Executive Order

              1
2003-18
EXECUTIVE ORDER TO ESTABLISH COMPREHENSIVE HOUSING INITIATIVE
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois does not have a comprehensive state housing policy;
WHEREAS, quality housing at every price point is a needed asset and economic engine
in neighborhoods throughout the State and integral to Illinois’ ability to achieve its goals related
to economic development, sensible growth, education and health care;
WHEREAS, there is a shortage of affordable housing, which threatens the viability of
many communities in the State;
WHEREAS, there is a shortage of safe, sanitary and accessible affordable housing that
provides adequate services for people with disabilities in this State;
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois is committed to promoting a full range of quality
housing choices near jobs, transit and other amenities for all Illinois residents;
WHEREAS, various constituencies have been historically underserved and segregated
due to barriers and trends in the existing housing market and/or insufficient resources;
WHEREAS, the State should facilitate the preservation of existing homes and
communities as well as the creation of new housing opportunities and, where appropriate, to
promote mixed-income communities;
WHEREAS, it is therefore necessary that the State develop a comprehensive and
unified policy for the development of affordable housing and the development of supportive
services related to housing within the State, including the allocation of resources pursuant to
that policy;
THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested in me by Article V, Section 11 of the
Constitution of the State of Illinois, I hereby order the following:
I. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE HOUSING PLAN
During the period from the effective date of this Order through December 31, 2008,
the agencies under the Governor’s authority shall be guided by an annual comprehensive
housing plan (the “Annual Comprehensive Housing Plan”) that includes the development,