June 5, 2026
• The meeting began at 7:00PM
• Attending: 27 members with presenter, Richard Koenig, PhD, FAICP, Executive Director, Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC) 847-564-290 rlpemog@hocd.org
• Park Ridge Alderperson: Lauren Rapisand
· HODC 1) develops and manages over 30 affordable housing developments in Chicago’s northern suburbs; 2) serves housing needs of low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
· Barriers to Affordable Housing include:
o Neighbors with NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) syndrome
o Town residents who fear the appearance of public housing projects and the residents of those projects
o Anticipated loss of real estate value
o Financing difficulty and long complex timeline for developing affordable housing
o Opposition or inaction from local governments.
· How Action Ridge members can help:
o Be vocal about supporting proposed developments and educate people about the value of these projects in helping address discrimination and supporting people in need
o Identify supportive local partnerships
· Kristin Berg, chair of Affordable Housing Group:
o Reviewed group’s efforts over 7 years to bring affordable housing to Park Ridge
o Noted City Council has yet to implement the City’s Affordable Housing Plan
o Encouraged AR members to attend Council meetings when affordable housing is discussed and send emails to elected officials.
Next Affordable Housing Meeting - Tuesday, June 2 at 7pm, Zoom. NEW Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2644814263?pwd=clJCSWJmRnpnSjlyYmY0clJBRkJGZz09 Meeting ID:264 481 4263 And Passcode: 588190
Liz urges members to attend Pride in Park Ridge, Friday, June 5, 4-8 PM, Hodges Park. For more details, go to the website: https://www.prideinparkridge.org
The Community Inclusion Program works to build a visible network of local organizations that affirm their support fort he LGBTQ+ community by displaying a program-affiliated decals. Discounted memberships will be sold at Pride in Park Ridge event. Contact Kathryn at kathryn.statz@titlexisolutions.com if interested in volunteering at the Inclusion Booth.
The state RIFL Act that would hold gun manufacturers responsible for harm is very close to passage. To support passage of this bill, participants were encouraged to call Gov Pritzker (217) 782-0244 office and Bob Morgan at (217) 782-0902 before the end of the legislative session on May 31.
More people are needed to join this protest group. If you are interested, please contact at actionridge2017@gmail.com.
Ranked Choice Voting efforts are stalled locally.
o New refuse vendor SBC has yet to find a company to fulfill composting provision of contract. Go Green Park Ridge is working with the City on this issue
o The two sites at the Library and Dee Road are accepting food scraps.
o Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines, Wednesday, June 17,1:30PM, presentation about Chief Alexander Robinson (Chief Che Che Pinquai) who is buried in the Native American Cemetery in the Forest Preserve. Dan Melone, presenter, Registration required, 847-391-5399
o Oakton Community College Emeritus Course, HIS E 40, The Trail of Tears, American Indian Displacement in the 1830s, Wednesday, June 10 to 24, Robert Reid, instructor, Fee is $59, ce.oakton.edu
September 9, featuring a speaker from the ACLU.
The meeting concluded at 8:40 PM.
Minutes submitted by Susan Greenwood