Countywide Housing Plan
Planning for a Strong, Inclusive Housing Future in Cook County
Building a Long-Term Strategy for Housing in Cook County
Cook County is experiencing significant shifts in population, housing demand, and community needs. To ensure that residents can continue to find stable, attainable housing—both today and in the decades ahead—the Cook County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) is leading the development of a comprehensive Countywide Housing Plan. This plan brings together community input, data-driven analysis, and long-term strategy to guide future housing development, preservation efforts, zoning updates, and investment in new housing opportunities across the county.
Program Overview
The Countywide Housing Plan serves as a roadmap for understanding and addressing Cook County’s most pressing and emerging housing challenges. The plan will evaluate current housing conditions, identify gaps in availability and affordability, and outline policies and strategies that support residents of all ages, income levels, and household types.
Key features of the program include:
- Current & Future Housing Needs: Understanding the county’s evolving demographics, including aging residents, workforce needs, and seasonal populations.
- Zoning & Development Barriers: Reviewing existing ordinances and identifying adjustments needed to support attainable housing.
- Priority Areas for Growth: Highlighting locations where infrastructure, community services, and land availability align with responsible development.
- Reservation & Rehabilitation: Ensuring Cook County’s aging housing stock remains safe, energy efficient, and sustainable.
- Housing Affordability Strategies: Exploring tools such as trust funding, incentives, partnerships, and mixed-income development.
The plan will play a foundational role in shaping future housing policy and ensuring that Cook County remains an inclusive, resilient community.
- Zoning Ordinance Adjustments: Proposed updates designed to reduce barriers to housing development.
- Community Engagement: Number of community conversations, surveys, and meetings held across the county.
- Completion of Housing Plan Document: A formal, publicly accessible plan outlining clear recommendations and strategies.
- Integration with County Planning: Adoption or incorporation of the housing component into the Cook County Comprehensive Plan.
Key Performance Indicators
Goals & Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The HRA uses clear goals and measurable outcomes to guide progress on senior housing development.
Goals
- Develop a comprehensive, countywide understanding of local housing needs and challenges.
- Engage residents, businesses, and community partners in meaningful conversations about the future of housing.
- Identify zoning and ordinance updates that support attainable housing opportunities.
- Recommend strategies for guiding new development while preserving the county’s natural and cultural character.
- Create a plan that aligns with Cook County’s broader comprehensive planning efforts.
A Collaborative Path Forward
The Countywide Housing Plan represents a shared commitment to strengthening Cook County’s housing landscape. By working collaboratively with residents, partners, and local leaders, the HRA aims to create a clear, actionable path toward a future where housing is accessible, sustainable, and supportive of a thriving community.
Cook County’s natural beauty and strong sense of place make it extraordinary—this plan ensures that its housing opportunities reflect the same strength and promise for generations to come.