SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats welcome $23.8 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, awarded by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, that will finance the creation and preservation of 16 affordable housing developments in 10 counties across Illinois.

“I have and always will be a strong supporter for the creation of additional affordable housing opportunities not just in my district but across Illinois,” said Assistant Majority Leader Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). “There still remain many hurdles to creating housing options for our most vulnerable and I will keep fighting in Springfield to ensure developments like 6301 S Western continue to go from a dream to reality.”

The Illinois Housing Development authority focused on three core policy priorities in their Qualified Allocation Plan, which governs the Illinois’ LIHTC program. These developments will focus on improving statewide equity, helping vulnerable populations and sustainability and energy efficiency, offering 782 affordable units for low to moderate-income families, seniors and persons with special needs upon completion.

“I am beyond thrilled to see the old Garfield School won’t be demolished, but instead will be transformed into 63 units of new affordable housing for our seniors,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “This will help bring community development, jobs and housing options for Decatur close to many amenities. I applaud IHDA and everyone involved in making this development possible.”

This year, 30%of LIHTC units will be set aside for vulnerable populations under the Permanent Supportive Housing Track that aims to provide holistic support for individuals experiencing homelessness and in high-risk situations.

Between the 16 developments, 52 units are reserved for residents making less than 80% of the Area Median Income, 372 are for residents making less than 60% AMI, 171 of the units are for tenants at or below 50% AMI and 197 units are for residents making below 30% AMI who often face housing insecurity. The Median Family Income in Cook County is $112,100 and the Median Family Income in Sangamon and Menard County is $105,600.

“The LIHTC program is a key driver for the creation of affordable housing in areas where market developers typically don’t seek to build, but housing is very much needed,” said State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea). “Vivian’s Village II will turn vacant and abandoned land back to productive use for the community. The new construction affordable housing development is great news for Cahokia Heights and St. Clair County.”

View the full list of awards here.