Efforts by the Village of Deerfield to significantly increase housing costs by raising development impact fees appear to be on hold following sustained advocacy by Illinois REALTORS®. Deerfield’s proposal would have increased development impact fees—which had not been updated since the 1990s—by more than 50 percent across a variety of development types. From the outset, Illinois REALTORS® Local Governmental Affairs Director (GAD) Michael Dobrow and local REALTORS® raised concerns about the potential impact of higher impact fees on housing affordability, development costs and future housing supply.
GADs and members sometimes have to play “the long game” to stifle policies that are bad for housing affordability. Below is a timeline of the advocacy efforts on the issue:
October 22, 2025 – Impact Fee Increase Formally Introduced
REALTORS® emphasized that additional upfront costs on new development would drive up home prices and reduce production feasibility. Local developers echoed those concerns.
February 9, 2026 – Committee of the Whole Discusses, Tables Proposal Pending More Legal Review
Village staff presented the proposal, but some trustees raised questions about the fee increases and the legal framework governing impact fees. Some trustees appeared to align with concerns raised by REALTORS® regarding housing affordability.
March 30, 2026 – Committee of the Whole Takes Up Issue Again
Village attorney addressed potential legal issues while REALTORS® reiterated affordability and future development concerns. Dobrow and REALTOR® members expressed support for modifications that would reduce the magnitude of the original proposed increases, but no action taken.
May 4, 2026 – Full Village Board Considers Issue but Takes No Action
The board accepted a report on the proposal. During discussion, several trustees expressed hesitation about moving forward, noting that neighboring communities were also evaluating similar fee adjustments and suggested a desire to monitor regional developments before making a final decision.
Current Status – While Not Formally Withdrawn, Issue Appears to Be on Hold Pending Further Review and Regional Comparison
Throughout the process, Illinois REALTORS® maintained consistent engagement through testimony, meetings, and direct outreach to elected officials. Local Governmental Affairs Director Michael Dobrow led advocacy efforts, with members of the North Shore-Barrington Association of REALTORS® participating in meetings and reinforcing concerns about housing affordability and development costs. This coordinated effort ensured that the impact of proposed fee increases on housing supply and affordability remained central to the discussion at each stage of the process. Illinois REALTORS® will continue to monitor the issue and remain engaged should it return for further consideration.
