Chicago's Mayor, Brandon Johnson, has made a strategic move appointing new leadership to the Board of Directors for the Chicago Low-Income Family Housing Trust (CLIHTF), as reported by the city's news. The move is in line with Johnson's dedication to the Build Better Together initiative, aiming to beef up housing access for low-income residents in Chicago. The CLIHTF stands as a crucial instrument in the mayor's approach to housing, promising more equitable housing solutions.
Standing by his word, Mayor Johnson was keen on selecting a diverse group of individuals for the CLIHTF board, each bringing their expertise from sectors like housing, public health, education, and more. Clearly committed to the cause, these appointments were declared by the Mayor on the city's official website to be "one of the most important tools" for accommodating Chicago families in need of affordable housing. This pledge further cements the administration's promise to tackle the issue head-on.
The new Board of Directors aims to heighten collaboration across City agencies and concentrates on propelling initiatives for affordable housing. Lissette Castañeda, the Department of Housing Commissioner, emphasized the significance of this leadership shift for advocating equity and accountability. According to a statement obtained by the city's news, Castañeda stressed the importance of focusing on deeply affordable units and better management of subsidies, specifically in under-resourced communities.
Part of the Board’s plan includes leveraging the Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund (AHOF), generated through in-lieu fees from the City’s Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO). While in the past, AHOF was a significant revenue driver for housing, recent trends show a shift to developers including affordable housing units in their projects instead. Commissioner Castañeda has recognized the need for diverse funding sources, as reported by the city's news release, acknowledging that it "was set up as a way for developers to opt out of providing affordable units in their developments." This insight shapes the CLIHTF's future approach to sustainable and equitable funding.
Moving forward, Mayor Johnson and the new Board will work hand in hand with community partners to broaden their reach and strengthen the trust in the City's commitment to making affordable housing accessible. Echoing the Mayor's words, "It's about making sure that Chicago remains a city where long-time residents can stay," the fresh strategy enjoins the shared vision of a city that embraces affordable living as not just a policy but a human right.
