Housing Commission

Arlington Heights

Cook County

Over five decades, the Arlington Heights Housing Commission has helped the community address affordable housing needs by guiding the creation of policies, programs, and fair housing oversight.

Background

Established in 1972, the Arlington Heights Housing Commission was created in response to recommendations from the Village’s Report of the Joint Study Committee on Low-Moderate Income Housing.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Housing Commission oversaw the creation of three affordable housing developments: Linden Place, featuring townhomes for families and apartments for seniors; Cedar Village, offering senior apartments; and the Albert Goedke Apartments, serving seniors and persons with disabilities. Since 1978, it has also overseen Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-funded housing programs, including the Village’s Single-Family and Group Home Rehabilitation Program.

From the 1990s to the present, the Housing Commission has sought to include affordable units in new developments, culminating in the adoption of the Village’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance in 2020. For developments subject to the IHO, the Housing Commission reviews the developments’ plans to include affordable housing and makes recommendations to the Village Board. The Housing Commission is currently working to craft a process for applying to the Village’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

How It Works

The Housing Commission has seven members appointed by the Village President with consent of the Board of Trustees. Members serve staggered three-year terms and meet monthly. Key responsibilities from the Housing Commission’s 2025 work plan include:

  • Reviewing affordable housing plans for developments subject to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance.
  • Assessing the effectiveness of the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance when directed by the Village Board.
  • Seeking and providing input on opportunities to create affordable housing including, but not limited to, those to which the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance would apply.
  • Evaluating priority strategies for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, considering both housing types (e.g., new construction, preservation) and priority populations.
  • Providing a recommendation to the Village Board on how to identify priority projects for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, such as through a request for proposals.
  • Collecting and analyzing data from affordability questions added to the Multi-Dwelling License Application.
  • Recommending and monitoring CDBG-funded projects.
  • Acting as the Village’s Fair Housing Review Board, investigating complaints of housing discrimination.

Goals

Promote and expand housing opportunities for all income levels by increasing housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. Serve as a Fair Housing Review Board.

Target

Affordable housing policies, programs, and developments across Arlington Heights.

Success

Oversaw the successful development of 15 affordable and mixed-income developments over the course of five decades.

Lessons Learned

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Public Involvement

The Commission educates the public about the meaning of affordable housing and the benefits of a balanced housing stock that includes options for the community’s low- and moderate-income residents.

The Commission makes a point to include representatives from various parts of the village and different demographic backgrounds. Commissioners have come from professions such as banking, law, and real estate, as well as individuals who work in the education and nonprofit sectors and bring experience working with low- and moderate-income individuals and families.

Contact Information

Village of Arlington Heights Housing Commission, www.vah.com.

This case study was last updated in February, 2026.

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