Illinois has been grappling with a housing crisis that affects both renters and first-time homebuyers for years. In response, Governor JB Pritzker announced on February 18, during his State of the State address and the fiscal year 2027 budget presentation, a new initiative designed to change this situation. Dubbed the BUILD Plan, this comprehensive reform package aims to streamline and speed up the housing construction process, thus alleviating the housing woes that Illinois residents face.

During his address, Pritzker emphasized the severity of the housing issue, stating that 'rents are too high and homeownership is too out of reach.' He explained that the root cause of the problem lies in the insufficient rate of new construction, which fails to meet the increasing demand. By highlighting these challenges, Pritzker aims to draw attention to the urgent need for reforms that address not only the immediate issues of affordability but also the long-term viability of the housing market in Illinois.

The governor's assertions were backed by concrete data from the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois, highlighting the need for immediate action. By implementing the BUILD Plan, the Pritzker administration hopes to enhance the state's housing stock and make it more accessible for residents, fundamentally transforming the landscape of housing in Illinois and potentially improving the quality of life for many families. This initiative represents a significant step toward resolving a crisis that has long plagued the state and could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.