Illinois Economic Policy Institute

06/16/2026

Housing affordability has worsened in Champaign County, but the area remains more affordable than the rest of the United States, accoring to our study. As of July 2025, Champaign County’s average home value was $224,000, up 37 percent since 2019.

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Last updated on June 15, 2026 at 02:34 p.m.The median home price in Champaign County this May was $244,267 — up from $223,250 in January, according to Redfin. This local increase reflects nationwide trends, as the median U.S. home sale price has increased approximately 8.6% since the start of the ...

06/15/2026

In Illinois, union worksites account for just 8% of all OSHA violations even though unions represent 34% of the state’s construction workforce.

More: https://www.midwestepi.org/2021/11/30/the-impact-of-unions-on-construction-worksite-health-and-safety-evidence-from-osha-inspections/

06/10/2026

Cities and towns across Illinois are taking a look at their housing stock and affordability and looking for solutions. Our research shows the state is short 142,000 housing units and would need to build 227,000 homes over the next five years to meet demand.

Read more: https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/rockford-housing-shortage-explained-data-212712246.html?guccounter=1

06/09/2026

is about raising awareness about preventable hazards and promoting a safety-first culture. Our 2021 study found that union worksites have fewer OSHA violations and are generally safer than nonunion worksites.

Read more: https://www.midwestepi.org/2021/11/30/the-impact-of-unions-on-construction-worksite-health-and-safety-evidence-from-osha-inspections/

06/02/2026

ILEPI was proud to present at and attend the 2026 LERA Conference in Minneapolis last week. ILEPI Economist Frank Manzo IV presented on the impacts of prevailing wage laws as part of a panel moderated by Tim Watkins of the Fair Contracting Foundation of Minnesota. He was joined by Todd Stenhouse of Stenhouse Strategies and Mark Ehrlich of Harvard Law School.

06/01/2026

June is . Our 2021 study found that union construction worksites had 34% fewer health and safety violations.

Read more: https://www.midwestepi.org/2021/11/30/the-impact-of-unions-on-construction-worksite-health-and-safety-evidence-from-osha-inspections/

05/25/2026

ILEPI thanks those who have bravely served our country. Happy Memorial Day!

05/22/2026

Investing in high-quality infrastructure delivers a strong return for taxpayers by boosting economic growth, attracting business investment, and creating good-paying jobs. ILEPI estimates that every $1 billion invested in infrastructure generates between $1.7 billion and $3.5 billion in economic activity in Illinois and supports up to 25,000 jobs.

05/21/2026

Check out our latest newsletter:https://www.illinoisepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Illinois-Insights-May-2026.pdf

05/20/2026

Federal infrastructure investments continue to prove their value across Illinois. A 2020 study by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the Labor Education Program - University of Illinois Project for Middle Class Renewal found that every $1 billion invested in infrastructure generates between $1.7 billion and $3.5 billion in economic activity and supports up to 25,000 jobs. Infrastructure investment means stronger communities, economic growth, and good-paying Union careers.
https://www.illinoisepi.org/economic-development/