Homes for a Changing Region provides technical assistance for municipal leaders to chart future demand and supply trends for housing in their communities and develop long-term housing policy plans. These plans aim to create a balanced mix of housing, serve current and future populations, and enhance livability.

NEWS:  West Cook County housing policy plans are now available for download (PDF 4MB)!  These plans provide analysis and recommendations for Bellwood, Berwyn, Forest Park, Maywood and Oak Park, as well as the entire subregion.

Homes for a Changing Region includes the following components:

• Analysis of each community's existing housing supply that compares the type and price of housing stock to the age, income, and tenure (rental or owner-occupied) of the population.

• A subregional housing analysis that identifies opportunities and gaps in the housing profile and looks for opportunities for collaboration between neighboring communities.

• A workforce housing analysis that focuses on the match between the sub-region's key employment sectors and the existing housing stock.

• A market segmentation analysis that uses industry standard data to separate each community's housing markets into key household types. Our recommendations will focus on meeting the current and future needs of each segment, along with strategies for attracting targeted segments.

• Design, planning, and facilitation of one public workshop for each community.

• A series of policy and strategic recommendations for creating a balanced, sustainable future housing supply, along with targeted goals that can be used to determine a community's future progress in implementing the plan.

• Design visualizations for a focus area in each community.

Current Participants

Northwest Suburban Housing Collaborative

Arlington Heights
Buffalo Grove
Mount Prospect
Palatine
Rolling Meadows
 

Previous Participants (CMAP LTA Program)

South Suburban Housing Collaborative (2011)

Click here to download full plan (PDF 4MB)
Hazel Crest
Lansing
Olympia Fields
Park Forest
 

Subregional Approach

The project team will work with multiple communities within the same subregion to identify individual housing-related opportunities along with common subregional housing objectives. This approach aligns with the goals of GO TO 2040 as it helps to balance the need for local autonomy while advancing the benefits of regional cooperation. The CMAP Housing Committee serves as the "advisory committee" for the project and reviews progress on a quarterly basis. This committee includes representation from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), local nonprofit organizations, the development community, advocacy groups, and municipal staff.

Funding

The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus receives funding support for this project from the Chicago Community Trust, and the Harris Family Foundation.  CMAP's LTA program receives funding support from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant.

Events

Check back in May of 2012 for a schedule of public workshops taking place in northwest Cook County municipalities.

For more information about Homes for a Changing Region and updates, visit www.metroplanning.org/homes.  You can also follow CMAP's Twitter feed at @GOTO2040 for the latest updates.

Project News Coverage

Village Leaders, Citizens to Consider Future Housing Needs, Patch.com, May 9, 2012.

A housing how-to for the Southland, Southtown Star, January 30, 2012.

Reisdents participate in housing 'game', Oak Leaves, August 30, 2011.