Cook County HRA weighs assisted‑living market update; board recommends community outreach and strategic‑plan discussion

The Cook County Housing and Redevelopment Authority discussed whether to fund a Wipfli proposal to refresh a 2018 assisted‑living market study but did not authorize the expenditure. Commissioners and staff emphasized partnerships, community outreach and addressing the item during the HRA’s strategic‑plan update.

Howard Hedstrom and other commissioners described an existing interest in assisted living across multiple county stakeholders, and staff said Wipfli offered a market update for about $14,000. Several commissioners said an updated study could be useful but questioned whether it was essential now and noted the board lacks budgeted funds for the expense. Concerns included the small local population scale (the 2018 study estimated demand at roughly 24–30 units) and developer requirements for economies of scale — one speaker said many assisted‑living operators need 50+ rooms to be financially viable.

Commissioners also raised the risk of future federal and state funding changes (Medicaid/Medicare) that could affect developer interest and feasibility. Multiple members urged involving regional partners — including the hospital, Care Partners, the Arrowhead Agency on Aging and the EDA — and recommended broad community listening sessions to gather local demand information. Several commissioners suggested the assisted‑living topic be covered at the HRA’s strategic‑planning update rather than triggering an immediate study purchase.

Staff and commissioners agreed to gather more background materials, circulate the 2018 study for review, and pursue targeted outreach with potential partners before taking any funding decision on a study or issuing an RFP. A Wipfli representative (Patrick Carroll) was identified as a possible participant in a future informational Zoom with HRA and EDA staff if the board wishes to proceed.