Steven W. Mandel
Lake County Board Member, District 11, Highland Park - Highwood - Deerfield
2157 Saint Johns Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035
847.456.6933 cell • 847.831.0373 home • 847.831.0374 fax
[email protected]
September 19, 2014
Chairman Rose and Commissioners
Lake County Housing and Community Development Commission
c/o Jodi Gingiss, Community Development Administrator
500 W Winchester Road
Libertyville, IL 60048
Re: Public Hearing on Draft Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI)
Dear Chairman Rose and Commissioners:
I am pleased that the AI draft has now been submitted to the Lake County Housing and
Community Development Commission and that our county is therefore closer to being able
to update and renew our focus on working to further fair housing choice throughout the
County. It is because of the importance of this work that I believe we should have a
practical way to monitor our progress while implementing it.
I am concerned that no timeline was given for any of the initial priority recommendations
identified in Section IX, or at least for the three phases in which they were categorized.
Also, there was no general time frame given for when we will develop the rest of the AI
implementation plan.
The text in the AI makes clear that the recommendations and any specified timelines are
subject to change based on administrative capacity, resources, or changes in direction due
to changing circumstances. Needed flexibility is there, but it is just basic good government
and sound business practice to include at least rough benchmarks so that tasks do not slip
through the crack. Experience has taught me that accomplishing things is more doable if
there is an expectation of when it will be done.
I am pleased the County is moving ahead on completion of the AI, but I urge you to add
timeframes to the recommendations to help ensure this valuable work remains a priority.
Sincerely,
Steven W. Mandel, Lake County Board District 11