Illinois Housing Authority asks for public input

MARIOM, Ill. (KBSI) – The Illinois Housing Authority is asking for the public’s input to help build a blueprint to find out where housing is most needed throughout the state.

“Essentially it is a way for us to get out in the community and bring some data and some forecasts that we’ve put together about housing, but also to listen to the community about their housing needs.”

Cliff Bridgeman is the Illinois Housing Development Authority planning services assistant director. He shares that the housing authority conducts a survey both in person and online every few years to assess the housing needs in the state of Illinois. He shares the last survey done was in 2020 and was used to build a blueprint of overall housing needs in Illinois divided by each region.  

“Everywhere in Illinois is experiencing concerns with their housing markets, with, you know, high rental prices, high home prices, etc. But they are different” says Bridgeman. “They’re a little different everywhere in the state. So, this is this is the only way we can see to really get at the root of those problems.” 

 The Southern Illinois region will have an informational meeting this Thursday May 7th at the Marion Community Center from two to four pm, open to all who would like to attend. Bridgeman shares they encourage anyone from city leaders to those struggling to find affordable housing to attend, and those who miss the meeting can find a survey online.

IHDA is asking the public to complete the Blueprint’s online survey. This opportunity allows members of the public to share their opinions to help IHDA understand local housing needs and goals of their community.

Responses to the survey are anonymous and will be accepted through Friday, July 31, 2026. Please click here to take the survey.