DuPage County can now invest its own money in affordable and missing-middle housing after a bill that cleared the spring legislative session was signed into law, the county's contract lobbyist told the Legislative Committee on Tuesday, July 7.

Chip Humes of Marquardt & Humes briefed committee members on what the county gained and what stalled during a session he called disjointed. The two biggest takeaways for Elmhurst-area residents: a new housing investment tool for the county and confirmation that previously approved capital projects survived the budget process.

Housing authority

HB4571, known as the NITA Act, amends the Counties Code to let DuPage and Will Counties direct county financial resources toward affordable and missing-middle housing. Rep. Marti Deuter and Sen. Laura Ellman sponsored the bill. Housing Action Illinois had urged Gov. JB Pritzker to sign it after it passed both chambers. The county has not announced specific plans under the new authority.

Capital projects

Humes identified the reappropriation of DuPage County's capital projects in the state's nearly $56 billion FY2027 budget as a win. Pritzker signed the spending plan on Monday, June 16. Reappropriation means previously approved infrastructure dollars continue flowing rather than expiring, though the county has not disclosed which projects or dollar amounts are involved.

"The reappropriation of our capital projects was a win for DuPage County," Humes told the committee.

911 surcharge

Humes also raised a 911 surcharge proposal that would affect Elmhurst, Villa Park, and Oakbrook Terrace, all of which dispatch police and fire through DU-COMM. Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin chairs the DU-COMM Executive Committee. The briefing did not disclose the proposed dollar amount or which entity would collect it.

Stalled items

The General Assembly did not pass incentives for a new Bears stadium before adjourning June 1. The Bears' board subsequently voted to shift its focus to Hammond, Indiana. The governor's BUILD affordable housing plan also failed to advance. Both items could resurface during the fall veto session, typically held in November, according to Marquardt & Humes' session wrap-up.

Committee Chair Dawn DeSart convened the 27-minute meeting at 11:30 a.m. with members Cronin Cahill, Evans, Haider, Honig, and Yoo present. Residents who want details on the capital reappropriations or the 911 surcharge can request the county's full end-of-session report (item 26-1727) through the DuPage County Clerk's office.