The effort to sharpen the state’s Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act is one of multiple bills pending in Springfield that aim to boost housing construction and widen affordability.
Housing
Posted inInvestigating Responses
‘Granny flats’ are illegal to build in most of Chicago —and political gridlock is keeping it that way.
A three-year pilot program that legalized accessory dwelling units or “granny flats” in some areas of the city opened up more housing options in neighborhoods where cheap apartments have become increasingly rare. But the burst of construction seen so far is a pittance compared to the more than 100,000 affordable units experts say it would take to satisfy demand.
Posted inStatewide Investigations
Under ‘Crime-Free Housing’ Laws, Families May Be Evicted for Minor Offenses
In some Illinois cities, shoplifting, calling 911 too many times or even being a victim of a crime can get you kicked out of your home.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
Six Ways Cities Are Trying to Keep Rental Properties and Tenants Safe
In some places with crime-free housing laws, landlords must kick out tenants who have had too much contact with the police.
Posted inInvestigations
Landlord Pushes Tenants Out Despite Getting State Money
Tenants at an Englewood apartment building are left out in the cold after their landlord pockets rental assistance with little oversight from the state.
