Like most of the United States, Northwest Illinois faces housing, demographic, and childcare challenges, including:

• Aging housing stock - 4 of 6 counties have a median year built of 1961 or earlier
• An older population trying to age into housing built without accessibility in mind - 43.3% of people are over 49, almost double the United States (23.3%)
• Scarce, expensive childcare - the cost of childcare for a local household with 2 children ranges from 23% to 31% of median household income

A Design Competition to Address Housing Needs

As part of our efforts to address these issues, BHRC is holding a housing design competition. Winning designs will incorporate Key Concepts and support local governments and not-for-profit organizations in their efforts to stabilize neighborhoods and build vibrant places.

Learn more about competing - including prizes, eligibility, and timelines - here.

The submission form opens on August 11, 2025. Submissions are due by October 17, 2025.

Developing and Supporting the Design Competition

BHRC has worked to develop this project, receiving funding from AARP in the summer of 2025. The AARP Community Challenge is a grant program to make tangible improvements in communities that jump-start long-term change. It is part of AARP's nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages.

To learn more, visit AARP.org/livable.