 Illinois Rural Partners is engaged in and supportive of rural housing issues, needs, funding and new initiatives as demonstrated by its involvement in the recent Governor’s conference at Chicago’s Navy Pier on October 25, 2010. More than 400 people came together to unite around the theme of “Embracing the future: sustaining affordable housing”. Governor Quinn gave the luncheon keynote address.
The Illinois Development Housing Authority, a corporate Rural Partners member, did an outstanding job of planning such a comprehensive and well organized conference on rather short lead time. The depth and breadth of speakers and topics gave attendees encouragement and satisfaction that their hard work is paying dividends.
 Jerry Townsend, current Board Chair of Rural Partners, stated that “He was privileged to moderate a panel on the subject of Rural Housing Programs and Issues and he was impressed with
the positive attitude, commitment and successes of the speakers and so many who attended the conference”. Topics were far reaching and covered everything from single family housing financing and rehab, to senior housing, to supportive living facilities but also unique initiatives to develop housing close to work and public transpiration and incorporating renewable energy and green building into affordable housing. A common theme was that local leaders and residents must be committed and supportive or developers and lenders will go elsewhere.
 One of the highlights of the conference was presentation of the first annual awards for innovation and excellence in affordable housing throughout Illinois something that the Rural/Small Cities Housing Working Group has encouraged. Special thanks go to George Dinges of Development Services Group, Cynthia Struthers of the Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs, USDA Rural Development , Rural Partners , Bill Pluta of IHDA and others for getting this off the ground. Nominations exceeded expectations with nine in the rural, small city or non-metropolitan category; seven in the metro area outside Chicago category and 18 in the metro Chicago category. The winner of the rural award was Downtown Commons in Jacksonville, a project of 22 single-family townhomes which enables residents to live near work, public transportation and needed support services. Go to IHDA’s website at www.ihda.org and click on announcements for more information about the awards. Click here to View awards
Many left the conference with plans to attend net year and keep the affordable housing momentum going.
Jerry Townsend, Chair
Illinois Rural Partners Board of Directors |
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