URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — The City of Urbana is hosting a new Urbana Housing Needs Study, and is inviting residents to share their experiences with finding and affording housing. The effort aims to better understand local housing challenges and guide future policy and planning decisions.

The study is being conducted in partnership with the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, and will gather input from residents, landlords, developers, and local businesses to assess housing availability, affordability, and community needs.

Residents are encouraged to complete a quick online survey at www.ccrpc.org/urbana-housing. The survey asks about current housing situations, housing preferences, and any challenges experienced in the local market.

“Understanding our community’s housing needs is fundamental to building an Urbana where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” said Mayor DeShawn Williams. “This study provides the clear, data-driven insight we need to make thoughtful, informed decisions about the future of housing in our city. As Urbana grows, we are committed to doing so with purpose, ensuring our policies and investments reflect the needs of all residents and support a more inclusive, equitable community.”

The study will run from December 2025 through July 2026, with surveys open from March 30 through April 30. At this time, the project team will analyze local and national housing data, identify gaps, and incorporate community feedback to develop a comprehensive report on Urbana’s existing housing conditions.

Gaps and limitations in available housing data have made it difficult to fully understand local needs. This study will bring together reliable data and firsthand community input to create a clearer, shared understanding of Urbana’s housing landscape.

Findings from the study will support implementation of the City’s Imagine Urbana Comprehensive Plan, which will identify addressing diverse housing needs as a key priority.