Policy Advocacy
Many voices are stronger than one.
We mobilize our members and allies to advocate for policies that help end homelessness, create affordable rental housing, promote sustainable homeownership, and affirmatively further fair housing. We work to increase federal, state, and local investments in proven housing programs, as well as to develop new and innovative policy solutions. On our own and through coalition work, we have been able to secure a multitude of policy victories in Springfield and Washington, D.C., that benefit renters and homeowners.
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2025 Policy Agenda
Our annual policy agenda serves as a roadmap for our state and federal advocacy to ensure that every resident has a safe, affordable place to call home.
2024 General Assembly Wrap-Up
The IL General Assembly just finished its 2024 session. We’re celebrating a new record investment in ending homelessness and other wins.
Previous Legislative Summaries
- 2023 Illinois General Assembly Wrap-Up
- 2022 Illinois General Assembly Wrap-Up
- January 2022 Lame Duck Session Wrap-Up
- 2021 Illinois General Assembly Wrap-Up
- January 2021 Lame Duck Session Wrap-Up
- 2020 Illinois General Assembly Wrap-Up
- 2019 Illinois General Assembly Wrap-Up
- 2018 Illinois General Assembly Wrap-Up
- 2017 Illinois General Assembly Wrap-Up
Louder Together: Multi-Sector Partnerships
To truly change our affordable housing ecosystem for the better, we need to bring together not just housing advocates but also people, organizations, and interest groups from beyond the housing field. This is why Housing Action Illinois has joined the national Opportunity Starts at Home campaign, a project of our allies at the National Low Income Housing Coalition, and why we are working with advocates in pediatric health care, refugee resettlement, and the disability rights sector to raise up affordable housing as an issue that matters to all of us.
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Speak Up
Join our action network to stay informed and urge your elected officials to support renters and homeowners.
Learn More
Dig into our publications, which share research and analysis on issues related to affordable housing.
Latest Policy & Organizing News
New Report: Rethinking Housing Code Enforcement to Prioritize Health, Safety, and Equity
A new report by Housing Action Illinois and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Code Enforcement as a Tool for Safe, Equitable & Affordable Housing, explores the impact of local housing code enforcement on health, safety, and stability. Despite the...
Announcing the Cairo Housing Needs Action Plan
Housing Action Illinois, in partnership with local leaders, residents, and government officials, has published a Cairo Housing Needs Action Plan that explores the pressing housing challenges faced by the City of Cairo, Illinois and shares actionable steps to address...
Local Advocacy Opportunity: New List of Communities Must Complete Affordable Housing Plans
The Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act (AHPAA) is an Illinois state law intended to encourage certain local governments to create more affordable housing. Housing Action recently advocated to strengthen this law. In December 2023, for the first time in five...