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Impact By State

Illinois

Overview

With so many people calling Illinois home, it’s no surprise that the state has long been facing housing affordability challenges. Combatting housing affordability issues in the state will require effective solutions that address the needs of all Illinois residents.

Illinois is home to approximately 12.8 million people - with 2.6 million residing in Chicago alone.

1.4 million Illinoisans call an apartment home, with demand on the rise.

72% of extremely low-income renters spend more than half of their income on housing.

Between now and 2030, Illinois will need to build 2,000 new apartment homes each year to keep up with demand.

Legal Landscape

Legal Landscape

The state of Illinois preempts local governments from implementing rent control. According to Illinois legislation, “A unit of local government, as defined in Section 1 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution, shall not enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance or resolution that would have the effect of controlling the amount of rent charged for leasing private residential or commercial property.”

Illinois
CONTINUE PREEMPTION

Rent control is an outdated concept. It benefits the very few—and not necessarily those in greatest need.

REJECT PRICE CONTROLS

Lawmakers should reject price controls and, instead, pursue alternatives such as voucher-based rental assistance for those in greatest need to better address housing affordability.

Alternative Approaches

Many states have adopted programs and initiatives to tackle the affordability crisis. In Illinois, policymakers and the housing industry have made concerted efforts to address the problem. Examples include:

Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund

The Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund provides targeted subsides supporting the housing needs of low income families, the disabled and seniors.

Illinois Homeless Prevention Program

Illinois’ Homeless Prevention Program provides targeted assistance to individuals and families who are in danger of eviction, foreclosure, homelessness or are currently homeless.

Housing Advocacy Cash and Assistance Program

Also called “Norman,” the program provides targeted emergency assistance to families with children to support critical needs, including housing assistance.

Tax Incentive for Affordable Rental Properties

HB2168 proposes property tax relief for apartment owners who build new or rehab existing units and agree to keep the rents affordable.

Illinois Rental Housing Support Program

The Illinois Rental Housing Support Program supports the immediate needs of thousands of renters each year. The program is funded via a $10 surcharge on County Recordation Fees. Additional funds from an increased surcharge would help increase capacity of the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund and other rental subsidy programs around the state.

Resources

Useful information to help address the housing affordability crisis.

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