Chicago experiments with residents investing in ‘social bonds’

‘Social bond’ program lets everyday Chicagoans invest in social justice projects — City crews planting nearly 50 trees.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons

‘Social bond’ program lets everyday Chicagoans invest in social justice projects

Placeholder

City crews planting nearly 50 trees.

Walter S. Mitchell III/Walter S. Mitchell III, City of Chicago

By Lynnea Domienik

Could buying a bond from the city of Chicago support public services like planting trees, expanding affordable housing and services for the homeless — and earn you money at the same time? The city is experimenting with a way everyday Chicagoans can directly invest in these social service improvements for the first time since 2005-2006.

Reset explores how this will work and if it will benefit investors.

GUESTS: Jennie Huang Bennett, chief financial officer for the City of Chicago

Laurence Msall, president of the Civic Federation