In a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing investigations into race-based discrimination in housing practices, revealing concerning evidence that may lead to legal action. The investigation, part of a broader effort to address source of income discrimination, is still open as officials work to protect the anonymity of those involved.

The meeting highlighted the village's historical approach to handling complaints, which has primarily been reactive rather than proactive. Past audits conducted in 2015 and 2017 uncovered issues related to fair housing, prompting discussions about the need for more rigorous enforcement of housing regulations. Current data indicates approximately 300 tenant-based complaints are filed annually, yet no formal fair housing complaints have been recorded in the past three years, raising questions about the barriers preventing residents from taking formal action.

Officials from the Hope Fair Housing Center reported receiving seven organic fair housing complaint intakes over a six-month period, emphasizing that these numbers could increase significantly with targeted outreach efforts. The discussion underscored the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, including the potential for private rights of action and recoverable attorney's fees for individuals facing discrimination.

Concerns were raised about the compliance of local housing providers with the Just Housing Ordinance. While two out of seven providers had written policies, only one was found to be compliant, with practices across the board failing to meet legal standards. This lack of transparency and communication from landlords regarding screening processes and policies was identified as a significant issue.

The meeting concluded with a call for more stringent enforcement measures to deter discrimination in housing, emphasizing that financial repercussions may be necessary to ensure compliance and protect vulnerable residents.