New York Construction Report staff writer
The City of Rockford has unveiled an ambitious new Housing Strategy Framework aimed at supporting economic growth, social equity, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The initiative seeks to create and preserve between 6,000 and 9,000 housing units by 2035, a goal that will be achieved by coordinating public and private resources.
Key to the plan’s success is engaging local and regional developers through focus groups and check-in meetings to identify their needs and challenges. The city also plans to streamline the approval process for developers of affordable housing, designating a point of contact at City Hall to expedite local approvals and avoid delays that could threaten project funding.
Rockford’s strategy also focuses on ensuring new development benefits both existing and future residents by tailoring approaches to specific neighborhood contexts. The city plans several strategic actions, including:
- Land Use Plans: Develop plans for the 6th and 9th Street Conversion project and the Southwest Railyard Transit Oriented Development project.
- Code Revisions: Revise and streamline development regulations where appropriate to encourage a more diverse housing stock.
- Targeted Development: Focus new development in existing subdivisions with established infrastructure.
- TIFs: Use Tax Increment Financing (TIFs) strategically to support housing development and reinvestment.
- Senior and Disability Housing: Prioritize new housing for seniors and people with disabilities in areas with high connectivity to essential services.
A key aspect of the Housing Strategy is the preservation of existing housing stock and the revitalization of vacant and abandoned properties. Actions under this strategy include:
- Continuing the Land Bank/Trustee Program to make vacant land available for new development.
- Funding home rehabilitation programs for low, moderate, and middle-income households.
- Identifying obsolete industrial sites for adaptive reuse into mixed-use developments.
- Focusing on compliance with the Rental Registry and Vacant Land and Foreclosed Property Registry.
- Implementing the recently updated Rockford Historic Preservation Plan.
To support housing preservation and development, Rockford will strengthen partnerships with local organizations, including the Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) and community-based organizations. Notable actions include:
- Facilitating pathways to homeownership for RHA-assisted residents.
- Supporting community development financial institutions (CDFIs) through funding and capacity-building efforts.
- Partnering with the Rockford Housing Authority and Apartment Association to offer training and educational opportunities for families and landlords participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program.
- Supporting workforce development programs and local contractors to access city contracting opportunities.
To foster greater community support for housing initiatives, the city will increase public education and communication efforts. Plans include:
- Offering educational opportunities for City Council and the public to learn about fair housing and housing affordability challenges.
- Ensuring developers are aware of the full range of development opportunities and flexibilities in Rockford’s zoning regulations.
- Increasing community engagement to better understand the needs of neighborhoods and local associations.
- Promoting safe, decent, and affordable rental housing by supporting educational opportunities for landlords and tenants.
A key part of the plan’s transparency will be the creation of an annual report to track progress and share results with the public.
To learn more about the framework attend the next Community Relations Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, or visit rockfordil.gov/163/Neighborhood-Development.
