Tully opposes BUILD Act: ‘Local control is essential’
Commissioner Martin T. Tully said Downers Grove’s opposition to Illinois’ proposed BUILD legislation is rooted in concerns that the measure would erode local zoning authority and impose statewide development mandates that do not reflect community conditions. He said the proposal would shift housing policy decisions away from municipalities and toward state control.
Tully said the Village Council is unified in its opposition, arguing that housing and land-use decisions must remain at the local level.
“My position on the BUILD Plan — shared by the rest of the Village Council — is that local control is essential to ensure that development aligns with the unique needs and infrastructure of each community,” Tully told the DuPage Policy Journal. “Statewide mandates risk undermining public input, community character, and the financial stability of our neighborhoods. Accordingly, we oppose the BUILD legislation that is presently proposed.”
The Illinois BUILD Act, part of a broader legislative package that includes House Bill 5626 and Senate Bills 4060–4064, would expand higher-density housing allowances in areas zoned for single-family homes, broaden access to accessory dwelling units, reduce minimum parking requirements near transit areas, and limit certain municipal zoning restrictions on multifamily development.
According to the Village, Downers Grove has formally adopted a resolution opposing the BUILD legislative package. Officials argue the measures would significantly alter zoning frameworks by limiting municipal discretion over housing approvals and density decisions.
The resolution outlines several concerns, beginning with what the Village describes as a loss of local control. Officials say the legislation would replace community-driven planning processes with statewide mandates, reducing public input and shifting authority away from elected municipal boards.
Village leaders also warn of infrastructure and fiscal impacts tied to increased density requirements. They argue that additional residential development could strain water, sewer, stormwater systems, roads, schools, and emergency services, while the legislation does not include dedicated funding for necessary upgrades.
The Village further questions whether increased density would meaningfully improve affordability, noting that housing costs are also driven by land, labor, materials, and financing. Officials contend the proposal does not address those underlying cost drivers.
Concerns over neighborhood character and historic preservation also feature prominently in the Village’s position. Officials say by-right multifamily development could accelerate redevelopment in established single-family and historic areas without sufficient local review, potentially altering community identity.
Downers Grove officials also point to ongoing local housing initiatives, including zoning updates and comprehensive planning efforts aimed at expanding “missing middle” housing options. The Village argues these steps demonstrate that municipalities are already working to address housing needs without state intervention.
The Village urges state lawmakers to pursue a collaborative approach that preserves municipal authority while supporting housing goals. Officials recommend infrastructure funding support, proportional impact fees, and incentives for rehabilitation and preservation of existing housing stock rather than preemption of local zoning powers.