Sylvia Puente

University of Notre Dame

Institute for Latino Studies
October 7, 2008
^ In 1989 inflation-adjusted dollars.
* Refers to the six-county metropolitan area: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will.
Sources: CUL-LI-NIU 1994 (1970-1990), Census 2000 and ACS 2006 7
Source: Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and Chicago Metropolis
2020
There is a mismatch in the kind of
housing being built versus the demand
for housing.

There is a need to develop diverse housing

stock that includes smaller homes and
affordable rental housing to accommodate
increased Latino housing demand.
Latinos are particularly affected by the
lack of affordable housing because they
make up a large proportion of the lower
end of the labor market. This then,
leads to overcrowding. It is important
to understand that overcrowding is not
necessarily a choice, but a result of
economic, cultural, and larger family
size. 
Roundtable participants suggested that
municipalities consider developing flexible
housing ordinances that would address the
economic, cultural an life-cycle issues of
overcrowding
Model housing ordinances must
achieve a balance between public
safety and the rights of individuals.
New Housing ordinances and
enforcement should avoid:
Selective enforcement of codes
Midnight raids
Defining what constitutes a family
Solely punitive responses
 In order to address overcrowding,
Round table participants suggested
that community education and
government regulations must work in
tandem. There is a need to focus on
education to relive overcrowding
rather than strictly on enforcement
measures.
 
Participants suggested that where
appropriate housing inspections take
place before the sale of a home to
Community education was a theme
that permeated the discussion on
overcrowding.
Information regarding tenant and
landlord rules and responsibilities
were seen as crucial in addressing
the issue.
Partnerships between the public and
the private sector to provide training
and outreach.  
It is also important to understand
that Many Latino residents have
never been exposed to the concept
housing ordinances, as they are not
common in Mexico. This can lead to
misunderstanding and sometimes
tension between neighbors.
Provide locally-based community
mediation services to allow people to
resolve conflicts using an interpreter, if
needed.
Data Assistance provided by Roger
Knight, Senior Research Analyst,
Institute for Latino Studies
spuente@nd.edu
http://Latinostudies.nd.edu