ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The city of Rockford recently announced its 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, and the majority of that plan aims to address the housing need in the area, specifically for the low to moderate income class.
The plan aims at constructing affordable, safe houses and rental properties in underinvested areas around the community, while also constructing housing options in vacant buildings to preserve the city’s history.
Deputy Director of Community and Economic Development Sarah Leys said this plan will be similar to the Embassy Suites and the Coleman Yards projects.
“It really sounds like we’re serving one pocket of people, and we do really need to, but it really is a benefit for the whole community if we’re all finding options where we can stabilize their housing,” Leys said.
Leys mentioned that new affordable housing in the area creates additional options for the other income classes as well.
According to the city, the number of new dwelling units needed to handle this growth is between 3,200 and 9,100 units by the year 2032 (Consolidated Plan).