IHDA-DCEO-URBAN GARDENS

Amends the Illinois Housing Development Act. Provides that the Illinois Housing Development Authority (Authority) may develop a program that provides incentives for the development of affordable housing projects that incorporate urban and suburban gardening programs. Provides that under the program, the University of Illinois shall be consulted regarding best practices in urban gardening and farming, including vertical gardening, aquaponics, and community gardening. Provides that an affordable housing project that incorporates an urban or suburban gardening program must provide any land, buildings, or tools necessary to develop and maintain the garden or farm. Provides that under the program, the Authority shall also coordinate and collaborate with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to create distribution networks that link urban and suburban gardens with local businesses in order to facilitate the sale and distribution of locally-grown agricultural products and food stuffs to consumers residing within the local community. Provides that the Authority and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may adopt any rules necessary to implement the program. Effective immediately.