$156M announced for IL housing programs to support BUILD; initiative expected to face opposition

24/7 LiveChicago & Suburban Cook Co.North SuburbsWest SuburbsSouth SuburbsNW Indiana Housing$156M announced for IL housing programs to support BUILD; initiative expected to face oppositionThe administration says Illinois is currently short about 142,000 housing unitsByEvelyn Holmes Thursday, October 29, 2026 4:57PMIllinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced $156M for housing programs to support BUILD, with the initiative expected to face opposition this fall.WLSCHICAGO (WLS) -- Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday announced $156 million for housing programs to support BUILD, or Building Up Illinois Developments, a housing initiative aimed at addressing the state's housing shortage and improving affordability.The announcement comes ahead of the November legislative session, where Pritzker's plan is expected to face significant opposition.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchAccording to the governor's office, the investment will support several housing initiatives designed to make housing more affordable across Illinois. The funding will be directed toward programs intended to increase housing supply and make homeownership more attainable.The BUILD initiative includes a package of legislative proposals that would streamline the approval process for affordable housing developments and so-called "missing middle" housing, including duplexes, triplexes and accessory dwelling units, often referred to as granny flats.The proposal would also reduce local zoning authority by establishing statewide requirements for communities. Similar legislation stalled during the spring legislative session after opposition from city and village leaders.Top Stories2 college students found dead after going missing while hiking, police say5 burglary suspects in custody after west suburban police chase ends in I-290 crash, police say25 minutes agoBaby dies after 15-year-old girl gives birth at elementary school on Far South Side: Chicago policeLocal officials who oppose the measure argue that state-level zoning policies would preempt local control and alter neighborhoods.The administration says Illinois is currently short about 142,000 housing units and will need to build more than 225,000 units over the next five years to meet growing demand."We're doing this because we need more housing. Supply is too low and interest rates aren't coming down right now. Prices are too high and people and communities are feeling the pain," Pritzker said.Kristin Faust, executive director of the Illinois Housing Development Authority, also spoke in support of the initiative.Most of the funding has already been secured in the state's 2027 budget, according to the administration.Report a correction or typoCopyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.Related Topics POLITICS ILLINOIS HOUSING JB PRITZKER AFFORDABLE HOUSINGHousing'Women Build' group tackles affordable housing project on South SideLeClaire Courts development plan includes 183 affordable housing unitsCHA celebrates 1,000th 'Choose to Own' homebuyer on South SideMayor, alderman propose competing approaches to data center regulationWatch LiveON NOWTop Stories2 college students found dead after going missing while hiking, police say5 in custody after west suburban police chase ends in I-290 crash25 minutes agoBaby dies after teen girl gives birth at South Side elementary schoolMore violations found during inspection at embattled funeral home12 minutes agoSecurity stepped up for Mundelein Village Board meeting: report25 minutes agoBears acquire All-Pro defensive tackle Simmons in trade with Titans2 hours agoFind great deals on on-the-go essentials with ABC Secret SavingsBears' Williams to continue wearing Caddix 'smart cleats' despite fine