Illinois Advances Statewide Zoning Reform

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has proposed new statewide zoning standards aimed at expanding housing supply, particularly “missing middle” housing such as duplexes, triplexes, and small multi-family buildings.

The proposal would establish baseline zoning standards across municipalities to address housing shortages and promote greater density near transit corridors and job centers.

For SMACNA members, zoning reform and housing expansion represent significant implications for:

• Increased demand for residential and mixed-use construction

• HVAC installation in multi-family and mid-rise projects

• Long-term workforce and infrastructure planning
  

As states continue to evaluate housing policy reforms, SMACNA chapters should stay engaged with local officials to ensure that building standards, energy codes, and workforce development priorities reflect the realities of construction and skilled labor capacity.