Chicago Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara is leaving City Hall, marking the highest-profile departure from the previous mayoral administration since Mayor Brandon Johnson took office.

       Novara announced her resignation Tuesday after leading the department for four years and through a time when the city saw mounting concerns over gentrification and homelessness as well as a pandemic. She was appointed in 2019 by then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot after serving as vice president of the Metropolitan Planning Council.

       Advertisement

       Novara told the Tribune said she appreciates Johnson’s commitment to affordable housing but it’s time for her to “pass the baton” to another commissioner.