Happy Friday, Chicago.

Are you Team YIMBY or Team NIMBY? On Wednesday, the City Council took a step toward easing Chicago’s housing shortage by loosening parking requirements for buildings near transit — a move advocates say could spur development. But aldermen put off a citywide plan to allow granny flats, with some bristling at losing control over what gets built in their wards. The editorial board hopes the talks keep going and lead to a plan that works for everyone.

Remember Tiffany Henyard? During her tumultuous tenure as Thornton Township supervisor, she frequently made headlines — and her lavish, six‑figure salary only fueled the outrage. Voters expected change after her ouster, but as the editorial board notes, new supervisor Napoleon Harris III, also a state legislator, will take home the same hefty pay. A 2024 state law blocks the township from lowering the salary, leaving residents who demanded reform feeling shortchanged.

On the opinion page, Will Johnson, CEO of The Harris Poll, writes that Chicago-area residents largely support immigrant protections despite frustrations with local leadership. Polling shows many back Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker’s stance as President Donald Trump threatens mass ICE raids and funding cuts.

Have you ever considered running for office? Jim Nowlan thinks you should. Nowlan, a former member of the Illinois House, points out in his op-ed that nearly half of Illinois House races in 2024 went uncontested, and many other offices are starving for competition, leaving voters with few real choices. Drawing on his own experiences, he argues that even without a win, stepping up to run can enrich your life, spotlight overlooked issues and strengthen democracy.

Do you wonder if northern Illinois’ looming mass transit “fiscal cliff” is as steep as advocates say? Maurice Scholten, president of the Taxpayers’ Federation of Illinois, argues that recent sales-tax law changes are delivering millions in unexpected revenue to the CTA, Metra and Pace. He calls on the RTA to update its projections before lawmakers craft new funding plans.

Finally, don’t miss a fresh batch of reader letters.

— Hilary Gowins, editorial board member

Submit an op-ed | Submit a letter to the editor | Meet the Tribune Editorial Board | Subscribe to this newsletter