PUBLIC SECTOR IMPEDIMENTS
Impediment 1.
The County does not have a comprehensive, long-term
strategy for fair housing education for existing residents,
potential residents, businesses, and officials in Lake County.
Consequently, there is a lack of awareness of fair housing
laws.
1.1 Many affected individuals and families may be unaware when their fair
housing rights may have been violated and are unaware of options for
redress. Based upon the fair housing survey results, the general public does not
have a strong understanding of fair housing laws or remedies for addressing
violations of those laws. As a result, if their rights have been violated, they may
recognize that they have been treated unfairly but they do not equate it with a
violation of a law.
1. 2 Public sector individuals appear to lack knowledge and training to know if
they may be violating fair housing rights or preventing the furthering of fair
housing. Based upon survey data and the lack of established fair housing
policies and procedures, municipal officials and County staff do not have a clear
understanding of fair housing, including policies and procedures for addressing
claims of discrimination. This limited understanding then has a ripple effect.
Because municipal staff members do not understand fair housing, they cannot
serve as a resource for local residents who are victims of discrimination. They
also do not then investigate complaints or establish policies and procedures to
prevent housing discrimination within their jurisdiction.
Recommended Actions for Impediment 1
The County needs to increase and expand the amount of education and outreach
related to fair housing to municipalities, County staff, the public at large, and housing
professionals. To do this, there are several proposed actions.
Continue supporting training sessions conducted by local organizations.
The County currently provides financial support for fair housing outreach
conducted by PSLS. Although the financial support is important, the County
should provide additional support to PSLS by conducting outreach to local
businesses and municipalities. These organizations may be more open to
participating in training if Lake County initiates the contact as opposed to PSLS.
Develop benchmarks for outreach and training. The County needs to develop
benchmarks for outreach and training on an annual and quarterly basis. In the
short term, the County should have at least one annual training session providing
information on fair housing that includes local resources and the County’s fair
APPLIED REAL ESTATE ANALYSIS, INC.
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LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS