More than a decade ago, the Chicago Housing Authority launched a billion-dollar overhaul. The aim was to break the chronic poverty in the projects and create multi-income housing. The Plan for Transformation replaced the familiar high rises with smaller complexes, mixed use developments, and private apartments. To some the plan has been a success. Residents relocated from the Madden/Wells development say they live in better and safer neighborhoods. But to others, it’s not going according to plan. Unemployment levels are pretty much the same among public housing residents, despite provisions encouraging people to find work. That’s according to recent report out from the D.C.–based public policy group, the Urban Institute. Diane Levy is a senior research associate with the Urban Institute, and she explains the report.

Music Button:  Dorothy Ashby, “Come Live With Me”, from the CD Babylon Central, (ESL)