BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – State Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, is pushing for affordable housing growth by encouraging residents working in real estate development or finance to apply for the 2026 Next Gen Capacity Building Initiative. Hosted by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the program will inform developers about the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) industry, and how to build both their career and affordable housing.
“A lack of affordable housing is an ongoing challenge in our community,” said Chung. “The Bloomington Normal Economic Development Council estimates we have a housing shortage and we need between 4,500 and 10,000 units to correct it. That’s an intimidating goal, but I’m confident we can accomplish it.”
LISC Central Illinois aims to invest capital and resources to help communities overcome economic roadblocks, such as limited affordable housing, so they can begin to thrive. Encouraging the construction of affordable housing by educating builders and working with local developers empowers communities to grow their businesses, job opportunities and supports generations of future families.
“If you work in real estate development, apply for this program. Its goal is to educate up-and-coming developers on how low income, affordable housing can be built,” said Chung. “We need you to gain that knowledge and bring your talent back to your community–our community–and help us end this housing shortage.”
Next Gen is hosting information webinars on Wednesday, Nov. 12, and Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2025. You can find more information about the program here.
Rep. Sharon Chung
(D-Bloomington)
91st District
Springfield Office:
260-W Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-5199
District Office:
216 N. Center St.,
Bloomington, IL 61701
309-808-2362