The City participates in the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Strong Communities Program (SCP). SCP will return vacant residential properties to productive and taxable use through rehabilitation and provide funds for demolition in cases where properties are beyond repair and negatively impacting neighboring residences. As a result, SCP will increase property values, create jobs, help reduce crime, generate additional tax revenue, and attract further community investment. 

This program provides financial relief to the City’s general fund by assisting with expenses related to the maintenance and demolition or rehabilitation of vacant residential properties.

Learn more about this program here.