‘There isn’t enough housing being built in Illinois. Our BUILD Plan is working to fix that.”: Pritzker

Chicago Construction News staff writer

Gov. JB Pritzker held a roundtable last week, focused on the governor’s Building Up Illinois Developments (BUILD) proposal, aimed at accelerating housing construction across the state.

“For too long, a patchwork of local restrictions have made it too difficult and expensive to build and buy housing,” Pritzker said. “Illinois working families deserve better, and through BUILD, we’re fighting for the most significant housing affordability package in decades. Homeownership – a cornerstone of the American dream – is too far out of reach, and rent is too damn high. We’re coming together to cut through red tape, build more homes, and make Illinois the best state to live, work, and raise a family.”

The BUILD proposal is designed to ease development barriers, expand financing tools, and invest in both housing and infrastructure. Key elements include a new down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers, targeted capital funding to support construction, and legislative reforms to reduce permitting delays.

“Illinois is making a significant commitment to housing affordability at a time when families and entire communities are coping with rising housing costs, limited inventory, and barriers that discourage the construction of new homes and apartments,” said Kristin Faust. “The BUILD agenda is a much-needed step forward in addressing this crisis, giving agencies like IHDA the tools we need to support new affordable and middle-income rental housing while making homeownership possible for first-time buyers across the state.”

Illinois faces a shortage of roughly 142,000 housing units and will need to build more than 225,000 units over the next five years to meet demand, according to state data. BUILD aims to close this gap by promoting legislative reform, targeted investment, and innovative financial tools for working families.

“We know that securing affordable housing is a challenge for many people across the country right now,” said Kristin Richards. “Investing in strategic initiatives that reduce development barriers, while simultaneously working to close financial gaps, is critical to expanding access to affordable homes for Illinois’ working families. These efforts strengthen our workforce, local economies, and communities, and attract further investment.”

The plan has drawn support from industry groups. “Illinois REALTORS continues to proudly support the Governor’s BUILD Plan to address the state’s housing supply crisis,” said Jeff Baker. “Roundtables like this are critical to hearing directly from those who see and experience the supply crisis firsthand. We are mobilizing thousands of real estate professionals statewide to engage in these conversations with local officials and emphasize the importance of this legislation.”

Participants at the roundtable highlighted Bloomington-Normal as an example of an area with strong job growth and population gains, paired with significant housing needs. Officials said the BUILD plan could help close gaps that currently prevent the market from providing more affordable housing.

“Governor Pritzker’s BUILD Plan is a significant step forward in addressing housing supply challenges across Illinois through thoughtful, statewide solutions,” said Nora Harrison, senior community development manager. “In communities like ours, housing availability directly impacts workforce growth and economic stability. I am hopeful this effort will make a lasting impact across Illinois.”

Health care leaders also stressed the need for workforce housing. “We are grateful to Governor Pritzker for prioritizing affordable housing and recognizing it as a key part of strengthening both our communities and our health care system,” said Eunmee Shim. “In a community facing a shortfall of 4,500 affordable housing units, nurses, technicians, aides, and support staff face challenges caring for a community they can’t afford to call home. If we want reliable, compassionate care, workforce housing is essential infrastructure—just as critical as clinics and hospitals themselves.”

BUILD represents a comprehensive effort to expand housing options, cut red tape for developers, and make renting and owning homes more attainable for Illinois working families.