Why Is Chicago So Expensive? The Local Politics Behind It Why is Chicago getting so expensive? Nick Thompson sits down with Chicago small-business owner and First Ward alderwoman candidate Laura Yepz to unpack the rising cost of living, housing, taxes, small businesses and the local politics behind it. Why is Chicago getting so expensive? In this episode of Eyes Wide Open, Nick Thompson sits down with Chicago small-business owner and First Ward alderwoman candidate Laura Yepz to discuss the rising cost of living, local politics, small-business struggles, housing, taxes, inflation, Chicago Public Schools, and what local government can actually do for residents. Laura shares her experience running the Wicker Park Inn, supporting Chicago's small-business community, navigating COVID-era challenges, and deciding to run for alderwoman after becoming frustrated with the lack of local representation. Nick and Laura also discuss why local politics matter, how Chicago residents are being squeezed by rising costs, why small businesses are struggling, the changing Chicago neighborhood landscape, the importance of elected school boards, work-life balance, AI and the future of work, and why people are increasingly questioning the traditional American Dream. Topics discussed: Chicago politics, Chicago cost of living, local government, alderman elections, First Ward Chicago, small businesses, housing affordability, rent increases, inflation, property taxes, Chicago Public Schools, jobs, AI and employment, community leadership, and the future of Chicago. 🎙️ Eyes Wide Open with Nick Thompson explores mental health, holistic wellness, culture, free speech, politics, and stigmatized societal issues—all to help us show up in the world with our eyes wide open. Chapters 0:00 - The Reality of Working Multiple Jobs Just to Exist 2:21 - Meet Laura Yepez: Small Business Owner and 1st Ward Candidate 5:36 - Why Small Businesses Rally: COVID Fallout & Lack of City Support 9:32 - The Rising Cost of Existing and Doing Business in Chicago 11:11 - What Does an Alderperson Actually Do for Your Community? 14:59 - Taking on an Incumbent: Why Local Representation Must Change 19:49 - Redefining Authentic Leadership Through Service and Mentorship 22:33 - The Modern Urban Affordability & Housing Crisis 26:00 - Property Taxes, Rent Hikes, and the New Elected School Board 33:26 - The Broken American Dream: Corporate Layoffs and Surviving the Squeeze 47:10 - Contrasting the 1st Ward Race: Advocacy, Identity, & Small Business Focus 54:50 - The Ground Game: Door-Knocking, Petitions, and Upcoming Election Deadlines 1:00:35 - Nick Thompson on Moving Past Reality TV & Staying Authentic About Guest Laura Yepez is a longtime Chicago resident, community advocate, 1st Ward Democratic Committeewoman, and the owner of the historic Wicker Park Inn for over 22 years. With a deep background in entrepreneurship, local chambers of commerce, and local school councils, she is running for 1st Ward Alderwoman to bring responsive, constituent-focused leadership and small-business advocacy to City Hall. Our Mission Eyes Wide Open is a space for honest communication. Our goal is to remove the stigmas around mental health, holistic lifestyles, culture, and free speech so you can show up as your authentic self with your eyes wide open. By having real conversations about difficult truths, we move toward collective healing. Find Laura Yepez here: Website: https://www.yepezforchicago.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yepezforchicago/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yepezforchicago_/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yepezforchicago Stay at the Wicker Park Inn: https://www.wickerparkinn.com/ Find Nick Thompson here: Nick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ UCAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/ UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/ Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com