Are you a Chicago renter, homeowner, community advocate — or just someone who’s curious about Chicago’s housing landscape?

Join Injustice Watch senior reporters Maya Dukmasova and Alejandra Cancino for a free, hands-on workshop to help Chicago residents learn how to research building code violations and find out who owns properties in the city.

During this workshop, you can expect to:

  • Learn how to use the Chicago City Data Portal to find out whether a building has been cited for code violations such as pests, leaks, and more
  • Learn how to uncover who really owns a building — even if the landlord uses an LLC or corporation
  • Put these skills into practice using computers at the library following the presentation

The information in this workshop is based on Maya and Alejandra’s reporting for “The Tenant Trap,” a yearlong investigation that found more than 2,600 buildings in Chicago with a history of serious code violations.

Use the registration form below to sign up for one of three free workshops we’re hosting in January and February at libraries across the city. (Click here if the form below doesn’t load.)

Charles Preston immerses himself in Cook County’s diverse communities to build relationships with community organizations, residents, and other stakeholders to properly understand information needs for impactful journalism. Before joining Injustice Watch in 2019, Charles reported on politics, activism, and community events for the Chicago Defender. His writing has been featured in In These Times, Chicago magazine, and the Committee to Protect Journalists. Charles considers himself a lifelong Chicago Southsider.