Sign in

Abundant Housing Illinois

@abundanthousingil.bsky.social
3.1K followers 40 following 1.9K posts

We advocate for housing abundance and sustainable, inclusive cities in Illinois. 🏙️ abundanthousingillinois.org

PostsRepliesMedia
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 1h
"Calvary Missionary Baptist Church founded Nehemiah Expansion in 1999. Since its founding, Nehemiah has built 120 homes. Johnson said Nehemiah Expansion currently has 350 on its waiting list to get into housing. The organization doesn’t plan to stop building homes anytime soon."
wandtv.com
Nehemiah Expansion breaks ground on 45 new homes on Springfield’s east side
Nehemiah Expansion breaks ground on 45 new homes on Springfield’s east side
140
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Metropolitan Abundance Project @metroabundance.bsky.social · 2h
New research from @pewresearch.org: a 20% rent drop (what Austin and Minneapolis achieved through zoning reform) would reduce poverty by up to 26% and child poverty by up to 38%. Housing supply is an anti-poverty policy. www.pew.org/en/research-...
pew.org
The Housing Shortage Is a Major Driver of Poverty
Housing costs are usually the largest item in a household’s budget and can determine a family’s financial stability.
0198
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Illinois DCEO @illinoisdceo.bsky.social · 3h
LIHEAP applications are officially open for income-eligible households.💡 Visit the DCEO website or call 833-711-0374 for more information on eligibility - bit.ly/3Vok8RP
bit.ly
Community Action Agencies
022
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
A City That Works @acitythatworks.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
A string of upzonings on the South Side are a breath of fresh air for housing development in Chicago with immense credit going to Aldermen Desmond Yancy (5th) and Ronnie Mosley (21st) for their work in this process. citythatworks.substack.com/p/a-better-p...
2186
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 3h
473 lots are now accepting applications: chiblockbuilder.com/apply/
chiblockbuilder.com
| ChiBlockBuilder
Browse all City-owned vacant surplus property. This map seeks to increase transparency and to support residents in creating plans for their neighborhoods.
182
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 19h
A new round of ChiBlockBuilder applications for City-owned lots opens October 1st. A total of 477 parcels are available for private purchase and designated for commercial, residential and mixed-use construction, as well as side yards, open space and urban agriculture.
ChiBlockBuilder
Building Blocks, One Lot at a Time
181
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
A City That Works @acitythatworks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
🚨 Chicago ranked dead last among big cities for new housing construction. 🚨 Join us next week as we discuss solutions with Aldermen Red Burnett, @gilbertv36.bsky.social, and Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council that will get our housing development back on track.
2124
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
"After a decade in the making, the Von Humboldt Elementary School redevelopment is a go." "Each unit is set to cost $922,000 to build — a staggering number that reflects the trend of escalating costs to build affordable housing."
2244
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
'The plan for 451 Duane St. in Glen Ellyn consists of 2,465 square foot retail space on the ground floor, with the building's second and third floors each having two two-bedroom residential units. A special use permit and planned unit development would be required for the proposal.'
patch.com
4-Unit Mixed-Use Development Proposal For Duane Street Heads To Pre-Application Review
Petitioners applied for a pre-application to build a four-unit residential space with retail space on the first floor at 451 Duane St.
050
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Patrick Gilsenan for 32nd Ward @patgilsenan.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
What a weekend! Thank you to incoming Cook County Commissioner Drake Warren, Jenny Schaffer and Sam Schoenburg of the 19th Police District Council, and Abundant Housing IL volunteers for joining our day of action yesterday! @drakefor10.bsky.social @abundanthousingil.bsky.social
0113
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
'The floors above a small 2,500 square-foot retail space and entrance will hold the 360 residential units, 72 of which will be considered affordable. The 4-1 vote pushes the project to City Council next. At the moment, no timeline has been established.'
0152
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Michael McLean @michaelmclean.me · 27/09/2026
All the YIMBYs came to my neighborhood to knock doors for @patgilsenan.bsky.social!
3313
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Michael McLean @michaelmclean.me · 25/09/2026
Alderman Burnett and Lawson have introduced an ordinance that could seriously boost housing production across Chicago if enacted. - Removes MLA reqs for RT/RM/Commercial/Downtown parcels - Excludes 'family-sized' units from FAR calcs! chicityclerkelms.chicago.gov/Matter/?matt...
5475
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Find out how to get a sign supporting new housing in Oak Park at: www.yesoakpark.org/yard-sign/ No yard? No worries! The sign also looks great in a window!
Text reads "Say Yes in your front yard" above a sign with rainbow-colored lines of text:

IN THIS HOUSE WE BELIEVE
HOUSING SHAPES THE COMMUNITY
DENSITY DRIVES DIVERSITY
PEOPLE ARE THE CHARACTER
NEIGHBORS ARE THE FUN
RENTERS ARE WELCOMED
APARTMENTS ARE AWESOME
OAK PARK IS FOR EVERYONE

YES OAK PARK
0202
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Reminder! Join us this Sunday, 10 AM or 1 PM at Gross Park for a day of action with @drakefor10.bsky.social to get @patgilsenan.bsk.social on the ballot! Sign Up here: www.mobilize.us/friendsofpat...
071
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Many thanks to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago for convening faith leaders, lenders, and advocates for faith-based affordable housing today! SB635 would reduce the zoning barriers placed on these projects, allowing the flexibility to leverage impact investments to meet community needs.
A sign pointing down a hall towards the “Faith-Based Housing Convening”, featuring the logo of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
051
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Thank you to @CrainsChicago for throwing an excellent panel on housing today at their Elevate 2026 event! We loved being there ❤️
Stage screen showing a panel discussion at a Crain's event; a woman with glasses and a green statement necklace speaks with hand gestures while a man in a gray blazer listens beside her, seated in front of a repeating "CRAIN'S" backdrop.Wide view of a five-person panel on stage at a Crain's Chicago Business Elevate event, seated in cream chairs in front of a "CRAIN'S" step-and-repeat backdrop, with audience members' heads visible in the foreground.Panel discussion with five speakers seated on stage, one man with curly hair and glasses gesturing while speaking; a "Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council" table sign and white floral centerpiece are visible in the foreground, audience seated below.A woman in a red blazer speaks at a podium on stage at a Crain's Chicago Business Elevate event, with empty cream panelist chairs and a "CRAIN'S" backdrop behind her, audience seated in foreground.
070
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Michael McLean @michaelmclean.me · 23/09/2026
Since April 2026, there have been 496 ADUs in Chicago approved under the expansion ordinance data.cityofchicago.org/Buildings/Ad...
5483
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program under @ilhousing.bsky.social is open! In a nutshell, tenants in Illinois with a pending eviction can apply for up to $10,000 in assistance towards back rent or other fees, until funds are exhausted. www.illinoishousinghelp.org/cbrap
illinoishousinghelp.org
CBRAP
084
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
William Skudlarek @willskud.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
this person evidently missed the message that you’re not supposed to say the quiet part out loud when asked by a reporter why you don’t want upzoning www.oakpark.com/2026/09/22/z...
1246
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is holding a Housing Affordability summit today and tomorrow, livestreaming now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6Jz...
youtube.com
Housing Affordability 2026: A Community Development Summit - Day 1
YouTube video by Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
050
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Opportunity to weigh in on @nitachicago.bsky.social initial implementation of the People Over Parking Act (POPA). NITA is accepting public comment on POPA implementation and NITA's initial POPA map. Comments are open through October 9, 2026. nita.illinois.gov/communities/...
nita.illinois.gov
Northern Illinois Transit Authority | People Over Parking Act
An element of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act is the creation of the People Over Parking Act (POPA), a new Illinois law effective June…
28119
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Abundant Housing Illinois is proud to endorse Bennett Lawson in his re-election campaign for Chicago's City Council. Bennett has been an advocate for pro-housing and pro-transit policy and worked tirelessly to advance sustainable, community-enriching measures, such as the legalization of ADUs.
15132
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Block Club Chicago @blockclubchi.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Areas of South Chicago could be upzoned to boost density under a city development proposal. buff.ly/A0Qvijx
0361
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Brian Straw @brianstraw.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
If your argument against changes to the zoning code is that it would allow naturally occurring affordable housing to be demolished, your quarrel is not with advocates for an updated zoning code. Your quarrel is with the status quo.
0145
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Brian Straw @brianstraw.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
One of the arguments I’ve heard from folks opposed to zoning reform is: “the proposal would allow nearly all existing single-family homes throughout the Village to be demolished.” This is false. The proposal does not change demolition standards. It is an argument designed to play on folks’ fears.
1121
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Housing supply and tenant's rights go together like Old Style and Malört. The best housing policy out right now is BUILD. The best tenants rights policy out right now is mostly PRO. Aldermen and the Mayor should push both.
1194
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
The Congress for the New Urbanism - Chicago @cnuchicago.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Join us for Park(ing) Day this coming Saturday at @dovetailbrewery.bsky.social! We'll have games, swag and -- of course, books -- at our little free urbanist library. RSVP here: www.eventbrite.com/e/parking-da...
021
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Protect Bridgeport Bicyclists @stevevance.net · 20/09/2026
eek...in the last 12 months, 50% of new housing permits in Chicago were approved in 85 days (or less) gotta get those numbers /down/
Chicago housing permits take the longest

Median days from application to issuance. All 6,069 applications filed in the last 12 months run a 68-day median.

New construction
1,442 applications
66 days

of which: housing
811 applications
85 days

Renovation/alteration
4,627 applications
68 days

Only 10% of housing applications clear in 30 days, against 31% of new construction overall.

Not known: how much time the application spends with applicant for corrections

chicagocityscape.com
4194
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
it’s our annual membership month! now's a good time to join the movement to end the housing shortage and make it so Chicago doesn't have the fastest growing rents 📈➡️📉 join now or read on to learn about the perks: abundanthousingillinois.org/join/
abundanthousingillinois.org
Abundant Housing Illinois
Abundant Housing Illinois is the largest YIMBY organization in the state. We advocate for abundant housing and sustainable, inclusive cities throughout Illinois. Abundant Housing Illinois is a chapter...
162
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Two more Oak Park opportunities on Sunday!
2112
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Brian Straw @brianstraw.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Eight hours of community engagement and discussions around implementing missing middle housing in Oak Park. Generally, folks are open to the Shape Oak Park proposal, but have some concerns. I am going to keep listening and working to determine what we can do to address folks' concerns.
091
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Daniel Koslovsky @dtkoslovsky.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Many are saying it’s time for Chicago to do the same
citythatworks.substack.com
Let’s fix the plumbing code
Lead and oakum joints belong in museums
14210
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Coming up next month: learn about NITA, the new transit overseer in Chicagoland, from the people who wrote the Act RSVP required: www.eventbrite.com/e/nita-in-ac...
eventbrite.com
NITA In Action: What comes next?
Panel experts, candidates, and elected officials will discuss the passing and implementation of the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority
0111
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
The Congress for the New Urbanism - Chicago @cnuchicago.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Join us at @uofchicago.bsky.social this coming Thursday and be among the first to see the winning #singlestair designs! Get your free tix here: www.eventbrite.com/e/award-cere...
Flier inviting Chicagoans to meet the winners of cnu Chicago's single-stair design competition
053
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
This weekend, Oak Park has FOUR opportunities to shape the village's housing choices! engageoakpark.com/shape
SHAPE OAK PARK
MORE HOUSING CHOICE . MORE COMMUNITY

POP UP THIS WEEKEND

CHANGES TO OAK PARK'S ZONING ARE ON THE TABLE.
YOUR VOICE SHAPES WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.

JOIN US IN PERSON

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
10 AM - 12 PM | Oak Park Farmers Market
Drop in anytime for feedback activities

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
1 PM - 3 PM | Village Hall
Drop in anytime for feedback activities
*NEW LOCATION

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
10 AM - 12 PM | Oak Park Conservatory
Drop in anytime for feedback activities

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
1 PM - 3 PM | Brookdale Assisted Living
Drop in anytime for feedback activities
072
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Jeremy Glover @jgrantglover.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Chicago can't tax its way out of a structural deficit, but it just might be able to build its way out. Here's one example: There's been a slew of recent residential redevelopment on Western Ave south of the 606. The projects I highlighted generated 10x as much prop tax in 2025 than in 2009.
Two aerial images of Western Ave between North Ave and Bloomingdale Ave. One image was taken in 2009, and the other was taken in 2025. Seven properties have been highlighted on each map, which were all redeveloped between 2009 and 2025.A chart showing the total billed property tax by year for the seven properties on Western Ave between North Ave and Bloomingdale Ave highlighted on the previous image.
79619
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
"The bottom line, @carlosrosa.bsky.social said in April, is that Chicago lacks adequate housing resources to accommodate people experiencing street homelessness."
blockclubchicago.org
Park District Adds Homeless Specialist, More Surveillance As It Struggles To Address Encampments
The Chicago Park District is bringing more cameras online to monitor the encampments as a new staff person meets with residents living in parks around the city.
0101
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
"The City of Quincy, Adams County and other local entities are planning to partner with the Great River Economic Development Foundation for a three-year tax relief program that would refund 100% of the extra property taxes created by new home construction."
khqa.com
Quincy council advances plan to incentivize new residential builds
QUINCY, Illinois - Quincy City Council approved the next step in a local agreement that would bring more affordable housing to the Gem City area.
050
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Michael McLean @michaelmclean.me · 16/09/2026
Love when the @abundanthousingil.bsky.social happy hour roadshow makes it to my neighborhood. Especially when it’s a fundraiser for @patgilsenan.bsky.social with @drakefor10.bsky.social!
0182
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Tonight at 6pm virtually, Ald. Curtis will provide an update on the Ford City development. The most recent version of this proposal contained no new homes or mixed-use, only an industrial campus. taftlaw.zoom.us/j/91990286192
18TH WARD OFFICE OF ALDERMAN DERRICK G. CURTIS

Ford City Mall Redevelopment
Virtual Community Update

Location of Development:
7400-7600 S. Kostner Ave/7601 S. Cicero Ave, Chicago
Attention neighbors: The developer under contract for the Ford City Mall site located at 7400-7600 S. Kostner Ave /7601 S. Cicero Ave is moving forward with the redevelopment of the vacant site into modern industrial and light-manufacturing buildings. Please join Alderman Derrick Curtis of the 18th Ward and the project team for a community update on the project's design, timeline, and community benefits.

MEETING INFORMATION

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 . 6:00 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom
taftlaw.zoom.us/j/91990286192
Meeting ID: 919 9028 6192
080
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
"Chicago’s 3,916 new units ranked just ahead of Omaha, Nebraska (at 3,776). Suburban Cook County permitted just 1,053 units in 2025."
0124
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Oak Park has been suffering from a propaganda campaign about their proposed zoning changes, and the people living there are being told their homes will be demolished. This is not true, despite what a viral video claims. www.chicagobusiness.com/real-estate/...
Carollina Song was surprised by a video report over the weekend that the Frank Lloyd Wright house in Oak Park she and her husband have owned since 2004 is headed for demolition.

“Oh really, nobody talked to me about this, but now my house is about to be demolished,” Song said.

It’s not, but that’s the impression people may have taken from an online influencer’s recent YouTube video that begins, “This Frank Lloyd Wright house will be demolished soon to make way for affordable apartments.” The video from This House then shows four prizes of Oak Park’s architectural patrimony, including Song’s home, the Beachy House.
1184
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
William Skudlarek @willskud.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
For those you not familiar with my hometown Oak Park, we have quite the sordid history in housing and zoning. In the late 1940s, the village tried to ban ALL multi-family housing construction until the IL Supreme Court put a kibosh on it. www.oakpark.com/2026/04/28/p...
1181
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
We are here at a packed house in Oak Park for the first information session over Shape Oak Park, a “strategic update of the zoning code to create more opportunities for Missing Middle Housing”.
A crowd in front of a slide reading Shape Oak Park.A sign leading to the shape oak park workshop.An apartment next to a house in Oak Park
1473
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Patrick Gilsenan for 32nd Ward @patgilsenan.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Come join me tomorrow at Southport Betty's, hosted by AHIL and featuring my good friend @drakefor10.bsky.social!
075
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
"Under the city’s comprehensive plan, low-density uses are called for. That means dwellings are encouraged to fall between 0-4 units/acre. The proposed development calls for 4.4 units/acre, however."
shawlocal.com
DeKalb developer pitches plan to build 26 single-family homes across from high school
A developer is seeing early support from city hall for a proposal to build 26 single-family homes, at 780 square feet each, across from DeKalb High School. The homes would be sold for around $250,000,...
181
Abundant Housing Illinois @abundanthousingil.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Oswego has a proposal for single-family and townhomes on an open parcel between a high school and existing multiplexes. '“I think what we’re looking for is a design that is a little more open, rather than so dense,” Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Charlie Pajor said during the meeting.'
shawlocal.com
Plan commissioners concerned about density of housing development proposed near Oswego East
During their Sept. 10 meeting, commissioners recommended the plans be revised before going to the Oswego Village Board for review.
140
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
Brian Straw @brianstraw.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
There is a video circulating saying that Oak Park is going to demolish Frank Lloyd Wright houses and put up apartment blocks. This is a blatant lie. On the Board I would support pursuing every legal avenue to prevent the demolition or destruction of the Frank Lloyd Wright houses in Oak Park.
1358
Reposted by Abundant Housing Illinois
YIMBY Action @yimbyaction.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Why does a 4-story apartment building need two stairs? 🤔 It’s a simple question with big implications for what we can build. Maybe it’s time to rethink the rules and push for single-stair reform. Learn more. 👇🏠
1134