Policies Have Been Implemented Across the Region
CHICAGO (May 7, 2026) — The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus recently unveiled Home Grown: Local Housing Strategies in Action, an online resource that documents successful housing policies, programs, and developments from across the Chicago region.
Home Grown features more than 70 case studies addressing issues ranging from housing affordability and supply to home rehabilitation and physical accessibility. Case studies, developed through interviews with local governments and development partners, outline how each strategy was developed, funded, and implemented – along with outcomes and key lessons learned.
“On behalf of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, I would like to say thank you to the dozens of mayors and municipal staff who contributed their time and insights through interviews,” said Village of Romeoville Mayor John Noak, Chair of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ Executive Board. “Your leadership has helped create a resource that benefits municipalities across the region.”
Home Grown emphasizes real-world examples that municipalities can adapt to fit their own needs. Mayors, planners, and other stakeholders can quickly identify proven strategies used by peer municipalities to advance priorities such as attainable homeownership, affordable and mixed-income housing, lead service line replacement, neighborhood revitalization, and supportive housing for people with disabilities.
“Home Grown reflects the power of local innovation,” said Village of Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson, Chair of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ Housing and Community Development Committee. “When we share what’s working across our region, we empower municipalities to respond to housing challenges with solutions that are not only practical, but rooted in the real needs of the people we serve.”
The platform organizes content into major categories of developments, policies and programs, along with detailed subcategories, making it easy for users to navigate and identify relevant strategies. With its user-friendly and in-depth content, the Home Grown website serves as a valuable guide for municipalities seeking to expand housing opportunities while maintaining local control.
The Home Grown website is now live and available to the public. To explore local housing strategies in action, visit: https://mayorscaucus.org/homegrown.
About the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus
Founded in 1997, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus brings together Mayors and Village and Town Presidents of the Chicago region to work on issues of regional significance through the City of Chicago, DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, Lake County Municipal League, McHenry County Council of Governments, Metro West Council of Governments, Northwest Municipal Conference, South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, Southwest Conference of Mayors, West Central Municipal Conference and Will County Governmental League. Combined they represent 275 municipalities and a population of over 9 million residents.
