Pritzker's Budget Aims to Boost Housing Affordability, But Concerns Remain

Supporters and critics debate the effectiveness of the governor's proposed BUILD program

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Housing affordability was a key focus in Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's recent budget address. The proposed BUILD program aims to increase the availability of housing across the state to help make homebuying more affordable. While some housing advocates like Housing Action Illinois support the initiative, others such as the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless worry the budget is falling short in addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations.

Why it matters

Housing affordability has been a major issue in Illinois, especially in the Chicago area, with rising costs pricing many residents out of the market. The governor's budget proposals could have significant impacts, both positive and negative, on the ability of low- and middle-income families to find and afford suitable housing.

The details

Pritzker's BUILD program would provide funding and incentives to increase the construction of new housing units. Supporters believe this could help boost supply and drive down costs. However, critics argue the program does not do enough to support affordable rental housing and homelessness services that are desperately needed.

  • Governor Pritzker delivered his budget address on February 15, 2026.

The players

JB Pritzker

The current governor of Illinois who proposed the BUILD program as part of his 2026 state budget.

Bob Palmer

The policy director for Housing Action Illinois, a group that supports the governor's housing affordability initiatives.

Doug Schenkelberg

The executive director of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, an organization that has concerns about the adequacy of the governor's budget for addressing homelessness.

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What’s next

The Illinois state legislature will need to approve the governor's proposed budget, including the details of the BUILD program, before it can be implemented.

The takeaway

Governor Pritzker's budget aims to boost housing affordability through increased construction, but faces criticism that it does not go far enough to support affordable rental housing and homelessness services. The debate highlights the complex challenges in making housing more accessible and attainable for all Illinois residents.