Mayor Rahm Emanuel and City Clerk Anna M. Valencia officially launched the Chicago Municipal IDs pilot today by printing the program’s first “CityKey” cards. Additional cards will be printed between now and February for community partners who will test the system before it rolls out citywide in the second quarter of 2018.
Emanuel said the ID card is designed to welcome the “undocumented” community and people “on the sidelines” into the city.
“If you live in Chicago, we want you to be a part of Chicago,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “This ID breaks down barriers to city services and brings every resident into the fold, regardless of immigration status, gender identification or housing status.”
Community groups will test the card throughout the first quarter of 2018 to ensure security and full-integration of the card features. During this time, the Clerk’s Office will also be working with community based organizations and other stakeholders to educate the public on the application process.
“The CityKey would not have been possible without the input and feedback from our community partners, Chicago residents and City departments,” said Clerk Valencia. “Our goal is that every Chicagoan will want to get a CityKey to unlock all of the great things our city has to offer.”
The program is scheduled to launch citywide during the second quarter of 2018, with free enrollment for the first 100,000 applicants.
"We are thrilled to see that this moment is finally here. We believe that the municipal id program is a symbol of the city's commitment to affirm and uphold and dignity of all residents. It sends a clear message of inclusion to all, regardless of socio-economic status or immigration status,” said Nancy Asirifi-Otchere, United African Organization.
The CityKey Municipal ID card serves as an official government-issued identification card and will provide a “3-in-1” benefit to cardholders by allowing users to load fares, ride CTA, and also use the ID as a library card. The card will also continue to expand its functionality during the pilot with pop-up enrollment sites, additional test partners and added benefits. Find out more on the Clerk's website.
"Too often, Chicagoans experiencing homelessness discover that the process of obtaining identification is complex, confusing and bureaucratic. The Night Ministry is hopeful that Chicago's Municipal ID card will assist youth and adults experiencing homelessness to achieve their life goals, secure stable housing and enjoy the opportunities available to all residents of our city. We have been encouraged by the community-centered process that Clerk Valencia has implemented to develop this ID and appreciate that she spent an afternoon at the Night Ministry discussing the program with young adults experiencing homeless and our staff,” said Tedd Peso, Manager of Advocacy and Community Affairs at The Night Ministry.
The Municipal ID will cost $5 for those 17 years and younger, $10 for adults and free of for seniors aged 65 and older. Various communities may qualify for fee waivers including homeless individuals, domestic violence survivors, returning citizens, Veterans, seniors 65+, low-income individuals, and One Summer Chicago participants.
"Having access to a Municipal ID will give persons with disabilities the opportunity to obtain the supports and services they need, allowing them to live more independently within their community." Michelle Garcia, Access Living
U.S. Veterans will have the option to have a special insignia located under the cardholder’s photo on their ID, indicating their service in the U.S. Armed Services. Cardholders will also have the option to include intent to donate organs, as well as emergency contact or medical information.
To support the program’s implementation, the City’s 2017 and 2018 Budget allocated $1 million to the program.
Upon being sworn-in, City Clerk Valencia launched a listening tour to solicit feedback about the Municipal ID program from constituents all across the city and has held over 50 roundtables to date. In April 2017, an ordinance solidifying the program was passed in City Council with overwhelming support. After testing the program, Clerk Valencia plans to make the card publically available to Chicago residents in the spring of 2018.
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