Illinois

In the 1970s, anti-redlining movements were in full swing and the idea that activists, lenders, and elected officials could share power to revitalize communities and advance homeownership felt like a reach. But that was exactly my charge.

Two years after a major Supreme Court case, bills to criminalize homelessness and ban encampments have popped up widely. But here are some places that are fighting back.

It’s not new for states and localities to have their own fair housing and community reinvestment measures—but as the federal government backs away from enforcement, their versions may become more important.

At a time when support for housing homeless people is under attack, preventing unnecessary evictions—which are costly as well as cruel—is more important than ever for local governments. Here are some of the approaches being tried.

We can upkeep homes without punishing low-income residents. Here are some lessons for change, and cities already doing that work on the ground.

The programs that kept some tenants housed during the pandemic also left out key groups of vulnerable renters. Their exclusion provides key lessons for the future of such programs.

Getting solid legal protections in place will help tenants stick up for themselves more safely and effectively.

The Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule was intended to force communities to take action to address housing segregation and discrimination. How has the rule evolved throughout the years, and will a proposed new rule finally put some teeth into the legal concept?

How can we get more accessory dwelling units built, keep them affordable, and make them forces for increasing racial equity?

While a lot of attention has been paid to emergency rental assistance, foreclosure relief funds are also being distributed at the state level—and are also having mixed results getting to those who need them.

How we can help elected officials promote genuine community by ensuring inclusive, mixed-income housing.

Long used to maintain segregationist and discriminatory policy, aldermanic prerogative is now being wielded in a more inclusive way.