u/SciNat

I encourage everyone to read the article! It does a thorough job explaining the context and implications of the BUILD legislation on the area.

Governor Pritzker’s BUILD plan to address the housing shortage in Illinois is facing opposition arguing the state should defer to local control, though localities have a long history of blocking or watering down proposals to build new homes.

This comprehensive set of housing reforms would allow accessory dwelling units and missing middle housing statewide. Visit the action network page to show support for new homes across Illinois by calling your state senator TODAY: bit.ly/3OzxA2m

From the article:

"The city’s latest Housing Needs Analysis calls for 7,000 new units by 2035 to meet growing demand, roughly two new homes every day between now and then. Even at full local ambition, Champaign covers a tiny fraction of the 227,000 units Illinois needs in the next five years."

"Most cities in the state are not having this conversation at all, and Illinoisans know it. In a recent YouGov poll, 82 percent said the Legislature should act on housing costs, and 65 percent prioritized building more homes over preserving local control."

"That is what the BUILD plan, currently before the General Assembly, is designed to do. In plain language, BUILD legalizes accessory dwelling units, allows increased density on residential lots depending on lot size, makes permitting faster and more predictable, and puts $250 million into down-payment assistance, infrastructure and development. It does not override local design standards or safety rules."

"More homes in the market means less competition for the ones at the bottom of the price range, and that is where the shortage hits hardest. Every dollar dedicated to affordable-housing programs goes further when overall price pressure comes down. It removes some of the most restrictive barriers to housing development so no city or its residents are a decade behind."

Please take a moment to contact your state representative and senator using this fast web form to support more housing affordability: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/pass-the-build-plan/

Let the Illinois State Senate know you want more homes in Illinois! Follow instructions below to file a witness slip showing your support for Gov. Pritzker's BUILD Plan before Thursday's senate hearing at: https://ilga.gov/Senate/hearings/details/3072/22865/createwitnessslipAdd your contact information.

• For Firm/Business or Agency: “Self, I support the BUILD Package”
• For Title: “Self”
• For ‘Representation’: “Self, I support the BUILD Package”

Add these bills from the dropdown as a ‘proponent’:

• SB 4060 - Missing Middle Housing
• SB 4061 - Single Stairway
• SB 4062 - Standard Impact Fees
• SB 4063 - Permitting Timelines
• SB 4064 - Parking Minimums
• SB 4071 - Accessory Dwelling Units

Select “Record of Appearance Only”. This will record your position, without needing to testify or make a statement.