Lake County Gazette

Lake County has announced the launch of the Lake County Coalition for Housing, a six-month regional initiative aimed at addressing housing challenges by bringing together business, government, and community leaders to develop actionable solutions.

According to a press release, Lake County and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), supported by Schreiber Philanthropy, have initiated "Housing Lake," focusing on housing as a key factor in economic development. The coalition commenced its activities in July 2025 in Mundelein, gathering representatives from various sectors to review housing data, identify supply gaps, and plan strategies to expand housing options across the county.

The coalition plans to hold monthly workshops through January 2026, culminating in a Housing Summit in February. Its objectives include assessing current and future housing needs, removing barriers to development, creating a detailed action plan, and building regional support. The approach involves stakeholders from multiple sectors to ensure that the resulting strategy addresses both economic and community concerns.

"Housing for all income levels and stages of life is the backbone of strong, resilient and thriving communities, and it is crucial for Lake County’s economic future," said Sandy Hart, Lake County board chair. Hart emphasized that many residents are struggling to find homes. By collaborating through Housing Lake: Lake County Coalition for Housing, they aim to confront this issue directly using data-driven methods to expand housing options suitable for individuals, families, workers, and seniors.

The Lake County Board comprises 19 elected members representing different districts. It is responsible for approving the county budget, financial matters, and ordinances affecting government departments. Meetings are held at the County Administrative Tower in Waukegan or remotely via Zoom. Schedules and agendas are available online. The board convenes monthly for regular sessions along with additional committee meetings that can be viewed live on LCTV.