Illinois Housing Policy Update

Comprehensive Housing Planning Act

The Comprehensive Housing Planning Act, Senate Bill 2290, which both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly passed, codifies provisions of the governor’s 2003 executive order and permanently requires a comprehensive state housing policy. It calls for state departments, such as the Departments of Human Services, Transportation, and Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to work with the Illinois Housing Development Authority and municipalities so that state and local plans and dollars are connected to preserve and build affordable, workforce housing for underserved population groups.

Location Matters

The “Location Matters” bill, S.B. 2885, now with Gov. Rod Blagojevich, links jobs and housing by providing incentives for employers to consider and invest in housing options for the local workforce.

Budget

The budget negotiations identified cuts in both Rental Housing Support Program Funding and the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund as possible special fund sweeps for the 2007 fiscal year. Because of housing advocates’ aggressive efforts, the final budget did not include the cuts.

The final budget did include all of the proposed funding for homelessness prevention, supportive housing, and rental assistance programs.