and services make such practices feasible and where planned density is
reasonably compatible (such as in more urban areas) to incorporate inclusionary
zoning best practices. While such amendments for unincorporated land will in
and of themselves not fully address the high cost of housing, the ordinance could
establish the necessary conditions to enable the market to expand housing
options.
Continue participation in meetings of local affordable housing advocates.
Lake County Community Development staff is an active participant in meetings of
the Housing Action Coalition of Lake County. The County should continue its
participation in this organization in order to remain abreast of concerns
surrounding the availability and quality of affordable housing in Lake County.
Impediment 15.
Racial and ethnic minorities are denied home purchase
mortgages at a higher rate than white applicants.
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data for the metropolitan area indicate that
racial and ethnic minorities are denied mortgages at a higher rate than white applicants.
While there are a number of factors that impact mortgage approvals, national research
studies and fair housing testing have indicated that race and ethnicity may
inappropriately be used as a factor.
Recommended Actions for Impediment 15
Support home purchase counseling. The Consortium should identify homepurchase counseling agencies in the area. The Consortium should work with
these agencies to ensure counseling is advertised to racial and ethnic minorities
locally. Information on HUD-approved counseling agencies should be placed on
the website of each Consortium partner.
Reach out to lenders to expand marketing of mortgage products and
assistance. Though the Consortium cannot require lenders to issue mortgages,
it can work with them to provide education to potential homeowners and those at
risk of foreclosure. The Consortium can encourage lenders to focus on marketing
government-backed mortgages, purchase counseling and products for first-time
buyers, and programs to assist homeowners at risk of foreclosure. Additionally,
the Consortium should continue working with the lenders and local affordable
housing agencies to investigate the possibility of converting bank-owned
properties to rental housing.
Impediment 16.
Housing designated for moderate- and low-income families is
concentrated in certain communities, not spread throughout
the county.
This impediment disproportionately affects the protected classes that tend to have
lower-than-average incomes, such as racial and ethnic minorities and people with
disabilities.
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APPLIED REAL ESTATE ANALYSIS, INC.
LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS