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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Action Center

With your help, we can expand access to affordable housing, prevent and end homelessness, and create an Illinois where everyone has good, stable homes. 

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2026 Policy Agenda

Our annual policy agenda serves as a roadmap for our state & federal advocacy to ensure every Illinoisan has a stable place to call home.

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Our Priority Issues

Housing Action Illinois works to advocate and mobilize around a broad range of issues aligned with our core mission of creating an Illinois where everyone has a good, affordable place to call home. Some of our primary issues are explored at the links below.

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.

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Dig into our publications, which share research and analysis on issues related to affordable housing.

Latest Policy & Organizing News

Webinar: 2013 State and Federal Legislative Issues

This webinar will provide an overview of the active pieces of housing-rated legislation at the State Capitol in Springfield and what you can do to support them. We’ll also provide a preview of key pieces of federal housing-related legislation likely to be introduced...

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Webinar: Medicaid Reform

Amber Smock, Director of Advocacy for Access Living, will help you understand Medicaid reform. She’ll also discuss the Keep Illinois Strong principles, identify who the key decision makers influencing Medicaid reform are, and show you how you can join current advocacy...

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