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City of Lincoln
IHDA Proposes Free Community Revitalization Plan for Lincoln
[February 12, 2026]
IHDA Proposes Free Community
Revitalization Plan for Lincoln
Lincoln officials heard a detailed presentation from representatives
of the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) regarding a
proposed Community Revitalization Plan for the city on Tuesday, Feb.
10 for the Committee of the Whole meeting.
Mayor Tracy Welch opened the agenda item by introducing the
presentation and noting there was no public participation before
turning the floor over for discussion about the potential
partnership.
Dorsey Hill explained that IHDA offers a free program called
Community Revitalization Planning that communities can voluntarily
participate in. The process typically lasts 12 to 18 months and
focuses on conducting a deep analysis of local housing conditions
and broader community development needs.
“IHDA works with communities to help do more of a deep dive into the
housing that’s needed in the future,” Hill said, adding that housing
has been identified as a concern in Lincoln.
She noted she had been speaking with the mayor, Alderwoman Rhonda
O’Donoghue and Andrea Runge at Lincoln Economic Advancement &
Development, Inc. (L.E.A.D.) about forming a partnership to move the
effort forward.
Amy Bashiti, Community
Revitalization Services Manager for IHDA, then outlined what the
planning process would involve if approved.
Bashiti said IHDA would assign a staff member, most likely herself,
to lead the project. The first step would be conducting a full
market analysis of Lincoln’s primary market area, examining housing
trends, economic data and demographic information using census
sources.
Following that analysis, IHDA would develop a community needs
assessment survey. The survey, estimated to take 10 to 15 minutes to
complete, would be available both online and in paper form. It would
ask residents about housing affordability and quality, mobility
within the community, economic conditions, amenities and resources,
and what types of development projects they would most like to see.
The survey would be anonymous, with results presented in aggregate
form. Bashiti explained that while IHDA would host and manage the
survey tool, distribution efforts would largely be handled by the
city to ensure broad participation.
“We would want to get to know what works best in the community,”
Bashiti said, suggesting methods such as social media, water bill
inserts, libraries, churches and school districts.
One of the more comprehensive components of the program is a housing
stock survey conducted during warmer months. IHDA staff and trained
local volunteers would use mapping tools to visually assess every
parcel in Lincoln from the public right-of-way.
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Bashiti emphasized
that surveyors do not enter private property or homes. Instead,
they evaluate exterior conditions such as roof quality, siding,
paint, yard maintenance, occupancy and overall structural
condition. Residential properties are rated on a scale from five
— indicating well maintained with no visible issues — down to
one, which may indicate significant deterioration or potential
demolition needs.
The survey would also map land use
throughout the city, identifying residential types, vacant parcels,
open land and other uses. The resulting data would allow IHDA to
produce detailed maps illustrating areas that may benefit from
rehabilitation funding, infrastructure improvements or targeted
redevelopment efforts.
After survey collection is complete, IHDA would host community
meetings to present findings and gather additional public input.
Bashiti said the meetings often include live polling activities to
help identify community priorities.
Once the market analysis, community needs assessment and housing
stock survey are finalized, IHDA would work with local stakeholders
to develop goals and objectives for Lincoln’s revitalization plan.
The final product would be a comprehensive document , typically
around 150 pages, outlining identified needs, strategic goals,
funding sources and implementation steps.
The completed plan would be published on IHDA’s website and could
also be shared through the city’s channels. Bashiti noted that
having an adopted plan can strengthen grant applications and attract
developers interested in new construction or rehabilitation
projects.
Mayor Welch addressed potential costs, noting that the effort itself
comes at no direct cost to the city. Bashiti confirmed IHDA does not
charge for the service but does recommend that communities set aside
a small local fund — approximately $1,500 — for meeting
refreshments, childcare or other community engagement expenses.
Those funds would remain local and would not be paid to IHDA.
In response to a question following
the meeting, Hill clarified that the program is separate from Gov.
J. B. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois initiative, though the data
gathered could help inform other redevelopment projects.
Mayor Welch indicated the item would be placed on the regular agenda
for the following week for a formal council vote.
If approved, the planning process would begin later this year and
extend into 2027, focusing on housing conditions, development
priorities and long-term revitalization efforts within the City of
Lincoln.
[Sophia Larimore] |
