News Updates

Housing readiness grant application open for public comment

Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties are partnering with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to apply for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) grant program. Our application focuses on housing readiness planning — the process of tackling regulatory barriers such as zoning, entitlement processes, and building codes and inspections that inform the housing types and price points in our region’s communities.

Public comment can be sent via email from October 10 – 25 to Jonathan Burch, Planning Principal at jburch@cmap.illinois.gov.

CMAP is also hosting a public hearing on the application on Thursday, October 19, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. View our calendar for more details.

Why are we applying for this grant?

Our region struggles to supply enough good, affordable, and accessible housing that is connected to jobs and services. Northeastern Illinois residents are concerned about the cost and types of housing available. There is a mismatch between the housing that people want and what’s available, and a systemic imbalance between job centers and where people live. These issues undermine our regional economy and reinforce issues of segregation and concentrated poverty.

Our region is strongest when we collaborate. This PRO Housing grant presents an exciting opportunity for regional partners to work together to improve housing and community goals outlined in ON TO 2050, our long-range regional plan.