What it means for Illinois: The proposal ties the number of units allowed on a lot to its size (up to four units on lots between 2,500 and 5,000 square feet, and up to eight on lots over 7,500 square feet). It would also legalize "granny flats" on all residential properties and set statewide timelines for permit reviews.

Why Batavia's mayor is pushing back: At a recent city council meeting, Mayor Schielke said he's “never seen in my years here anything that drew as much concern and interest as this thing has.” The Metropolitan Mayor's Caucus has already drafted a formal opposition document, and they mayor said Batavia plans to send a delegation to Springfield later this month.

The regional response: Batavia isn't alone. Schielke said the pushback is shaping up to be statewide — not one city “screaming objections,” but what he described as a unified front from various municipalities who argue that density and zoning decisions belong at the local level, not in Springfield.

What happens next: The proposal still requires approval from the General Assembly, and Pritzker's office has acknowledged that plan specifics are subject to negotiation. But given that affordability is a hot topic in an election year, the legislation is expected to move.