Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed an executive order to boost affordable housing for middle and working-class residents. The initiative targets households earning 80-140% of the median income and creates a new position, the Illinois Director of Housing Solutions, to develop innovative housing strategies.
The plan also revives the SmartBuy program, offering affordable mortgages, down payment assistance, and up to $40,000 in student debt relief for homebuyers in Illinois. State lawmakers are considering additional measures, including a tax credit for developers of affordable housing.
Pritzker emphasized the effort’s importance, stating it aims to lower housing costs, drive economic growth, and make Illinois more livable for future generations.
