SECTION I.
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
As a recipient of federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD), the government of Lake County is required to “affirmatively further
fair housing.” The definition of “affirmatively further fair housing” has not been codified,
and HUD has defined it through obligations of the funding recipients to:
1. “Conduct an analysis to identify impediments to fair housing choice within the
jurisdiction.”
2. “Take appropriate actions to overcome the effects of any impediments identified
through the analysis.”
3. “Maintain records reflecting the analysis and actions taken in this regard.”1
Lake County last procured the development of a draft Analysis of Impediments to Fair
Housing Choice (AI) in 2012. In light of emerging AI best practices, the County
developed this current AI to provide a deeper, multi-faceted analysis of data and trends,
provide factual data, consider all protected classes, and incorporate more comments
and participation by the public, local housing organizations, and municipal officials. No
single entity or field can address all identified impediments, and implementation will
require collaboration and time. For each identified impediment, this report identifies the
party having influence over the actions and offers partner-based solutions. Section IX
proposes phased implementation suggestions for the County. Although HUD does not
require a completed AI each year, it recommends that an AI be updated in coordination
with the jurisdiction’s consolidated plan five-year cycle (currently 2010–2014).
Although the AI is required by HUD, it is important to note that the County procured this
analysis because it recognizes and appreciates the value of a diverse population. This
diversity can only be maintained and expanded if all individuals have equal access to a
broad range of housing in thriving communities. The County desires that, through this
analysis and implementation of its recommendations, stakeholders recognize the
intrinsic value of diversity and that it makes the County more effective and competitive.
Insuring equal access to communities of opportunity and fair housing is a monumental
task that no single entity or field can single-handedly address. Researchers note that:
1
24 C.F.R. § 91.425(a)(1)(i), see also § 570.601(a)(2).
1
APPLIED REAL ESTATE ANALYSIS, INC.
LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS