Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is inviting residents, community members, and local leaders to participate in shaping the state’s long-term housing strategy through the development of the 2027 Illinois Housing Blueprint.
The agency is offering two primary ways for the public to contribute: an online resident survey and a series of in-person and virtual Community Listening Sessions. Officials say the input will help guide housing policy, investment priorities, and planning across Illinois in the years ahead.
The Blueprint is a statewide, forward-looking planning initiative designed to assess current housing conditions, identify regional trends, and establish a vision for equitable and affordable housing. Launched in 2020, the initiative is conducted every three to five years and combines community engagement with data analysis to inform its recommendations.
IHDA describes the Blueprint as a collaborative effort that brings together residents, local governments, and housing stakeholders. Insights gathered through public engagement are used to develop an actionable plan intended to help communities address housing needs and long-term goals.
As part of the current process, IHDA is encouraging residents to complete an anonymous online survey to share their perspectives on local housing challenges and priorities. Responses will be collected through Friday, July 31, 2026.
The agency is also urging elected officials and local governments to use a Blueprint social media toolkit to help promote the survey and increase participation. IHDA says a higher response rate will improve the accuracy of its analysis and strengthen the final plan.
In addition to the survey, IHDA will host 11 in-person Community Listening Sessions across the state, along with one virtual session conducted in Spanish. During these sessions, agency staff will present regional housing data and compare local conditions to statewide trends.
Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback directly to IHDA staff. All sessions require advance registration.
Officials say public engagement is critical to ensuring the 2027 Illinois Housing Blueprint reflects the needs and priorities of communities across the state.
