More evidence of the inability of the Illinois Housing Planning and Appeal Act to achieve its stated goals.
"More than six years after it was created, a state [of Illinois] board designed to prod municipalities into building affordable housing has yet to hear one case," reports Natalie Moore.
"The Illinois Housing Appeals Board was established in 2009 as part of the Illinois Housing Planning and Appeal Act (2003)," adds Moore. That's the same rule that some affluent suburbs in the state flout without fear of reprisal, according to reports from earlier this year. State law requires cities with less than ten percent affordable housing to provide affordable housing plans to the state. The law also allows developers to appeal rejected affordable housing proposals with the Housing Appeals Board.
Board chair Warren Wolfson, a retired judge turned law professor, is quoted in the article saying that meetings involved the board sitting and staring at each other. According to the article, suburbs and towns undercut the board's authority invoking "home rule," which Moore defines as "the right to self-govern without state intervention."
The article includes more discussion of the consequences of the impotence of the board and, by extension, the law.
FULL STORY: Affordable housing appeals board: 'We just sit and stare at each other'
Wealthy Suburbs Flout Illinois' Affordable Housing Mandate
The state of Illinois finds itself without a "stick" to enforce the mandates of its Affordable Housing Planning and Appeals Act. Towns have noticed and are flouting the law.
Expanding the Mission: Community Groups Serving Schools
Some community development organizations have added education to their traditional focus on housing and economic development, looking for ways to support families and children by partnering with local school districts. How is it working?
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
California E-Bike Rebate Program Launches — Again
After a series of fits and starts, CARB says the program will begin accepting applications this month.
Analysis: Localized Upzoning Less Effective
Changing zoning rules for a small number of parcels can increase land values and housing costs without boosting the housing supply.
Amtrak Breaks Ridership Record in FY 2024
More Americans than ever rode the rails last year, also bringing the agency its highest ticket revenue.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Caltrans
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners