In February, the Governor presented the Building Up Illinois Developments (BUILD) agenda in attempt to address housing supply and affordability. The BUILD agenda includes proposals to aggressively preempt local zoning. Legislation has been introduced in the Houe and Senate to preempt local authority to have lot-size be the determinant for housing units, require municipalities to allow for the broad construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), further limit parking minimums, enable third party reviewers and inspectors, takes a one-size-fits-all approach to impact fees and changes fire safety requirements for multi-unit housing.
The Conference is opposed to the legislation comprising the BUILD agenda. The Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC) shares the goal of increasing housing inventory for our residents. By implementing comprehensive plans, pursuing transit-oriented development, adopting age-in-place initiatives and other locally initiated strategies, NWMC municipalities have a successful track record of implementing housing strategies that respond to community needs while coordinating with existing government services. The below is just a sample of the proactive measures being taken by NWMC communities.
To learn more about the BUILD proposals and NWMC's position, please visit the Conference's Legislative Action Center.