For more than 15 years, the Caucus has collaborated to support a balanced and affordable housing stock in the Chicago region. Through a housing boom, a subsequent bust, and, most recently, significant disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, municipalities across the Chicago region have faced mutual issues, which can include:

  • Ensuring a healthy multifamily stock amid the uncertainty of the pandemic;
  • Addressing community-wide affordability;
  • Support for seniors aging-in-place and potentially isolated in their homes; and/or
  • Increasing the supply of housing options, such as starter homes or the “missing middle”.

Housing & Community Development Committee

To address these, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ Housing and Community Development Committee works to develop policies and programs that will assist our region’s municipalities in addressing local housing challenges. The Committee is guided by its Action Agenda which was updated in 2018. In 2002, the Caucus approved general principles regarding the type of housing communities should be working to develop and attract through its Housing Endorsement Criteria.

With oversight from the H+CD  Committee, the Caucus maintains a Municipal Resource Guide of housing programs, to help decode the myriad programs available to municipalities, developers, homeowners, and renters. In 2020 and 2021, the Caucus helped area municipalities advertise emergency rental and mortgage assistance available through IHDA. The Caucus also manages several housing programs that help municipalities encourage and preserve a healthy and diverse housing stock.

Housing Programs

The Caucus regularly develops programs to help area municipalities address their most pressing housing issues. Our active programs include:

  • Homes for a Changing Region: Housing technical assistance is available via the Caucus and Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.
  • Energy Efficiency: The Caucus Environment and H+CD Committees collaborated to create a resource page to help municipalities connect their residents with energy efficiency programs and incentives.
  • Granny Flat Academy: Training and modules to advise municipalities interested in Accessory Dwelling Units via the Caucus, AARP, and CMAP.
  • Up To Code: The Caucus and MPC developed a website to help municipalities establish best practices in code enforcement.
  • Rental Regulation: The Caucus developed two guidebooks on rental regulation frameworks with the Center for Community Progress.
  • Vacant Building Resources: The Caucus and BPI developed toolkits and model ordinances to help jurisdictions address vacancy in their communities.

Archived Programs