Leading the Conversation on Housing Supply

In 2025, FHLBank Chicago partnered with the Urban Institute to address the region’s housing supply crisis and actively shape solutions for Illinois and Wisconsin communities.

The partnership launched with landmark convenings in Milwaukee and Chicago, bringing together housing leaders from across the district—including the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), CDFIs, developers, and member institutions. Guided by the Urban Institute’s data-driven chartbooks, participants examined supply gaps across metropolitan, suburban, rural, and tribal markets, identified barriers, and explored collaborative strategies.

These convenings marked the start of a multi-year engagement with the Urban Institute focused on the role FHLBank Chicago and its members play in the housing ecosystem and possible avenues to spur owner-occupied housing development and preservation.

"This convening made space for listening, learning from lived experience, and reflecting on the work ahead. I appreciate FHLBank Chicago and the Urban Institute for making that possible." - Elmer Moore Jr. Executive Director, WHEDA

Read more in our 2025 Impact Report.