Peoria city officials have issued a "call to action" to address the severe shortage of quality, affordable housing across all income levels. The "Moving Housing Forward" event brought together city and state representatives, housing authorities, and community stakeholders to brainstorm solutions and gather vital feedback for future development.
Key Takeaways
- A significant housing deficit exists in Peoria, impacting all demographics from the homeless to high-income earners.
- The city is actively seeking partnerships with developers, landlords, and community organizations to increase housing stock.
- State funding and resources are available to support housing development and down-payment assistance.
- Community input through surveys and direct engagement is crucial for guiding future housing initiatives.
Addressing a Critical Need
Peoria Mayor Rita Ali emphasized the urgent need for more housing, stating, "We just don’t have enough." She highlighted that despite rising supply costs, the city must be creative in its approach to building and rehabilitating homes. The initiative aims to foster collaboration with various stakeholders to create additional housing opportunities, with specific attention to areas like the Southside, East Bluff, and Exposition Gardens, planning for both single and multi-family structures.
State Support and Resources
Illinois’ Director of Housing Solutions, Olivia Ortega, affirmed Governor JB Pritzker’s commitment to making housing a top state priority. The state is allocating substantial funds, including $150 million administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), $100 million for development deals, and $50 million for homebuyer down-payment assistance. A range of other development resources are also available, such as tax credits and loan products.
Community Input is Key
Alan Quick, IHDA’s managing director of strategic planning and reporting, stressed the importance of community-driven planning. IHDA utilizes outreach, surveys, and needs assessments to tailor solutions to local contexts. "You’re telling us what you want to do, and we’re helping you figure out how to get there," Quick explained. Residents are encouraged to participate in a survey to help shape future housing developments.
Bridging the ‘Missing Middle’
Ortega identified the "missing middle" – small single-family homes, duplexes, and fourplexes – as a significant gap in the housing market. These types of homes are essential for families at various life stages and for retaining workers in the community. The city also plans to remove dilapidated structures, invest in infrastructure, and revitalize existing housing stock, noting that a large percentage of Peoria’s homes were built before 1980.
Housing as a Catalyst for Change
Jacob Xavier, a city hall fellow from Harvard University, underscored the profound impact of housing on community well-being, linking it to crime reduction and overall quality of life. He also highlighted the potential for Peoria to offer the "American dream" to millennials, a demographic often priced out of homeownership in larger cities. Xavier stressed the need for housing at all price points to support essential workers and attract professionals, thereby strengthening the city’s tax base and future.
