Board of Trustees — Skokie, IL
Date: 2026-02-17

Agenda
Committee of the Whole with Village Board
Land Trust
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
Skokie Village Hall
Conference Room D&E
 1. Call to Order and Roll Call

 2. Review and Discussion of Creation of a Housing Fund and
 Community Land Trust

 3. Action Items and Next Steps

 4. Public Comments

 5. Adjournment




#637964
Memorandum
Community Development Department


TO: John Lockerby, Village Manager

FROM: Johanna Nyden, AICP, Community Development Director
 Kate Portillo, AICP, Planning Manager
 Justin Malone, AICP, Neighborhood & Housing Coordinator

DATE: February 6, 2026

SUBJECT: AGENDA ITEM—February 17,2026 Village Board Meeting
 Creation of a Housing Fund and the Skokie Community Land Trust


Recommendation
Staff recommends the adoption of updates to the Village Code to 1) enable a Community Land
Trust (CLT) and 2) create a Housing Fund from which eligible activities can be funded. The
attached draft code changes highlight these updates and changes to Chapter 58 of the Village
Code.


Update
Since the October 21, 2025 Village Board meeting when this matter last discussed, Village staff
and the new Corporation Counsel, Steven Elrod and his team have provided feedback on the
draft ordinance. This has included clarification of the definition of a community land tmst and
inclusion of additional language on the use of the Housing Fund. While not a legal requirement,
these changes help align the Village's proposed ordinance with other municipal land tmst
ordinances.


Next Steps
Following adoption of enabling language, the following steps and processes will take place:


Accumulate Funds in the Housing Fund. Sources for funding the acquisition and likely
rehabilitation of housing units in the CLT could include payments-in-lieu of providing affordable
housing units through new development, private donations, secured grant funding, and other
sources.


Identify Not-for-Profit CLT Management Partner. The Village would seek to engage a CLT
management partner with experience operating a Community Land Tmst program. Upon
engaging a management partner, all program administration responsibilities are to be handled by
the outside organization and are not the responsibility of the Village. The private non-profit
organization would own the land on behalf of the Village of Skokie. At the direction of the
Village, the partner would participate in the acquisition of homes, provide oversight of
rehabilitation of the homes, and then work with qualified individuals to purchase the home
through the CLT. The Village is not responsible for the transactions associated with individual
homebuyers and sellers.




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The non-profit management partner would serve as the Community Land Trust operator and
would facilitate the CLT governance and oversight. Community Land Tmsts typically have a
board made up of representatives, including people using the land trust program, community
members, and other technical experts such as funders or stakeholders. Skokie would have
representation accordingly.


Purchase and Rehabilitation of Property. With funding in place, for-sale housing units can be
acquired within the Village for the CLT inventory in coordination with the not-for-profit
Management Partner and the necessary rehabilitation of a property. Following purchase, the
home will be rehabilitated as needed and made move-in ready for qualified homeowners.


Identifying Residents Eligible for CLT Participation. Applicants for a CLT home purchase
will need to meet preliminary qualifications established through the CLT Management Partner
and the Village, including financial approval for the affordable housing program and to be placed
on the waiting list for available properties. Criteria can include gross household income limits,
housing and debt to income ratios, asset limits, cash for down payment, mortgage eligibility, and
savings reserves.


Property Sale and Management During the homeowner's tenure owning the home, the
underlying land remains owned by the CLT. When the homeowner moves, the home is sold at a
restricted price so the home stays affordable for the next buyer.


Attachments:
-Draft Code Changes for Chapter 58, Article ill Affordable Housing




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 SME: 2/17/26 COW DRAFT

 THIS ORDINANCE MAY BE
 CITED AS VILLAGE
 ORDINANCE NUMBER
 26-3-C-

 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 58 OF THE SKOKIE VILLAGE CODE
 RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF A HOUSING FUND
 AND THE CREATION OF A COMMUNITY LAND TRUST

1 WHEREAS, the Village of Skokie (hereinafter “Village”) as a home rule unit of local
2 government, as provided by Article VII Section 6 of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, has the
3 authority to exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and
4 affairs except as limited by Article VII, Section 6 of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and

5 WHEREAS, on May 6, 2024 the Mayor and Board of Trustees adopted Village
6 Ordinance 24-5-C-4648 amending Chapter 58 of the Skokie Village Code by adopting Article
7 III, which outlines regulations concerning Affordable Housing, thereby emphasizing the
8 essential interrelationship between human relations and affordable housing; and
9
10 WHEREAS, there is a continuing need to provide renovated and updated affordable
11 housing to ensure that those who obtain affordable housing from older developments in the
12 Village live in property that is safe and habitable and provides dignity for its occupants; and

13 WHEREAS, there is also the need and interest in the Village to encourage and attract
14 new affordable housing development because housing in our community strengthens the
15 economic vitality of the Village; and
16
17 WHEREAS, the Village recognizes that providing affordable housing in our community,
18 both new and restored, increases housing opportunities to maintain a diverse population,
19 including but not limited to: family friendly housing, multi-generational housing, senior housing
20 and accessibility; and
21
22 WHEREAS, Chapter 58, Article III, Section 58-50 was reserved for future use for
23 direction regarding a Housing Fund and the creation of a Community Land Trust.
24
25 WHEREAS, Village staff worked with Corporation Counsel to prepare amendments to
26 the Skokie Village Code, which are recommended for adoption by the Village Manager; and
27
28 WHEREAS, the Mayor and Board of Trustees, at a public meeting duly held on March
29 2, 2026 voted to concur in the aforesaid recommendation of the Village Manager;

30 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the
31 Village of Skokie, Cook County, Illinois;




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1 Section 1: That Chapter 58 of the Skokie Village Code be and the same is hereby
2 amended in the manner hereinafter indicated. The new material is highlighted in bold and
3 the material to be deleted is highlighted and stricken.

4
 Chapter 58 - HUMAN RELATIONS
5 Article III. – Affordable Housing
6 Sec. 58-39. Intent and purpose.
7 This Article shall promote the public health, safety and welfare of existing and future
8 residents of the Village by 1) requiring certain residential developments or mixed-use
9 developments which contain a residential component to incorporate a specified percentage
10 of dwelling units to qualifying as Affordable Housing, and 2) through housing acquired and
11 administered by a Community Land Trust.
12 Sec. 58-40. Definitions.
13 A. Definitions.
14 Affordable Housing Safe, sanitary, and appropriate housing that low- and
15 moderate-income households can own or rent without having to devote more than
16 approximately 30 percent of their gross income for monthly Housing Expenses.
17 Housing that is affordable for targeted households identified in this Article. "Affordable
18 Housing" is divided into tiers based on availability to households at distinct income levels.
19 Affordable Housing Compliance Plan. A plan submitted by a Developer or owner of
20 a Governed Development describing how a development shall comply with the
21 requirements of this Article.
22 Affordable Housing Fund. A fund to be established by the Village.
23 Affordable Housing Unit. A residential dwelling unit that meets the criteria for
24 affordable housing, whether owner-occupied or leased to tenants.
25 Affordable Owner-Occupied Units. Affordable housing units marketed and offered
26 for sale to eligible households subject to an affordable unit covenant.
27 Affordable Rental Units. Affordable housing units marketed and offered for rent to
28 eligible households subject to standard lease terms.
29 Area Median Income (AMI). The median income level for the Chicago-Naperville-
30 Elgin, IL-IN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area, as established and defined in the annual
31 schedule published by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and adjusted
32 for household size.
33 Certificate of Qualification. A certificate establishing a qualified household's
34 eligibility to purchase or lease an affordable dwelling unit based on income eligibility
35 using income and asset limits, in accordance with the Village's policies and procedures.
36 Community Land Trust. A legal entity created by the Village and authorized
37 by the Village Board of Trustees to acquire, hold, and convey title to real property
38 for the purpose of preserving and increasing the amount of housing available in
39 the Village to low- and moderate-income households.

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1 Consumer Price Index (CPI). Consumer price index for the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
2 area as published annually by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3 Developer. A private party responsible for obtaining approvals and entitlements
4 from the Village, including zoning, subdivision, and building permit approvals, for a
5 Governed Development.
6 Eligible Household. For purposes of this Article, a household with an annual income
7 less than 60% to qualify as low-income, and 80% to qualify as moderate income,
8 respectively, of the Area Median Income (AMI).
9 Eligible Activities. The housing activities set forth in this Article for which the
10 Housing Fund may provide financial support.
11 Governed Development. Any residential or mixed-use development with a
12 residential component that is required to provide affordable housing units under
13 provisions of this Article. Projects at one location undertaken in phases, stages or
14 otherwise developed in distinct parts shall be considered a single Governed
15 Development.
16 Housing Expenses.
17 a) For Affordable Rental Units - rent and utilities; and
18 b) For Affordable Owner-Occupied Units - principal and interest of any mortgages
19 placed on the unit, property taxes, condominium or homeowner's association
20 fees, if applicable, and homeowner’s insurance.
21 Housing Fund. The Housing Fund established by this Article for the purpose of
22 providing financial resources to preserve and increase the amount of housing
23 available in the Village to low- and moderate-income households.
24 Maximum Resale Price. The maximum price, at which an owner-occupied
25 affordable unit may be sold to another eligible household, based on a valuation formula
26 incorporating appraisal data, a maximum appreciation factor, and allowances for capital
27 improvements, all as set forth in a schedule to be published by the Village on an annual
28 basis.
29 Market Rate Housing Units. All owner occupied or rental dwelling units in a
30 Governed Development that are not classified as affordable housing units.
31 Nursing Facilities. This means either a Skilled nursing facility or an Assisted-living
32 facility as defined in Section 118-32 of the Code.
33 …

34 Sec. 58-50. Housing Fund.

35 A. Housing Fund Established
36
37 1. Creation and Administration. There is hereby established a Housing
38 Fund, to be held as a separate fund within the Village, for the purpose of
39 advancing affordable housing opportunities. The Village, by and through
40 the Village Manager or designee, shall be responsible for the day-to-day

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1 investment and fiscal maintenance and management of the Housing
2 Fund.
3
4 2. Purpose. The purposes of the Housing Fund are to (a) provide financial
5 resources to address the affordable housing needs of individuals and
6 families of low-to-middle income who live or work in the village by
7 promoting, preserving, and producing long-term affordable housing; (b)
8 provide housing-related services to eligible households, and (c) provide
9 support for not-for-profit organizations that actively address the
10 affordable housing needs of eligible households. The Housing Fund will
11 provide financial support for a wide variety of eligible activities that serve
12 eligible households.
13
14 3. Allocation. The allocation and distribution of monies in the Housing
15 Funds shall be made at the direction of the Mayor and the Board of
16 Trustees through the Village’s Annual Budget approval process.

17 B. Sources of revenue. The Housing Fund shall be funded from multiple
18 sources including, but not limited to:
19
20 1. Private cash donations from individuals and corporations designated for
21 the Housing Fund;
22
23 2. Payments-in-lieu of providing affordable housing units, as referenced in
24 Article;
25
26 3. Budget appropriations, development fees and other funds as designated
27 from time to time by the Mayor and Board of Trustees;
28
29 4. Matching funds from federal or state affordable housing grant;
30
31 5. Principal and interest paid to the Village in the form of Housing Fund loan
32 repayments and all other income from Housing Fund activities, including
33 investment of Housing Fund monies in accordance with Village
34 investment policies.
35
36 6. Any other monies identified or designated to support the Housing Fund
37 by the Board of Trustees.

38 C. Funding eligibility.


39 1.Types of eligible activities. The following housing-related activities are
40 the types of activities that may receive Housing Fund resources:
41

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1 i. Housing production, including new construction, rehabilitation
2 and adaptive re-use.
3
4 ii. Acquisition of real property through the Community Land Trust.
5
6 iii. Preservation of existing affordable housing stock.
7
8 iv. Aid in financing the acquisition, demolition and disposition of
9 property that may be used in whole or part of affordable housing
10 projects.
11
12 v. Weatherization of existing affordable housing units.
13
14 vi. Grants for individuals or not-for-profit organizations that are
15 actively engaged in addressing the affordable housing needs of
16 eligible households.
17
18 vii. Housing-related support services, including home ownership
19 education and financial counseling.
20
21 viii. Any other activity that the Mayor and Board of Trustees
22 determines appropriate to address the housing needs of the
23 community.
24
25 1. Eligible applicants. The Village Manager or designee shall develop
26 program guidelines and application forms for Housing Fund grants.
27 Eligible applicants may apply for Housing Fund awards for eligible
28 activities.
29
30 D. Community Land Trust. The Village may create, or authorize the creation
31 of, a Community Land Trust.
32 Section 3:That this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its
33 passage, approval and publication in pamphlet form as provided by law.
 ADOPTED this ____ day of March, 2026.

 Ayes:
 Village Clerk
 Nays:
 Absent:
 Approved by me this ____ day of
 Attested and filed in my office March, 2026.
 this ___ day of March, 2026;
 and published in pamphlet form
 according to law.
 Mayor, Village of Skokie
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Village Clerk




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MINUTES of Committee of the Whole - Land Trust with Mayor and Board of Trustees of the
Village ofSkokie, County of Cook, Illinois held in Conference Room A of the Village Hall at
6:00 pm on February 17, 2026.

The Committee of the Whole held a meeting on February 17, 2026, to review and discuss matters
related to the creation of a Housing Fund and Community Land Trust.


Mayor Temies asked if there were any objections to Trustee Iverson participating remotely via
zoom. There were no objections.


Present were: Mayor Tennes, Deputy Clerk Luke and Trustees Iverson (remote), Kimani Levy,
Lissa Levy, Robinson, Schechter and Pure Slovin. Also present were Village Manager Lockerby
and Assistant Village Manager Wyatt, Corporation Counsel Elrod, Planning Manager Portillo,
Neighborhood and Housing Coordinator Malone and Community Development Director Nyden.


Housing Coordinator Malone provided background information, a timeline, and an overview of
the housing plan.


Corporation Counsel Elrod and Director Nyden shared information regarding the ordinance and
responded to questions regarding the housing fund, related definitions, and eligible activities.
The Trustees engaged in discussion regarding potential funding sources, including creative
funding strategies, role of the Housing Commission as well as next steps, including preparing a
draft ordinance to then codify into the Village Code.

A motion to adjourn was made by Trustee Lissa Levy and seconded by Trustee Pure Slovin. The
motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.




Ann Tennes, Mayor Minal Desai, Village Clerk