Capital Bill Victory
BPI celebrated a major win on July 13 when Governor Pat Quinn signed into law a capital budget that includes $145 million for affordable housing development and preservation. This is the single largest set-aside for affordable housing in state history. It is also the first time in Illinois that affordable housing has been included in the capital budget. We and our partners argued that affordable housing belonged in the capital budget because, like traditional capital budget items such as roads, bridges, and schools, affordable housing is essential infrastructure for families, communities, and businesses. And, like other capital budget expenditures, affordable housing development creates a lot of jobs.
BPI has spent two years on this effort, working closely with allies including the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Housing Action Illinois, the Illinois Housing Council and United Power for Action and Justice to secure this victory. We organized legislative hearings and press conferences, participated in rallies, met with countless legislators and key state officials. This victory will extend beyond the affordable housing that will be built and preserved with these new resources—now, more state officials understand the benefits of affordable housing and are more likely to support our future efforts to expand the supply of affordable housing.
More information on State Policy Initiatives:
