Connect Midwest Multifamily Trends 2026 Recap (VIDEO)

The recently held Connect Midwest Multifamily Trends 2026 event brought together developers, investors, lenders and industry leaders to discuss the forces shaping today’s market.

Expert panelists explored capital markets, development trends, investor sentiment, technology adoption and evolving renter preferences, offering a candid look at both the challenges and opportunities facing multifamily across Chicago and the Midwest.

“If we don’t get more jobs in Chicago, there are going to be more buildings, and there are going to be more units,” said James D. Letchinger, Founder and CEO of JDL Development. “We will start to have an oversupply very quickly.” Letchinger was also honored with the Changing Skyline Award during the event.

Speaking to the dynamic amenities in Chicago that investors can better understand by experiencing the city in person, Head of Development at City Pads LLC, Peter Gudonis, explained, “Similar to how we’re dealing in Los Angeles, another city with kind of bad press and supply constraint, we bring investors to walk the site and truly see the environment.”

The event featured several panel events covering topics including affordable housing, build-to-rent, student housing, and capital strategies. “All of our underwriting has become much more conservative with the hope that borrowers and operators have a similar approach, or else there’s a major disconnect,” said Igor Zhizhin, Director at Lument, discussing underwriting trends.