The Champaign City Council recently held a study session to review a proposed Housing Needs Analysis and Strategy Draft, a comprehensive report aimed at addressing housing affordability and increasing housing opportunities throughout the community.
Several of the recommendations included in the report closely mirror initiatives outlined in the Governor’s BUILD Plan, which focuses on reducing barriers to housing development and creating more attainable housing options across the state.
By approving the study session topic, the Champaign City Council has directed staff to take a deeper dive into the recommendations and begin drafting ordinance language that reflects the report’s findings. Staff indicated during the meeting that proposed language could be presented as early as July, beginning the formal process of implementing many of the report’s housing strategies.
As REALTORS®, we are encouraged by several of the recommendations under consideration because they focus on reducing red tape, improving affordability, and creating an environment that supports new housing development.
Among the most promising proposals is a focus on incremental development. Staff have been directed to explore allowing smaller lot sizes where appropriate and developing pre-approved housing plans. These measures can reduce development costs, streamline the approval process, and make it easier for builders to deliver housing at a wider range of price points.
The report also recommends amendments to building codes that would allow single-stairway construction in multifamily buildings up to an appropriate height. This approach has been successfully implemented in other communities and can create more efficient building designs while maintaining safety standards and lowering construction costs.
Additionally, staff plan to evaluate ways to expand the use of existing housing incentive programs, including Tax Increment Financing (TIF) resources where appropriate, to encourage new housing construction. The report also discusses the potential creation of an affordable housing fund. When designed strategically, these tools can help close financing gaps and support projects that may not otherwise move forward.
During the study session, REALTORS® expressed support for proposals that could increase housing affordability and expand housing opportunities in Champaign. These local discussions reflect a broader effort occurring across Illinois, where REALTORS® are partnering with local governments to encourage missing middle housing development and promote policies that help communities grow.
While the policy details are still being developed, the direction established by the Champaign City Council represents a meaningful step toward addressing housing shortages and improving affordability for current and future residents. We look forward to reviewing the draft language when it is presented and continuing to advocate for practical solutions that expand housing opportunities throughout Champaign.
