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Renters, students and organizers urge Normal council to support HB3687 to lift Illinois rent-control ban
Summary
Four public commenters — residents, students and an organizer with Lift the Ban Coalition — urged the Normal Town Council to publicly support HB3687, which would allow municipalities to lift the statewide ban on rent control established in 1997; speakers cited local rent increases, eviction filings, and student impacts.
Four public commenters at the March 17 council meeting urged the council to support HB3687, a state measure that would allow local jurisdictions to lift Illinois’s statewide ban on municipal rent control.
James Moldovan, who identified himself as a Bloomington-Normal resident of more than 20 years, cited county and statewide statistics and personal examples: “McLean County is deeply impacted with 31% of renters facing a severe burden,” he said, and noted that rent has risen “55% since 2019.” Moldovan said Illinois ranks fourth nationally for rent hikes and urged the council to publicly stand with renters and support HB3687 before the April 1 mayoral election.
Andrew Franson, a freshman at Illinois State University, said rising rents make it difficult for students to move to and remain in Normal and asked Mayor Coos and council members to engage students and encourage turnout in local elections. “Forty percent of the population of Normal is students,” Franson said, and he asked the council to acknowledge students as a key part of the community.
Rebecca Mangels, who said she teaches at multiple local institutions and runs a nonprofit, described carrying substantial rent burden despite multiple jobs and called on council members to support HB3687 so alumni and students can remain and contribute to the community.
Sonny Garcia, newly hired as the Lift the Ban Coalition McLean County organizer, said last week’s Bloomington actions and an upcoming March 22 day of action seek to pressure legislators to lift the statewide ban so municipalities can consider locally tailored options. Garcia said organizers are inviting mayoral candidates and council members to meet renters at People’s Park on campus to talk about housing issues.
Council did not take action on the request during the meeting; public comment concluded and the council proceeded to other agenda items.
