Chicago should be a city where working people can afford to build a life, and afford to stay.

For too many families, that is becoming harder every year. Rents are rising and property taxes are putting pressure on homeowners. Childcare, utilities, transportation and groceries take up more of every paycheck.

Chicago needs a plan that lowers the pressure on household budgets while creating the economic growth necessary to sustain a strong city.

Chicago cannot tax its way to prosperity. We need an economy that is growing, creating good-paying jobs and expanding opportunity in all 77 neighborhoods.

Chicago has world-class universities, a diverse economy, transportation infrastructure, a talented workforce and a position as one of America's great global cities. City government should be focused on turning those advantages into investment and opportunity.

Every Chicagoan needs to feel safe in their home, on their block, on public transit and throughout their city. 

Safety is not a number, safety is a Chicago that works for everyone and where all people have the opportunity to thrive and live without fear.

Public safety should not be reduced to a choice between supporting police and investing in communities. Chicago needs an effective police department and a sustainable strategy for addressing the conditions that allow violence to persist.

A child's future should not be determined by their zipcode.

Twenty years from now, today's students will be our workforce, entrepreneurs, parents and civic leaders. Investing in their success is one of the most important investments we can make in Chicago's future.