Muñoz. Upon high school graduation, Roy was awarded a scholarship to Loyola University in New Orleans, where he studied under Tony Dagradi (saxophonist for Astral Project) and composer/arranger John Mahoney. He graduated in 2009 with BM in Jazz Performance. After graduation, Roy extended his time in New Orleans, performing in clubs, concert halls and the streets with a variety of musicians. He made three appearances at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and one appearance at the New Orleans French Quarter Fest. The next stop on his musical journey was Northwestern University in Chicago, where he graduated with a master's degree in Music, studying under Victor Goines, saxophonist for Jazz at Lincoln Center and Director of Jazz Studies at Northwestern University. Graduating in 2014, McGrath decided to put down roots in Chicago because of both its historic role in the development of jazz and the presence of a large and vibrant Jazz & Latin music community in which he could continue to pursue his vision. He returned to Northwestern's Pick-Staiger Concert Hall in 2016 to perform with Victor Goines and Branford Marsalis in Goines' orchestral composition the “Crescent City Suite”. Roy released his debut CD as a leader, Martha, in 2014 with a quartet formed of fellow Northwestern grads Gustavo Cortiñas, Kitt Lyles and Joaquin Garcia, all bandleaders in their own right, and returned the favor by joining their ensembles: Snapshot (Cortiñas), Real Talk Collective (Lyles) and Rhythm Convergence (Garcia). The Roy McGrath Quartet was featured in the Jazz Institute of Chicago's NextGEN concert series in 2015. Later that year, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) awarded McGrath a grant to take the quartet on a month-long tour of Mexico. Also in 2015, The Roy McGrath Latin Jazz Quintet performed at the Chicago Latin Jazz Festival. 2016 also saw McGrath joining alto saxophonist Miguel Zenón and traditional music ensemble Bomba con Buya for Folclórico: An Exploration of Jazz and Afro-Puerto Rican Music at the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center. As an educator Roy has taught masterclasses on improvisation at Dulwich College International in Shanghai, Suzhou, and Beijing, on four different touring occasions. Roy has taught in his home of Puerto Rico at the Universidad del Turabo and in Mexico City as well.

September just started, and pumpkin spice is already making a comeback. Last fall, we learned that Illinois is the country's largest producer of pumpkins and home to the canned pumpkin brand that made pumpkin pie a household staple. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea reviewed some pumpkin spice offerings and learned some pumpkin facts. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Program Director Event Productions, Neal Heitz, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 4 episode: Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Navy Pier Babbel Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

In the lead-up to last week's Democratic National Convention, Chicagoans were told time and time again that neighborhood restaurants would see a boost during the week. City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco tells host Jacoby Cochran if the convention impacted local restaurants as promised.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Program Director Event Productions, Neal Heitz, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 28 episode: Chicago Association of Realtors Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Taste of Polonia Art City — use code 5off to save on your next visit. Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Have you ever asked yourself what routine auto repairs can teach us about how we think of our investment in public health? Listen in on our latest Contagious Conversations podcast as host Claire Stinson uncovers the answers and details how quick action quashed a recent outbreak of an illness long considered to be eliminated in the United States. In this episode, “The Costs of Getting Sick,” we explore the overlap between public health and the health of our economy with guests Dr. Dan Filardo of CDC, Dr. Michael Osterholm of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy and Dr. Alexander Sloboda of the Chicago Department of Public Health. Join us!   Episode Quotes “Obviously, the rash, the fever, cough, red, itchy eyes, runny nose are the symptoms commonly you get with measles, but it can also be very dangerous, and it can be deadly sometimes.” — Dr. Alexander Sloboda, Medical Director of Immunization and Emergency Preparedness Programs, Chicago Department of Public Health “Because this case was in a large congregate setting, we were really in communication with Chicago right off the bat, anticipating that there might be an outbreak.” — Dr. Dan Filardo, a medical officer with CDC's measles team “You have outbreaks in schools with these vaccine-preventable diseases, you interrupt education substantially. Now, what's the cost of that? What does that mean? What happens when kids fall behind? What happens when the teachers can't teach? And, unfortunately, we don't have a lot of these things qualified or quantified in terms of what they really mean, economically.” — Dr. Michael Osterholm, author and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy   Thanks to Our Guests Dr. Dan Filardo, a medical officer with the measles team at CDC Dr. Alexander Sloboda of the Chicago Department of Public Health Dr. Michael Osterholm, author and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy   For more information and full episode transcripts, go to Contagious Conversations.

Chicago's Food Truck Festival is ongoing all summer at Daley Plaza — you can catch the next one Friday. But despite this annual summer fest, Chicago's food truck culture is severely lacking. Eater Chicago editor Ashok Selvam tells host Jacoby Cochran about why food trucks are so rare here and which ones you should check out if you can find them. If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Program Director of Performing Arts, Mariam Thiam, learn more here. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this June 26 episode: Ravinia Festival Babbel Chicago Association of Realtors Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

While Chicagoans enjoy thousands of summer options every year, have you ever stopped and wondered just how much goes into making these block, neighborhood, and citywide festivals work? City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Neal Heitz, director of event production for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, to get a behind-the-scenes look into the business of summertime Chi. We'll be talking summer fests all this week, sponsored by Revolution Brewing. Fests mentioned: Taste of Randolph: June 14-15 in West Loop Maxwell Street Market: Dates vary Bud Billiken Parade: Aug. 10 in Bronzeville Air and Water Show: Aug. 10-11 in Lincoln Park Northalsted Market Days: Aug. 10-11  Good News: Metal Gear at Schubas Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsor of this June 11 episode: Revolution Brewing Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Host - Jon HansenReporter - Mack LiedermanA group of alderpeople want the state to pump the brakes on plans to redesign DuSable Lake Shore Drive and instead find ways to prioritize public transit on the city's most famous road.Fourteen alderpeople have signed a letter to Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman and Chicago Department of Transportation President Tom Carney, asking the state to “halt” its Redefine the Drive project, which calls for redesigning and rebuilding DuSable Lake Shore Drive from Grand to Hollywood avenues on the North Side.Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way.We amplify positive stories, cover development and local school council meetings and serve as watchdogs in neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch five years ago, we've published more than 25,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 130,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.

In this episode of "Inspired Nonprofit Leadership," host Sarah Olivieri is joined by data expert Rachel Sacks, to discuss the powerful role of qualitative data in nonprofit operations. From innovative methods like PhotoVoice to practical implementation strategies, this episode is a must-listen for those aiming to make data-driven decisions and enhance the effectiveness of their programs. Dive in and learn how to harness the power of qualitative data to bring your nonprofit's mission to the next level. My guest for this episode is Rachel Sacks. Rachel Sacks, MPH, President of Leading Healthy Futures, has more than 15 years of experience in the public health and nonprofit sector. She supports health and human services nonprofits by helping them to conceptualize, define, and actualize new ideas for grant opportunities; identify and meet community needs; and gain greater strategic clarity through effective and engaging facilitations. She has extensive experience working with community health centers, local public health departments, and other health nonprofits on mixed-methods needs assessments, planning projects, and grants to help understand barriers to care and improve access across diverse communities. Rachel's prior experience includes time at the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and the Center for Jewish Genetics. She graduated Cum Laude from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Science in Human Culture, and holds a Master of Public Health in Community Health Sciences from UIC. Here's what to expect during the episode: Best practices for qualitative data collection Importance of mixed methods assessments Examples of qualitative methods: Interviews, Focus Groups, Town Halls, and more Innovative qualitative methods: PhotoVoice, Walking & Windshield Surveys Practical tips for incorporating qualitative data regularly Budget considerations for qualitative research Strategic planning and the role of qualitative data Connect with Rachel! https://leadinghealthyfutures.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-sacks-mph/ Sponsored Resource Join the PivotGround newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn. Connect with Sarah: On LinkedIn>> On Facebook>> Subscribe on YouTube>>    

Last Thursday, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that the Roseland Mental Health Clinic will reopen after 35 years. The city will also add mental health services to a Chicago Department of Public Health clinic in Pilsen in August and inside the Legler Regional Library in West Garfield Park. The City Cast Chicago team breaks down how this announcement delivers on the mayor's campaign promises and some of the major challenges ahead. Plus we discuss a new initiative to increase remote work downtown and the Chicago Reader's return to weekly publishing.   Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about our sponsors: “Black Sunday” at TimeLine Theatre DCASE celebrates Millennium Park's 20th anniversary Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this week, City Council voted 34-14 on an ordinance aimed at keeping ShotSpotter, an attempt to reverse Mayor Brandon Johnson's decision to end the city's use of the highly controversial gunshot detection system in November. WTTW's Brandis Friedman and freelance writer Reema Saleh tell Jacoby Cochran about the latest news, including why Illinois wants you to eat this invasive species, updates on cicadas, and how a group of West Siders are launching community gardens throughout their neighborhoods.  Good News: Chicago Sky Home Opener We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about our sponsors: Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection TimeLine Theatre Company Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While National Mental Health Awareness Month is coming to an end, the Chicago Department of Public Health will be continuing its Healing Arts programming, which combines art and wellness. One program is the Audio Pharmacology Sound Spa, and it happens Mondays at the Englewood Mental Health Clinic. Creator Shannon Harris talks with host Jacoby Cochran about what audio pharmacology is, how the spa works, and why it's worth giving a try. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about our sponsors: Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection TimeLine Theatre Company Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The days are getting warmer, making this the perfect time to get yourself something sweet and cold. Host Jacoby Cochran and the City Cast Chicago team pull up to Mario's Italian Lemonade in Little Italy to try the iconic frozen dessert. From ice cream to snow cones, they discuss the best (and most overrated) frozen treats in Chicago. Spots mentioned: Fannie May Lickity Split Shawn Michlle's Homemade Ice Cream Richard's Super Premium Ice Cream Two Shades Cafe Amorino The Original Rainbow Cone JoJo's Shake Bar Margie's Candies Jeni's Ice Creams Kilwins Baba's Famous Steak and Lemonade We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast Chicago swag. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about our sponsors: Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection TimeLine Theatre Company Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the last week of the spring session for Illinois lawmakers. Hundreds of bills have already passed but there are some big things still on the agenda including the state budget, CPS funding, and a potential transit merger. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran break down the critical bills making their way through Springfield. Plus, we look at results from our Hey Chicago weekly news quiz and we want to see your cicada pictures. Good News: Dim Sum & Drag We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast Chicago swag. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about our sponsors: Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection TimeLine Theatre Company Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time in nearly two centuries, Illinois is home to federally recognized tribal land. The Prairie Band Potawatomi signed paperwork in April allowing the Department of Interior to place 130 acres in west suburban DeKalb County into a trust, giving the tribe sovereignty over the land. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Prairie Band Chairperson Joseph Rupnick about the generations-long fight to return to the land and what this means for the Potawatomi and for Illinois. Good news: Mole de Mayo Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about our sponsors: Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection TimeLine Theatre Company Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Zay, Chairman of the DuPage Water Commission, joins Lisa Dent to explain why they decided to purchase the former Green Acres Golf Club in Northbrook and what that purchase means for the future of DuPage County’s water supply agreement with the Chicago Department of Water Management. Follow The Lisa Dent Show on Twitter:Follow @LisaDentSpeaksFollow […]

Dr. Olusimbo Ige, Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Public Health, joins Lisa Dent to talk about the rise in cases of meningococcal disease in the city, what symptoms to look for, and what you can do to protect yourself. CDPH has identified eight cases of meningococcal disease so far this year. Follow The Lisa […]

House Warming Podcast, Episode 022: Human Composting: A Cleaner, Greener End with Iyana Simba of the Illinois Environmental Council. In this episode, Sarah talks with Iyana Simba about the Chicago Department of Environment (spoiler: it is up and running)!Iyana currently serves as the City Programs  Director at the Illinois Environmental Council where she oversees advocacy, coalition building, aldermanic relationships and organizing related to environmental issues before the City of Chicago. Previously, she has served several roles at IEC including Clean Water Policy Director, Clean Water Advocate and Intern. In her most recent role as Clean Water Policy Director, she oversaw policy development, coalition building and advocacy related to water issues in Illinois. Iyana's work continues to ensure water among other environmental issues are salient to both the public and decision makers.Prior to working at IEC, she attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and graduated with honors with a degree in Public Policy and a Sustainable Cities minor.  Outside of her work, Iyana enjoys engaging in local politics, painting, hiking and traveling. She is also a member of the Environmentalists of Color Network and the Chicago Urban League's Metropolitan Board.Support the Show.

A City Council committee revved up discussions Wednesday over dropping Chicago's default speed limit from 30 to 25 mph.Transit experts and leaders with the Chicago Department of Transportation testified at a Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety hearing Wednesday that lowering speed limits could save lives and better deter fast and furious driving. Host - Jon HansenReporter - Mack LiedermanRead More HereCorrection - Mack Liederman mentioned there were 100,000 signs that would need to be changed in Chicago, there are 10,000.  Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way.We amplify positive stories, cover development and local school council meetings and serve as watchdogs in neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch five years ago, we've published more than 25,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 130,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.

Kathy Jo Robbins, One Health Treatment Program Administrator, Delaware Division of Public Health, explains her state's One Health approach and how EpiChats have helped educate audiences; Massimo Pacilli, Deputy Commissioner, Disease Control Bureau, Chicago Department of Public Health, and Dr. Raynard Washington, Director of the Mecklenburg County Public Health Department in Charlotte, NC, discuss their response to avian flu cases during an online news conference hosted by the Big Cities Health Coalition; Catherine Murphy, an ASTHO Government Affairs analyst, says the organization's latest appropriations book is timed to inform the congressional appropriations process; and there's still time to register to attend today's training session centered on risk and protective factors associated with adverse childhood experiences. ASTHO Public Health Review Podcast: One Health - The Shared Future of People, Animals, and the Planet Webpage: Delaware Division of Public Health ASTHO Blog Article: What to Expect from FY25 Appropriations  ASTHO Resource: FY25 Governmental Public Health Appropriations Book ASTHO Webinar: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences - Virtual 101 Training

Admiral Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health at the United States Department of Health and Human Services, reflects on the policy factors that impact public health; Massimo Pacilli, Deputy Commissioner of the Disease Control Bureau with the Chicago Department of Public Health, tells us teams are working to immunize people staying in shelters around the city as a measles outbreak occurs in Chicago; Chrissie Juliano, Executive Director for the Big Cities Health Coalition, adds that the situation in Chicago is why public health needs flexible funding; and Dr. Kimberlee Wyche-Etheridge, ASTHO Senior Vice President of Health Equity and Diversity Initiatives, delves into how DEI supports effective public health leadership. HHS Webpage: Equitable Long-Term Recovery and Resilience Big Cities Health Coalition Webpage: Big city health leaders urge vaccination amid another measles outbreak Chicago Department of Public Health Webpage: Get the Facts – Measles ASTHO Blog Article: Breaking The Mold – How DEI Builds Successful Public Health Leaders ASTHO Webpage: Stay Informed  

Dr. Olusimbo Ige, Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Public Health, joins Lisa Dent to discuss what her office is doing to protect the public after a small number of tuberculosis cases were detected among migrants at city shelters and whether we should be concerned about a larger outbreak. Follow The Lisa Dent Show on […]

CHICAGO - Chicago health officials confirmed Wednesday that there is a 'small number' of tuberculosis (TB) cases among migrants in the city, and their medical teams are ramping up contact tracing. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) said the cases were reported in "a few different shelters" in the city; however, officials did not disclose the exact number of confirmed cases, or which shelter locations they originated from. "These outbreaks happen in close quarters, people who are living close to one another," said Dr. Aniruddha Hazra, associate professor of medicine, Infectious Diseases and Global Health at the University of Chicago. While Dr. Hazra says the situation is cause for concern, he tells FOX 32 Chicago the public has no reason to panic. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/darien-dunstan3/message

Dr. Olusimbo Ige, Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Public Health, joins Lisa Dent to discuss what her office is doing to limit the rise of measles cases with incoming migrants around the city and why being vaccinated is the best way to prevent the spread of measles. Follow The Lisa Dent Show on Twitter:Follow […]

In other news: 31 cases reported in city now, Chicago Department of Public Health says;  Study examines effects of removing police officers from schools;  Crown Point residents remember albino deer that had to euthanized; and much more. Photo Credit: Scott Heins/Getty Images

In other news: 31 cases reported in city now, Chicago Department of Public Health says;  Study examines effects of removing police officers from schools;  Crown Point residents remember albino deer that had to euthanized; and much more. Photo Credit: Scott Heins/Getty Images

Dr. Sahera Dirajlal-Fargo, an infectious disease specialist at Lurie Children’s Hospital, joins Lisa Dent to talk about data released from the Chicago Department of Public Health which revealed cases of syphilis in newborns doubled in the city in just two years and why it’s important that individuals protect themselves from this curable sexually-transmitted disease. Follow […]

The Chicago Transit Authority and Chicago Department of Transportation released a plan in November that aims to create a more reliable bus service in the city. Reset learns more on what the plan includes from Jennifer Henry, CTA's director of strategic planning. We then heard from public transit advocates Kyle Lucas of Better Streets Chicago and Julia Gerasimenko of Active Transportation Alliance about what improvements they'd like to see to the CTA bus system.

December 14, 2023 Commissioner Jamie Rhee – Chicago Department of Aviation City Club event description: Commissioner Jamie RheeCommissioner Jamie L. Rhee is a leader in the aviation community, managing one of the world's largest airport systems: Chicago O'Hare and Midway International Airports. Over the course of 29 years with the City of Chicago, Rhee has […]

Episode 280: I will discuss the unsolved case of actress Karen Kupcinet and my memories of Chicago Department Store gift certificates. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-kastanes/message

Mayor Brandon Johnson lists reducing recidivism as part of his community safety plan. In that spirit, his office has launched a collaboration between the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services and community groups to fast track housing and jobs for people getting out of Cook County Jail and state prisons. Reset learns more about this collaboration and how it works. For more conversations about topics impacting Chicagoans, head over to wbez.org/reset.

As the city decides on the locations of proposed “winterized base camps” for newly-arrived migrants, communities continue to protest plans in their neighborhoods. One St. Louis organization is suggesting bringing asylum-seekers there. To break down the details, we are joined by freelance journalist Crystal Paul and Northwestern professor and author Arionne Nettles. We are also looking at Cook County jail's dropping population, the Chicago Department of Public Health's decreased budget, and the disappearance of public basketball courts.  Hyde Park HBCU Homecoming Tap Take-Over at Daisy's Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is Susan King.   Susan is a registered architect and a principal at HED, one of the oldest and largest architecture and engineering firms in the country.   Show summary: In this podcast episode, Susan King discusses her passion for architecture, her journey to becoming a licensed architect, and the challenges she faced along the way. Susan also talks about two exciting projects she is currently working on, including a conservatory built using passive house methodology and a collaboration for underserved neighborhoods in Chicago. The conversation also touches on the challenges of unique designs and building regulations.    -------------------------------------------------------------- Intro [00:00:00]   Susan's Journey [00:00:49]   Challenges of Becoming a Licensed Architect [00:02:22]   Exciting Project: The Conservatory Apartments [00:09:55]   Passive House Certification [00:10:55]   Challenges with Building Codes [00:14:21]   Demand for Apartments and Active Adult Housing [00:20:47]   Susan King's contact information [00:23:30]   Show notes and website mention [00:23:49]   Closing remarks and call to action [00:24:01] -------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Susan:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-king-faia-leed-ap-bd-c-lfa-0057b45/  Web: https://www.hed.design/   Connect with Sam: I love helping others place money outside of traditional investments that both diversify a strategy and provide solid predictable returns.     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowtoscaleCRE/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwilsonhowtoscalecre/ Email me → sam@brickeninvestmentgroup.com   SUBSCRIBE and LEAVE A RATING. Listen to How To Scale Commercial Real Estate Investing with Sam Wilson Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-scale-commercial-real-estate/id1539979234 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4m0NWYzSvznEIjRBFtCgEL?si=e10d8e039b99475f -------------------------------------------------------------- Want to read the full show notes of the episode? Check it out below: Susan King (00:00:00) - A lot of people like to talk about net zero. These days, I view it as an important step towards net zero because think that you need to make your your project, you know, rightsize it, make it as efficient as it can be, make it using as little energy as possible. And then you can talk about trying to, you know, get all the way to to not needing any, you know, any power brought to the building.   Sam Wilson (00:00:23) - Welcome to the how to scale commercial real estate show. Whether you are an active or passive investor, we'll teach you how to scale your real estate investing business into something big.   Sam Wilson (00:00:36) - Susan King is a registered architect and principal at one of the oldest and largest architecture and engineering firms in the country. Susan, welcome to the show.   Susan King (00:00:47) - Thank you. Thank you for having me.   Sam Wilson (00:00:48) - Absolutely.   Sam Wilson (00:00:49) - The pleasure is mine. Susan, There are three questions I ask every guest who comes on the show in 90s or less. Can you tell me where did you start? Where are you now and how did you get there?   Susan King (00:00:58) - All of them in 90s.   Sam Wilson (00:01:00) - Got it.   Susan King (00:01:02) - Okay, so where did I start? Guess I wanted to be an architect from a really, really young age. I grew up in northeastern Ohio. I was the artist in the family. I was always drawing and I studied Frank Lloyd Wright in, um, in art class and particularly Fallingwater. And that was it. After that, I'm like, that's what I want to do. And so guess fast forward several years later, graduated from college architecture degree worked, worked and became licensed and then started to kind of focus my career into housing, which has been all kinds of housing but has been the main focus of, you know, of my professional life. So when I say, yeah, I because when I say all kinds of housing mean with the exception of no single family housing, but does senior living, underserved populations, market rate, high end luxury condo, the whole student housing, the whole gamut of multifamily, you.   Sam Wilson (00:02:12) - Get to see it all. And I guess for those who are listening, I've got several architects as friends and as in-laws.   Sam Wilson (00:02:22) - I mean, getting through architecture, getting not just through school is really, really hard and then getting passed all the exams. I mean, I don't think people realize how many exams are still left when you guys graduate college.   Susan King (00:02:38) - Yeah. Yeah. So I've blocked all that out of my life, I'm sure. So. Well, and then I'll just tell a funny story that before I studied Frank Lloyd Wright and decided on architecture, I had I love animals. I'm a cat person and I wanted to be a veterinarian. And so the thing that amuses me now, looking back, is that I was like, Oh, no way. I'm not going to school for eight years to be to be a vet. And then instead I ended up going for six to become an architect. And then and then also after that's over, as you say, had to finish my I had some of my internship while as part of my schooling there's a it constantly changes so my info may be a little out of date, but it's like a 2 or 3 year internship where you're then out of school working as an architect, under supervision, people who are licensed.   Susan King (00:03:32) - And then you get to take the fun licensing exam, which in my day was when it was in person, was a one time of year. You got one shot at it. Um, I think it was 3 or 4 days of test after test after test. And then if you didn't pass all of it, you had to wait a whole year to to retake it. So, yes, it was quite an ordeal. I think I still have nightmares about like waking up and finding out I have to do that again. But today, today, it's all modernized. And I hate to sound like my parents. Like when I was your age, I had to do this, that and the other. But it's all I think it's like all year round. It still takes people a long time to get through its 8 or 9 tests. Still, that hasn't changed and it does still take them several years. Even though it's spread out, you know, they can they maybe it's worse now. They're constant.   Susan King (00:04:25) - They take you know, it's constant throughout your life until you're done. And it can take 2 or 3 years to get through all of it, right?   Sam Wilson (00:04:32) - Yeah, it's amazing. It's absolutely amazing. I just. Yeah, watching, watching one of my sister in law's get through, it was just like, oh, my gosh, does this ever end? And so years later, they're still taking and studying and just just banging their head against the desk, you know, studying day in and day out for one exam, they get 3000. Well, we got eight more to go like, Oh, right.   Sam Wilson (00:04:53) - And so good on you. Good on you for getting.   Sam Wilson (00:04:56) - Through it and getting it done. I mean, I guess I say all that to say one, It takes a lot of commitment and discipline to get that done. And then secondly, you guys have to know a lot to do what you do. And I think that's that's really, really cool. Let's let's kind of dive in, if we can, into what you particularly work on there at head and kind of well, just tell me a little bit about that.   Sam Wilson (00:05:19) - Maybe we'll, I'll ask my next questions later on.   Susan King (00:05:22) - Yeah. So, so now right. And so I'm a principal, so I'm an owner of the firm now and then. Guess that's a whole nother journey to if you even want that, you know, some architects don't know. Necessarily, you know, want that. Want that responsibility. Yeah. But I always did. I guess I'm full of jokes because the other joke I make now is guess because I get asked to speak a lot about different things and I mentor a lot. And, um, one of the other things I usually share is that I always wanted to be an owner, Um, but I thought I would be with a smaller firm. I did not see myself with a large national practice, so but on the other hand, I never wanted to be a sole proprietor either. I'm very collaborative. Um, like to bounce things off people always. Everything's a team, especially when you're coming, you know, when you're talking about building or designing buildings.   Susan King (00:06:20) - There's so many pieces to it that it's always a team effort. But the surprise to me was I always thought I'd have maybe 2 or 3 partners, you know, didn't think I'd have. I think I have 50.   Sam Wilson (00:06:32) - 50 partners.   Susan King (00:06:33) - So I'm one of 51 shareholders in the firm. So but I, I think I mentioned already, I mean, went to I graduated from the University of Cincinnati. It was a bachelor of architecture degree. And with that came some practical experience because they had I think they still have this it's a cooperative program. So it takes you six years to get your five year degree because you're after your second year, you're actually working in architectural offices. So that begins that's the beginning of your your intern period that counts towards the licensing time. So, um, so after that, I wanted to move. I worked in Chicago as a student and wanted to return here after graduate and, and that's what I did. So I worked in a few different firms all smaller. And even the firm that I joined in Chicago that became head was a 40, 50 person firm.   Susan King (00:07:33) - And um, and has formed as a it's been a series of acquisitions over the past like 20 years. Guess that's how we've grown to a national practice. So, so I've been here actually kind of a long time and I was an associate at the time that so was already licensed. And I do a bit of design, a bit of planning in all the way into the details. I spent several years doing contract administration, which is observing, observing the buildings, getting built. So I kind of had all of that under my belt before then, you know, became an owner of the of the project. And so but when I made the move to ever since I've been here, it's I came here to do multifamily housing and that's been what I've done. And like I already mentioned a lot of affordable housing and a lot of senior living at all levels of care. Um, has been my main focus. So when you ask like, what do I like? What is my day? What did my day look like? Um, uh, so it can it's different every day.   Susan King (00:08:45) - And maybe that's why I like it. Um, but it'll involve a bit of, you know, depending projects at different phases. I mentioned earlier, we have a project under construction right now, so I've got actually a couple of things under construction right now. So there's a little bit I'm not the one in the field, but, but do get involved, you know, in different things that come up that are going on during that process. But prior, prior to getting to construction, there's there's design, there's planning, there's getting the the client doing the marketing to get the project to begin with. So going all the way back to the other end of the line. So I kind of as a principal, I touch all of that.   Sam Wilson (00:09:24) - All of it, all of it, Yeah. Know and, and that's, that's amazing, first of all. But let's, let's, let's talk a little bit about a project you're most excited about right now. What's some things you're seeing because I know you got to have favorites don't lie to me and tell me you don't because there's some stuff you're like, Oh, this is really fun to work on.   Sam Wilson (00:09:42) - The other stuff, you're like, okay, that's a snooze fest. We'll do it. But that's boring.   Sam Wilson (00:09:47) - So yeah.   Sam Wilson (00:09:49) - I'll talk about the stuff that put you to sleep, talking about the stuff you're working on right now that's really, really fun and compelling for you personally.   Susan King (00:09:55) - Okay, So we'll I'll start with the one that we chatted about right before we came on live. Um, the one that is under construction. Um, it's a smaller project. It's only four stories, but it is, it's all affordable. It's called the Conservatory Apartments. It's here in the city of Chicago. And what's so I don't know if I said this already, but it's 43 studio apartment, so that's what makes it a little bit smaller than normal. Um, and it, it has a very sustainable, energy efficient green, green if you want to use that word agenda. So I really get excited. Don't really care. With the topology is. But if a project can bring together the sustainability pieces and make it happen, I think that's where that's what really gets me excited and this is one of those in the project is pursuing passive house certification, which is kind of an extreme green.   Susan King (00:10:55) - I always want to say prescriptive. I don't know if that's really right, but it's a tried and true methodology of building that is a little different than the traditional way, but it produces a very high performance envelope for the building. And I view it as a lot of people like to talk about net zero these days. I view it as an important step towards net zero because think that you need to make your your project, you know, rightsize it, make it as efficient as it can be, make it using as little energy as possible. And then you can talk about trying to, you know, get all the way to to not needing any, you know, any power brought to the building. So, so that project is about halfway done. And we had received our our design certification for Passive house and the acronym is US. So Passive House Institute, United States. There's actually a think a European or German institute as well. Um, so they are the ones that are monitoring, monitoring what we're doing and making sure we're, we're doing it all correctly.   Susan King (00:12:05) - And today actually happens to be the blower door test where they're going to think it's happening. It should be happening right now as I'm speaking, it's pumping all this air air into the building to check the whole envelope before they start doing the the cladding and everything to make sure it's as tight as it is supposed to be. So this is the first time my firm has has been able to, you know, have had the opportunity to pursue this type of certification. A lot of people might be more familiar with Leed. We've done a ton of lead and all of that. So to me, this there are these. Other methodologies out there, or if it's not really technology, but certifications that are a little more extreme green in my opinion. So like living building challenge and and passive house think that in those categories. So so that's one project. Um, I'm also I have another project that's just starting that we are actually also in Chicago but we're teamed with a, another firm from California. Um, that's part of that we just won earlier in the summer.   Susan King (00:13:15) - It was part of a design competition here in Chicago. There's for the past 3 or 4 years, there has been an initiative called Invest Southwest. And it was focused on our, the neighborhoods of Chicago to the south and to the west, trying to bring catalytic projects into neighborhoods that had previously sort of been underserved, underdeveloped and all that. And this was an initiative coming out of the mayor's office. And so it was it was highly competitive. And so there were several of those types of projects going on around the city right now. And so we're we're again, proud to be part of one of them.   Sam Wilson (00:13:54) - That's really cool. I mean, yeah, those are those are fun, fun projects for you to work on. Let's go back to the four story conservatory project for just a second. I had a question on that. When you're doing such a unique design, unique building methodology, what is that process like? Interfacing with local building codes, building inspectors? I mean.   Susan King (00:14:21) - Oh yeah.   Sam Wilson (00:14:24) - It can't be an.   Sam Wilson (00:14:25) - Easy row to hoe.   Susan King (00:14:27) - No, it was not. But think it think it's going to get easier here now and not I'm not going to say because because we we forged the way by ourselves, that's for sure. But I'm laughing because we we actually had an amazing time getting our permit a year ago. I was just pulling out my hair going, Are we ever going to get this thing out? And the interesting thing, though, about our that project and that timeline, we happen to just be paralleling it was sort of like we were just maybe just ahead, if we'd just been a couple months later, her life would have been easier. But the, the codes were changing here and have changed. Um, and so it should be I'm hoping to do another and I'm hoping the road will be easier the next time. But we actually had to ask for, um, an alternative compliance path on our, our ventilation requirements. And again, lucky for us, there was a whole group of advocates and other people who were working on this issue directly with the city of Chicago Department of Buildings to get these changes that we were asking for, um, built into the code.   Susan King (00:15:43) - And so it's just the little, you know, it was, yeah. So all of that was taking taking officially effect as we were finally pulling our permit. So our timing was just in, in parallel with it and just keep thinking that, yes, my next one and everyone who is coming behind us, it should be easier. But but historically, um, the city of Chicago, their their building code and I'm not a mechanical engineer, so I'm not the best person to be able to explain this. But it was around the things we were asking for were around ventilation and exhaust and that, um, you know, having a really tight envelope. You've got to balance it with a mechanically ventilated system so that you don't get, you know, the sick building and all of that. So it's really important, right? It's important stuff. And it's reason to be, you know, make sure you're doing it right and all of that. But, um, but, but yes, it was quite, um.   Susan King (00:16:43) - It was it was a challenge and it was long. And I do keep thinking back because last year at this time we were trying to get our the design certification piece is kind of the step where the institute signed off right before you, you know, before you start construction. And we were on while I'm anxious today that our blower that the whole building blower door test is going okay. Um a year ago it was even more.   Sam Wilson (00:17:06) - Even more more angst.   Susan King (00:17:07) - About it like are they going to approve this or are they not going to approve it? Can we get the permit out? Um, you know, is this code going to be adopted? Which it has been. And so that's pretty exciting. And, and I will then say I'll put it in Chicagoan context. So that that had been a big barrier. Our ventilation apparently we are buildings here, we're over over ventilated which of course then takes energy to sure. But if you look at if you go east, interestingly enough, to New York City and Pennsylvania and then the entire state had an initiative and then also Boston did something recently as well all all around passive house.   Susan King (00:17:50) - So to fit into your like they are already scaling passive house up. So I'm anxious for Chicago to catch up with them but because want to say think Boston like did something really radical you could kind of maybe Google it and find it. But I want to say they they built passive house straight into their code, but it might not be exactly that extreme, but it was pretty radical. And so think believe this is the way it's going. We are building differently but think we're actually building the way we're going to build in the future, right?   Sam Wilson (00:18:22) - No, And that's that's it. I mean, yeah, I look at this is obviously I'm not an architect. I'm loosely in, you know, I've owned a way too much real estate. So I see a lot of it. And I've been in the trades. I've had a business in the trades for a long, long time. And you see the way buildings are built, you see the materials being used, you see the the waste, you see the inefficiency in the building.   Sam Wilson (00:18:46) - But it's just the way it is. Like even looking here in Memphis, it's like the housing stock just in the general single family housing. It's just so old. It's so old stuff is just horribly inefficient. And it's like, my goodness, there's got to be a better way than continuing even in the new build stuff. It's just it's still that feels like it's the same. It's just the same product. But. It's going to fall apart faster. So it's like, you know, what are we.   Sam Wilson (00:19:15) - Doing?   Susan King (00:19:15) - Yeah, we should build for length, build for duration, durability, and.   Sam Wilson (00:19:21) - Go ahead.   Sam Wilson (00:19:21) - I'm sorry. Oh, yeah, no problem.   Susan King (00:19:23) - But you just made me think of the other thing. That mean we. We've dabbled in it. But the other big construction change, I would say, is modularity. Right. Mean and or you know, we see a lot of prefab components but but everyone thinks it's like kind of a no brainer that the the solution to the housing crisis is is modular units like why can't we have an apartment come out pretty much built you plug it in.   Susan King (00:19:50) - Right. And at least for whatever reason, it doesn't get off the ground like people try and it dies. And I it's a little bit frustrating to watch but think that's the other thing that that's got to happen.   Sam Wilson (00:20:03) - It's coming It's a it's a slow moving process, but it's certainly coming soon. We got just a couple of minutes here left and I've got one more question, more from a just kind of I going to call it market sentiment, but I really want to hear from you because you guys get kind of a front row seat to all the projects being built around the country to what builders are looking for, what they want to build. Coming to you guys probably saying, Hey, can we even do this? What's the possibility here in all of the housing profiles that you guys work inside of? What's the type or the product that's in most demand for you guys to be architects on and to draw up plans for and. Yeah. What?   Sam Wilson (00:20:45) - Oh, yeah.   Susan King (00:20:47) - Yeah. Good. That's a good question.   Susan King (00:20:50) - Think it's. It's apartments, but think right now. Uh, probably for the next. So things come in cycles, Right? And so I mentioned, um, our firm in our Los Angeles office kind of rode. There was a high rise housing boom there for the past ten years before Covid. And we got to do a lot, a lot of units built a pretty strong portfolio out there. And then, of course, it's on the, you know, you overbuild and then it cycles down. And so out there, we're seeing a lot of the, um, little maybe a little more suburban, less dense, but still probably 3 to 4 stories in height, but a little more sprawling, you know, apartment complexes. Um, in and we didn't, we didn't touch on senior living but think senior living is always in demand and then but there's a new and we we're pursuing a lot of these but we haven't landed anything yet. Um, there's kind of a new category in senior living called It's a terrible name, but it's called Active Active Adults.   Susan King (00:22:00) - But it's really 55 plus apartments but without any kind of medical or nursing. And they don't they're standalone. That's what maybe separates them from the continuum of care life plan, community type campuses that were being done. So I think that's on the I, you know, we're anxious to to have some of that in our portfolio. We don't yet but think it's it's coming and and it's that baby boomer the end of the baby boomer the next generation X guess you know they're like we're healthier we don't we don't consider ourselves seniors don't call us that and active adult probably isn't the right name. But that's somehow what we we've got right now, which can also have issues with with with fair housing and all of that. They have to be careful. But I'm surprised it's lasted as a as a label label.   Sam Wilson (00:22:54) - Right.   Sam Wilson (00:22:55) - That's very, very insightful. Susan, I have loved having you on the show today. Thank you for taking the time to really just break down your journey into becoming an architect, what it takes to become an architect, the types of assets you guys are working on, you know, breaking down this conservatory project with passive house there in Chicago.   Sam Wilson (00:23:15) - I think that's absolutely fascinating. You guys get a front row seat to kind of what is going on in the commercial real estate sectors across the country. So I appreciate you taking the time to come on today and share with us if our listeners want to get in touch with you or learn more about you and your firm, what is the best way to do that?   Susan King (00:23:30) - Um, I'm on LinkedIn, so that's probably, you know, you can Google my, my name with our website is W WW dot design. So. And I'm there too. So head dot design.   Sam Wilson (00:23:48) - Head dot.   Sam Wilson (00:23:49) - Design. We'll make sure we include that there in the show notes. It's a very pretty website. I should expect nothing less from an architecture firm, but yeah, very, very cool. Susan, thank you again for coming on today. I certainly appreciate it.   Susan King (00:23:59) - Okay. Thank you. Thank you for having me.   Sam Wilson (00:24:01) - Hey, thanks for.   Sam Wilson (00:24:01) - Listening to the How to Scale Commercial Real Estate podcast. If you can do me a.   Sam Wilson (00:24:05) - Favor.   Sam Wilson (00:24:06) - And subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, whatever platform it is you use to listen. If you can do that for us, that would be a fantastic help to the show. It helps us both attract new listeners as well as rank higher on those directories. So appreciate you listening. Thanks so much and hope to catch you on the next episode.  

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