Community land trust task force bill awaits Pritzker's approval

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois could soon continue the work of a task force addressing the affordable housing crisis.

Democrats and Republicans believe the state should ensure access to housing loan products, grants and other assistance for buyers and owners located in community land trusts.

Sponsors said community land trusts can be a powerful solution for homeowners facing delinquent property taxes or other financial threats to continued homeownership.

"Key goals of the task force are to expand access to homeownership programs and to support long-term affordability and stability through the exploration of the community land trust model," said Rep. Lilian Jimenez (D-Chicago).

The task force could consider incorporating community land trusts into the local tax sale process and increasing the number of state grants for organizational housing development.

Senate Bill 1261 passed out of the House on a 71-37 vote and received unanimous support in the Senate.