Pritzker Convenes Roundtable on Affordable Housing Plan

Governor discusses BUILD initiative to boost housing supply and lower costs in fast-growing McLean County

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:30pm

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Governor Pritzker convened a roundtable in McLean County to discuss his BUILD proposal, a comprehensive plan to address Illinois' housing shortage and make homes more affordable for working families. The plan includes legislative reforms, capital investments, and financial assistance programs to accelerate homebuilding and support first-time homebuyers.

Why it matters

Illinois is facing a significant housing shortage, with a deficit of over 142,000 units statewide. This has driven up housing costs and made it increasingly difficult for families to afford homes, especially in fast-growing regions like McLean County. The BUILD plan aims to tackle these challenges through a multi-pronged approach.

The details

The BUILD proposal includes several key components: legislative reforms to cut red tape and make it easier for developers to build new housing, $100 million in capital funding for infrastructure improvements to unlock new development sites, and $150 million to support the construction of starter homes and rental units as well as down payment assistance programs for first-time homebuyers.

  • Governor Pritzker convened the roundtable on March 29, 2026.

The players

Governor JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who is spearheading the BUILD initiative to address the state's housing affordability crisis.

Kristin Faust

The Executive Director of the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), which will administer funding for new housing construction and homebuyer assistance programs under the BUILD plan.

Kristin Richards

The Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), which will oversee the $100 million in capital funding for infrastructure improvements to support new housing development.

Jeff Baker

The CEO of Illinois REALTORS, an organization that supports the Governor's BUILD plan to address the state's housing supply crisis.

Nora Harrison

The Senior Community Development Manager of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, who discussed how the BUILD plan can help address housing needs in the region.

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What they’re saying

“For too long, a patchwork of local restrictions have made it too difficult and expensive to build and buy housing. Illinois working families deserve better, and through BUILD, we're fighting for the most significant housing affordability package in decades.”

— Governor JB Pritzker

“Illinois is making a significant commitment to housing affordability at a time when families and entire communities are coping with rising housing costs, limited inventory, and barriers that discourage the construction of new homes and apartments.”

— Kristin Faust, Executive Director, Illinois Housing Development Authority

“Governor Pritzker's BUILD Plan is a significant step forward in addressing housing supply challenges across Illinois through thoughtful, statewide solutions. This plan reflects a strong understanding of the barriers developers face and creates real opportunities to move projects forward.”

— Nora Harrison, Senior Community Development Manager, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council

What’s next

The Illinois legislature is currently advancing the legislative package that is part of the BUILD initiative, which includes reforms to remove red tape and create clearer, more predictable rules for housing development across the state.

The takeaway

The BUILD plan represents a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to addressing Illinois' housing affordability crisis, tackling both supply-side and demand-side challenges through legislative reforms, capital investments, and financial assistance programs. If successful, it could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar housing shortages and cost burdens.