Evanston Action Coalition Files Formal Opposition to Illinois BUILD Housing Package
On April 23, 2026, Evanston Action Coalition (EAC) submitted formal written testimony to the Illinois Senate Executive Committee opposing the BUILD Initiative legislative package, including SB 4060, SB 4061, SB 4062, SB 4063, SB 4064, and SB 4071.
Evanston Action Coalition supports thoughtful and community-led efforts to expand attainable housing, preserve naturally occurring affordable housing, streamline reasonable development processes, and encourage investment in communities.
However, the BUILD package, as currently drafted, relies too heavily on broad state preemption of local zoning and land-use authority without sufficient regard for local conditions, infrastructure constraints, preservation priorities, fiscal impacts, or democratic accountability.
In communities like Evanston, these issues are not theoretical.
Residents are currently engaged in significant local debates regarding:
zoning reform
infrastructure capacity
historic preservation
school impacts
stormwater management
parking availability
property tax burdens
State-imposed one-size-fits-all mandates risk destabilizing ongoing local planning processes and undermining public trust.
Key Concerns Raised by EAC
EAC’s testimony highlighted concerns that the BUILD package would:
Accelerate speculative acquisition and rising assessments, increasing displacement pressure on seniors and long-term residents
Undermine historic preservation efforts in legacy communities with architecturally significant housing stock
Create unfunded burdens on infrastructure and public services
Weaken Illinois’ long-recognized home rule framework and reduce local democratic accountability
EAC also raised concerns with specific provisions in the legislation, including mandates related to by-right “middle housing,” accessory dwelling units, parking minimums, and accelerated permit timelines.
Read Our Testimony
Read Evanston Action Coalition’s full written statement filed with the Senate Executive Committee and State Senator Laura Fine.
Stay Involved
Evanston Action Coalition will continue monitoring the BUILD package and advocating for housing solutions that respect local control, preserve public participation, and reflect the unique needs of Illinois communities.
To stay informed, sign-up for our alerts and consider joining Evanston Action Coalition at EvanstonAction.com.
Related Coverage
Apr. 21, 2026 — The Daily Northwestern: Residents, housing advocates divided on Pritzker’s BUILD plan as Evanston pursues new zoning code aims
Local coverage examining how the State’s BUILD Initiative intersects with Evanston’s ongoing zoning rewrite, featuring perspectives from residents and housing advocates on affordability, displacement, and local control.
Apr. 23, 2026 — NBC Chicago: How Illinois affordable housing bills could change suburban neighborhoods
Regional television coverage outlining how the BUILD legislation could reshape suburban zoning rules, including concerns raised by mayors and residents regarding infrastructure, flooding, and municipal control.
Apr. 23, 2026 — Capitol News Illinois: Pritzker’s affordable housing plan gets Senate hearing as municipalities remain opposed
Statehouse coverage of the Senate Executive Committee hearing detailing the growing divide between affordable housing advocates and municipal leaders over statewide zoning preemption.
Apr. 24, 2026 — HousingWire: Pritzker’s honor: Illinois housing reform fight intensifies
National trade coverage placing Illinois’ BUILD Initiative within the broader national debate over zoning reform, affordability, and state preemption of local land-use authority.