SPRINGFIELD – The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is now accepting applications from local governments, non-profit groups, and even private companies for a an $80 million economic development grant program, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced.
DCEO will allow organizations to compete for $50 million in public infrastructure investments, $16.5 million in regional economic development projects and $13 million for shovel-ready construction projects. Only local governments can apply for the public infrastructure grants, but the other programs are also open to local organizations and businesses.
Projects that may include improvements to utility lines and waste disposal systems, land and building acquisition, and architectural planning and engineering design.
“The projects funded by these grants could attract businesses and jobs to the South Lands,” Joyce said. “These grants are competitive, so I encourage as many local groups to apply as possible.”
Through a competitive selection process, DCEO will distribute funding to local governments to support projects that will help generate jobs, expand economic opportunity and encourage new development.
Applications for public infrastructure grants must be submitted by June 30, but others will be accepted on a rolling basis. Available grants, project guidelines and application materials can be found here.
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced today that local governments and community groups are now able to apply for a nearly $80 million grant to update critical infrastructure and spur economic development in the Rockford area.
“The money provided from these grants is a great economic opportunity for our local communities,” Stadelman said. “I applaud DCEO for using this program to not only make much needed improvements to our infrastructure, but also create new jobs in the process.”
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will allow communities and stakeholders to apply for these funds. It will distribute the funds to local governments, not-for-profits, economic development groups and even private businesses, which will create new job and economic opportunities.
DCEO has allocated $50 million for public infrastructure investments (available only to local governments), $16.5 million for regional economic development projects and $13 million ready-to-go for construction projects. Potential projects also include improvements to utility lines and waste disposal systems, land and building acquisition, and architectural planning and engineering design.
For additional information on these funds, prospective applicants can visit DCEO’s website here. Interested parties can send questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 217-785-6174.
SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is urging local governments to apply to receive a portion of $80 million in grants to spur economic development and provide much-needed infrastructure in their communities.
“These grants are a tremendous opportunity to stimulate the economy,” Bennett said. “Not only will they help revitalize distressed communities, they will support local economies and create jobs.”
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will distribute funding to local governments through a competitive selection process to support projects that will help generate jobs, expand economic opportunity and encourage new development.
DCEO has allocated $50 million for public infrastructure investments, $16.5 million for regional economic development projects and $13 million to prepare sites for construction. Potential projects also include improvements to utility lines and waste disposal systems, land and building acquisition, and architectural planning and engineering design.
SPRINGFIELD – Local governments have a shot at $80 million in grants to foster economic development and revitalize infrastructure in their communities, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced Tuesday.
“A healthy economy starts in our neighborhoods,” said Murphy, who chairs the Senate Committee on Local Government. “These grants will empower local governments to take on projects that will create jobs, lift up communities and make a difference for Illinois families.”
Through a competitive selection process, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will distribute funding to local governments to support projects that will help generate jobs, expand economic opportunity and encourage new development.
DCEO has allocated $50 million for public infrastructure investments, $16.5 million for regional economic development projects and $13 million to prepare sites for construction.
Potential projects include improvements to utility lines and waste disposal systems, land and building acquisition, and architectural planning and engineering design. DCEO emphasizes the importance of projects with long-term economic benefits for the region.
Altogether, DCEO has made more than $150 million available in Rebuild Illinois funding this year. Other grants offer support for broadband and opportunity zone investments.
“During the last administration, local projects went unsupported for years, and our Main Streets suffered. It’s time for that to change,” said Murphy. “When we invest in our communities, Illinoisans see benefits close to home, but the whole state gets a boost.”
SPRINGFIELD – Local governments are now able to apply for a portion of nearly $80 million in grants to update critical infrastructure and jumpstart further economic development in the South Suburbs, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) announced Tuesday.
“This grant money serves as an opportunity for local governments to spur economic growth,” Hastings said. “Through this program, DCEO has provided an avenue to both improve critical infrastructure and create jobs in our communities.”
SPRINGFIELD – Local governments will be able to apply to receive a portion of nearly $80 million in grants to boost economic development and modernize infrastructure in their communities, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced Tuesday.
“By offering local governments the chance to invest in themselves, we’re continuing to demonstrate a commitment to downstate,” Koehler said. “When downstate thrives, Illinois thrives.”
Senate President Don Harmon praised the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s announcement that local governments, economic development organizations, non-profit organizations, and private companies will be able to compete for $80 million to improve local economies.
“This is an investment in local communities throughout our great state,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon. “These projects will build a better Illinois. The bipartisan success we’ve seen with Gov. Pritzker shows what we can do when Illinois works together.”
BELLEVILLE – State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) joined Gov. JB Pritzker and other downstate lawmakers to announce a comprehensive review of Illinois’ economic growth strategy.
“Four years of lurching from crisis to crisis have created economic instability across our state,” Crowe said. “It’s a relief to hear that Gov. Pritzker is committed to crafting a long-term plan to attract businesses and create new, good-paying jobs.”
ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) was named to governor-elect JB Pritzker’s Job Creation & Economic Opportunity committee today at the 1871, which is a non-profit small business incubator that has created over 7,000 jobs.
Castro currently sits on the Senate Commerce and Economic Development Committee and is excited to lean her expertise and practical experience to the new administration.
“Our state’s economy is vulnerable right now. We need to prioritize economic growth and job creation so people can feel confident in the future and make Illinois their home,” Castro said. “I am excited to be a part of this vital committee and I can’t wait to get started.”
The 37-member committee will have its first meeting one week from today where members will focus on opportunities across the state, diversity and ensuring small businesses have the tools to grow and thrive.
ELGIN- The 22nd Senate District may be one step closer to reinstating a bipartisan economic development program, thanks to a measure championed by Democratic Senator Cristina Castro of Elgin.
House Bill 162 reinstates the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program, allowing the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to offer tax credits to businesses that invest in Illinois.
“This bipartisan legislation will help energize our economy and create good-paying jobs for local residents,” Castro said.
EDGE tax credits are an economic development program that helps Illinois attract and retain jobs.
House Bill 162 will require the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to repossess economic development funds if a business granted the tax credit does not fulfill their part of the contract.
That money would then be distributed to the local workforce investment area.
EDGE credit recipients will also be required to submit an annual report to DCEO containing supplier diversity information to help promote diversity in state economic incentives and programs.
The Illinois Manufacturer Association supported passage of this economic incentive.
“The IMA is pleased that legislators passed a short-term extension of the EDGE tax credit,” Mark Denzler, Vice President & COO of IMA said. “It's an important tool to help attract and retain jobs.”
House Bill 162 passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support.
SPRINGFIELD— Small businesses often face too much red tape when dealing with the state.
With HB 3887, which was signed into law today, State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) hopes to make that process as efficient as possible and help improve the state’s business climate.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “This law is an important step in helping our business owners cut through the unnecessary red tape.”
HB 3887, which Bertino-Tarrant sponsored in the Senate, is designed to identify and eliminate state regulations that are unreasonable or overly burdensome to small businesses.
State agencies will now be required to complete an initial review of rules, regulations and processes related to small businesses within one year of the legislation becoming law. Subsequent reviews would take place every five years thereafter.
According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses employ 48 percent of the private-sector labor force in Illinois.
HB 3887 goes into effect on January 1 of next year.