Crawford Backs Gov. Pritzker’s Housing Agenda, Advocates for First-Generation Homebuyer Support

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Crawford, D-Chicago, applauds Gov. Pritzker’s newly announced Affordability Agenda — a comprehensive housing proposal aimed at expanding the housing supply — while stressing that funding must reach those who need it most.

Illinois faces a shortage of roughly 142,000 homes and will need to build more than 225,000 units over the next five years to meet demand. Meanwhile, home listings have fallen 64% in the past five years, and new construction permits are down 13%, worsening the affordability crisis for families across the state.

“Families earning a living are being strained from every angle,” Crawford said. “Purchasing a home has become more expensive than ever, while wages have not kept pace. The Governor’s plan takes meaningful steps to increase housing availability and remove unnecessary development barriers and that’s a good start.”

Governor Pritzker’s plan includes cutting local government red tape that complicates multi-unit homes and accessory dwelling units, easing permitting and parking rules, and updating building codes. It also includes $250 million in funding—$100 million for middle housing construction, $100 million in municipal grants to help communities address infrastructure barriers to new development, and $50 million for down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers.

Crawford highlighted that raising the housing supply by itself won’t fix the problem. He is also committed to ensuring new investments reach individuals and families who do not have a history of homeownership, and young adults transitioning out of foster care, who face significant barriers. Many of these youth leave the system without savings, a credit history, or family support, making traditional homeownership programs largely out of reach. By providing targeted assistance through this initiative, they can gain a real opportunity to build stability and wealth instead of being left behind in an already challenging housing market.

To directly address these disparities, Crawford introduced House Bill 4283, which establishes the First-Generation Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program. The bill prioritizes applicants purchasing homes in designated community priority areas, those earning below 80% of the area median income, buyers in neighborhoods with low homeownership rates, communities facing high housing cost burdens, and areas with limited access to affordable mortgage credit.

“This program is especially critical for families who have never benefited from inherited wealth and for young adults transitioning out of care,” Crawford said. “Without targeted support, many of these first-generation buyers will remain locked out, even as new housing becomes available. Expanding access is just as essential as expanding supply.”

House Bill 4283 has been assigned to the Housing Committee and awaits consideration.