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Skokie board advances community land trust and housing fund to second reading
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Summary
Trustees voted to concur with staff to amend chapter 58 of the village code to enable a Skokie Community Land Trust and create a dedicated housing fund; the ordinance returns for a second reading May 4.
Village Manager John Lockerbie and staff presented a draft ordinance to establish a Skokie Community Land Trust and a housing fund, mechanisms staff said would promote long‑term affordable home ownership and provide a dedicated source for supportive housing activities. Lockerbie described the changes as updates to chapter 58 of the Skokie village code and requested concurrence by the board so the ordinance can return for second reading and final approval on May 4.
Trustees praised the multi‑year, iterative process leading to the proposal. "This is three years in the making," Trustee Schechter said, thanking staff and advocates; Trustee Robinson noted the seed for the effort had long been planted and welcomed the policy’s flexibility to preserve and increase affordable supply. Public commenters also supported the item and suggested additional structures such as a standalone housing commission and ensuring diverse seed funding beyond fees‑in‑lieu.
The board voted to concur with the draft ordinance on first reading; staff indicated the ordinance will return for a second reading and final vote at a future meeting.
