As I walked into Illinois REALTORS® Lobby Day in Springfield, the room was already buzzing—800 REALTORS® gathered with a shared focus: housing.
This wasn’t just another event. It was a reminder of how important it is to show up, stay engaged, and be part of the conversations that shape our communities.
Quick Summary:
Hundreds of REALTORS® gathered in Springfield for Illinois REALTORS® Lobby Day to address housing challenges across the state. Here’s what leaders shared—and what it means for buyers, sellers, and communities in Central Illinois.
The Reality: We Don’t Have Enough Homes
Across Illinois, inventory has declined dramatically, and demand continues to outpace supply. That imbalance is what’s driving many of the challenges buyers and sellers are facing today—from rising prices to limited options.
And while this is a statewide issue, it’s something we’re seeing right here in Central Illinois as well.
The Numbers Behind the Conversation
One of the things that really stood out during Lobby Day wasn’t just the conversation—it was the data behind it.
Right now:
- Illinois has seen housing inventory drop by roughly 64% in recent years
- The state is short more than 140,000 housing units
- And we need over 225,000 new homes in the next five years just to keep up with demand
Those numbers aren’t just statistics—they explain why so many buyers feel stuck and why housing affordability has become such a challenge.
A Question That Stuck With Me
During the event, Illinois Speaker of the House Chris Welch posed a question that really stayed with me:
“Do I need to leave Illinois to afford a future?”
It’s a powerful question—and one that reflects a growing concern.
Because for many people, especially first-time buyers, homeownership is starting to feel further out of reach than it should.
What’s Causing This?
This isn’t about buyers making poor decisions or sellers doing something wrong.
As Illinois Governor JB Pritzker shared, the issue comes down to supply. We simply haven’t built enough homes to keep up with demand.
Over time, a combination of factors—including regulatory barriers, zoning limitations, and rising construction costs—has made it more difficult to build new housing.
The result? Fewer homes available and increased pressure on prices.
What’s Being Done: The BUILD Plan
A major focus of Lobby Day was the BUILD Plan—an initiative designed to help address the housing shortage.
At its core, the goal is to:
- Make it easier to build more homes
- Streamline the building and permitting process
- Encourage a wider range of housing options
- Support communities in creating more housing opportunities
It’s important to note that this isn’t about removing local control or drastically changing neighborhoods.
It’s about creating opportunities for thoughtful, incremental growth—adding more housing in a way that supports communities and meets demand.
Why Advocacy Matters
One of the most important reminders from the day came from Jeff Baker: A big part of what REALTORS® do happens behind the scenes.
Advocacy isn’t just about promoting new ideas—it’s also about protecting homeowners, buyers, and communities from policies that could create unintended consequences.
And that’s why events like Lobby Day matter.
Because change doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when people show up, have conversations, and work together toward solutions.
What Lobby Day Actually Looks Like
While we heard from state leaders throughout the day, Lobby Day isn’t just about listening—it’s about engaging.
REALTORS® from across Illinois spent time at the Capitol meeting with legislators, having conversations about housing, and sharing what we’re seeing firsthand in our communities.
These conversations are where real impact happens—connecting policy with real-world experiences and helping ensure that decisions being made reflect what’s actually happening on the ground.
Caption:
REALTORS® from across Illinois gathered at the Capitol to meet with legislators and advocate for housing and homeownership.
Photos courtesy of Illinois REALTORS®
Caption:
Conversations with lawmakers help connect housing policy with real experiences happening in communities across Illinois.
Photos courtesy of Illinois REALTORS®.
What This Means Locally
While these conversations are happening at the state level, the impact is very real at the local level.
In communities like Mahomet, Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy, housing availability plays a direct role in:
- Affordability
- Economic growth
- The ability for people to live where they work
- Long-term community stability
When we have enough housing, it creates opportunity. When we don’t, it creates barriers.
From Illinois REALTORS® Lobby Day
This was part of a larger conversation around housing in Illinois.
For a deeper dive into what was discussed—and what it means locally—explore more below:
Final Thoughts
This isn’t about politics. It’s about people.
It’s about making sure individuals and families have the opportunity to build a life in the communities they love.
And it’s about recognizing that meaningful progress requires collaboration, communication, and a willingness to show up.
Because at the end of the day, housing isn’t just about real estate. It’s about the future of our communities.
Helpful Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about Illinois REALTORS advocacy and the BUILD plan legislation, click link below:
Illinois REALTORS and JB Pritzker’s BUILD plan
About the Author:
Jayme Ahlden is a REALTOR® Broker with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group, serving Mahomet, Champaign, Urbana, Savoy, and surrounding Central Illinois communities. Jayme focuses on education-first guidance and helping clients navigate complex real estate decisions with clarity and confidence.
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