Residents press council to allow duplexes and require landlord application transparency; council notes upcoming ordinance work

Several residents used public comment to urge the council to allow duplexes in R2 zoning districts and to press for more affordable housing options in Urbana. Adani Sanchez of Curbanism Club asked the council to "vote yes to allow duplexes in R2," calling duplexes a "very gentle way of increasing density." Multiple speakers representing Wards 3 and 4 echoed that position and tied duplex allowances to affordability and neighborhood stability.

Carrie Hacker, a longtime resident, urged the council to require landlords to disclose the criteria used to approve rental applications. Hacker said she consulted Bob Palmer of Housing Action Illinois about legal options and reported that, as a home-rule municipality, Urbana can require transparency on landlord application criteria but cannot impose local rent caps. Hacker said: "You absolutely could pass a transparency ordinance for landlords. What you can't do though is pass any ordinances regarding rent caps."

Council members acknowledged the concerns and said housing issues including duplexes and tenant protections would be considered as part of upcoming ordinance work and committee discussions. Council member Michelle and others expressed support for duplexes as a tool to increase housing supply; no formal motions or votes on zoning changes or a landlord-transparency ordinance were taken at this meeting. Council staff and members encouraged residents to participate in the committee-of-the-whole and future meetings where zoning text amendments and housing-related items will be discussed.

Ending: The discussion will continue in committee and at future council meetings; residents were urged to participate in those hearings.