'It's in business's best interest to back affordable housing'
MPC President MarySue Barrett's op-ed in this week's Crain's Chicago Business highlights a welcome trend: Employers across the region are putting their weight behind the creation and preservation of homes their workers can afford.
At a time when all employers are pinching pennies, they're realizing investments in helping employees save money on housing and transportation costs pays great dividends. For instance, employers know all too well the detrimental effects long commutes have on employee absenteeism, turnover, recruitment and morale.
That's one reason why Baxter, Walgreens, Lake Forest College, and Lake Forest Hospital recently lent their support to a proposal for a 17-unit affordable apartment development located near transit in Lake Forest. Support from the private sector city has bolstered the city, which has been a regional leader in implementing innovative policies and providing funding to increase the supply of affordable homes. The companies' testimony to the City Council has also countered fears spread by some residents, and persuaded the Illinois Housing Development Authority to award tax credits to lower the development's cost.
Read MarySue's op-ed in this week's Crain's to find out what other employers in the region are doing to give their employees and everyone in the region better housing and transportation choices.