Pritzker unveils $156M housing plan

Gov. JB Pritzker announced a $156 million funding package on Thursday to support the BUILD housing initiative. The administration stated that most of this money is already included in the state's 2027 budget. The goal is to address a housing shortage that the governor's office estimates at 142,000 units.

The plan proposes statewide zoning requirements to streamline approvals for affordable developments. This would reduce local control over land use, a change that city and village leaders oppose. Similar legislation stalled during the spring session because local officials argued that state policies would alter neighborhoods and preempt local decisions.

Pritzker said the state needs to build more than 225,000 units over the next five years to meet demand. He noted that supply is too low and interest rates remain high, which keeps prices elevated. "We're doing this because we need more housing. Supply is too low and interest rates aren't coming down right now. Prices are too high and people and communities are feeling the pain," he said.

Kristin Faust, executive director of the Illinois Housing Development Authority, spoke in support of the measure. The BUILD package includes specific proposals for missing middle housing types. These include duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units, often called granny flats.

The November legislative session begins soon, where the plan faces expected opposition. Local leaders plan to challenge the reduction in their zoning authority. The administration believes the streamlined process will make homeownership more attainable across the state.

The funding targets programs designed to increase housing supply and lower costs. The administration links the new investment to the need for faster development approvals. No new legislative dates were announced beyond the upcoming November session.