Will County Gazette

When one thinks of the suburban communities around Chicago, it is natural to think about young families. That is the population that has historically driven the development, change and growth of the collar counties since the post-war era. But, something new is happening with our neighbors that communities from Antioch to Aurora are beginning to see: the suburbs around Chicago are graying. 

In fact, according to a recent report from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, the number of seniors who are between 65- 84 years of age in the Chicago metropolitan area - which includes the suburbs - is expected to double by 2040. 

Double. 

And, according to the AARP, 9 out of 10 of those seniors want to stay in their communities as they ‘age in place’. That means that seniors who have grown kids don’t want to leave their towns, but that’s not always easy. 

This new dynamic has created new opportunities as well as challenges for local elected officials up and down the collar counties. Mayors and managers from Will County to Lake County (and all in-between) are waking up to this new reality: their constituents are changing. 

What needs to be done to address this significant shift? Local governments across the suburbs need to start today by creating a comprehensive plan to address the needs of this booming (pardon the pun) population. Those plans often start with one of our basic needs: housing. 

Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer and every board needs to create a plan and program that is tailored to how they can maximize their municipal assets against the specific needs of their communities. These initiatives can include mixed-income housing options, workforce-ready housing, a focus on walkability, accessibility features, and even community engagement programs, ensuring that seniors feel valued and supported within their neighborhoods. 

At FH Paschen, we know first hand how communities are adapting to meet the demands of their aging population. We’ve been working in Chicago and the suburbs for almost a century to help build the places we travel, learn and live. We’re excited to have lead a recent senior housing project in Bellwood in suburban Cook County that stands as a repeatable initiative that other suburban communities can emulate. This project exemplifies the successful collaboration between public and private entities to provide housing options for seniors. 

By partnering with FH Paschen, Mayors and county executives across Illinois can tap into unique resources (like financing) and expertise in developing senior housing projects that prioritize affordability and community integration.

Everyday, the team at FH Paschen has conversations with local leaders from Joliet to Woodstock who are starting to prioritize the development of senior housing. If your community hasn’t started on this journey, don’t delay. We can help you get started.

Jim Blair is President and Chief Executive Officer of FH Paschen