Lake County proclaims April 2026 Fair Housing Month, officials praise local services

The Lake County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Fair Housing Month and invited a community guest to comment on local fair-housing work.

Ria Bettton spoke after the proclamation, outlining the purpose of Fair Housing Month and the legal framework that underpins it: “The month of April is designated time to celebrate the advancements of equal access to housing regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial and military status, disability, or ancestry,” Bettton said, and described collaborations with the Fair Housing Resource Center and the county’s obligations as a HUD entitlement jurisdiction working with CDBG and HOME program funds.

Commissioners thanked Bettton and other local service providers for outreach and education work. Several commissioners also linked fair-housing concerns to broader housing affordability questions, noting that recent property tax increases have put pressure on homeowners and renters and that services for vulnerable residents are increasingly important.

Separately, the board adopted a proclamation naming April National County Government Month and used the item to recognize the work of county departments. Commissioners stressed the value of listing individual resolutions in meetings to improve transparency rather than grouping items under a consent agenda.

The proclamations passed by roll call. The board did not take further formal action tied to the proclamations; commissioners encouraged residents to engage with local fair-housing programs and upcoming outreach activities.