real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers are well-versed in fair housing laws
and activities including best practices for marketing housing units. The County
should support the development of a relationship with local real estate
organizations such as the Main Street Association of Realtors (“Main Street”) and
housing rights advocates such as PSLS.
Though Main Street and PSLS are currently identifying ways to work together to
affirmatively further fair housing, the County should participate in some of these
discussions as well. The County should also offer a fair housing training
exclusively for real estate professionals. The training could be developed by
PSLS, with involvement from Main Street or other real estate organizations. The
County, in coordination with PSLS, should also participate in training sessions
held by Main Street and the Chicago Association of Realtors.
Support the continuation of fair housing testing. Lake County currently
provides funds that support housing agencies who conduct fair housing testing.
The County should continue to provide these funds so that current levels of
testing can continue. In addition, the County should also consider testing for
acceptance rates of Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) and expanding the
amount of financial support provided so that the number of tests can increase.
Review fair housing testing results. PSLS is in the process of conducting fair
housing testing in the Lake County area. Given the County’s existing relationship
with PSLS, it should obtain copies of the test results.
Conduct trainings on the value of diversity. The goal of the diversity training
should be the enhancement of communication among various groups. The
training should strive to dispel some commonly held myths and also provide
examples of communities that have diverse populations as well as mass-market
appeal.
Engage community groups. There are a number of community groups and
nonprofit organizations that focus on ending discrimination and addressing
stereotypes, which the County should contact for additional recommendations on
steps that can be taken.
Encourage municipalities to engage in more affirmative marketing
strategies. Affirmative marketing strategies can yield two important results. First,
they can assist in expanding the housing options available to current and
potential residents of Lake County. Second, the strategies can combat
NIMBYism and the “fear of others” by promoting the value of diversity in
communities.
Coordinate education on the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. The
Lake County Housing Authority as well as various organizations in the area
regularly provide landlord outreach and education training. As part of that
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APPLIED REAL ESTATE ANALYSIS, INC.
LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS