By Dee Longfellow
At the most recent City Council, a request from City manager Jim Grabowski was approved to move forward with participation in “2024 Homes for a Changing Region,” a program offered by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC). The endeavor helps municipalities with housing plans to serve the needs of multiple generations of residents. Through the program, the MMC has already assisted more than 60 municipalities since 2005, including Park Ridge, Geneva, Buffalo Grove and Arlington Heights.
Grabowski pointed out in his request that in the City of Elmhurst’s Strategic Plan, one of the priorities is “Residential Development and Housing Options.” Also, in the Long-term Routine category, there was a goal set to “identify ways to promote downsizing and empty-nester housing options.” The program also provides a “deep dive” into existing housing data as a snapshot in time, Grabowski said. It would suggest options for empty-nesters to downsize and support seniors “aging in place,” that is, remaining in their familiar environment.
The program carries no fee and MMC staff provides technical assistance through a housing needs assessment, discussions with stakeholders, a panel of housing experts, a community survey and a final action plan. MMC can even identify the best practices and resources to fund implementation.
The measure passed the Council by consent.
