CHICAGO, Ill. — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) approved $30 million in funding to revitalize commercial and downtown areas across the state.

The Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital (RDMS) program and the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) program hope to speed up local economic recovery efforts. Grant recipients are selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity process.

Qualifying institutions for both programs include economic development organizations (EDOs), local government units, and private for-profit and non-profit businesses. Applicants need to show consistent alignment with relative local or regional economic development plans and provide letters of support from community investors and elected officials. 

"Small businesses are the heart and soul of communities across Illinois," said Governor JB Pritzker. "To boost job creation and improve local infrastructure and amenities, my administration is investing an additional $30 million to support downstate commercial corridors and downtown areas. I highly encourage all eligible organizations to apply for this transformational funding."

The Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program was awarded $20 million and aims to grow economic activity and improve the quality of life for communities experiencing economic disinvestment through grants for constructing, repairing, and modernizing public infrastructure and amenities. The second round of this funding is in addition to the previously awarded $106 million in grants from 2022. 

"We empower our communities by connecting people with the resources they need to make the changes they want to see," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "Downtown spaces are hubs for connection; people want to spend time together in public spaces when those spaces are clean, functional, and vibrant. I strongly urge communities that have experienced generational disinvestment to apply."

To be eligible for RDMS grants, projects must be located in a commercial center or downtown area and may include, but are not limited to, roads, parking, public space enhancements, park investments, sustainability upgrades, structural repairs, and mixed-use or transit-oriented development.

The RISE Implementation Program was awarded $10 million and provides funds to economic projects identified in plans from RISE Local and Regional Planning grants, aimed at speeding economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible projects cover capital and non-capital projects like water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure, affordable housing, local workforce development, building upgrades, site preparation for business development, and tourism promotion.

Qualifying entities are limited to one application submission and must show their project stimulates economic growth and overcomes barriers. Grant awards range from $250,000 to $2 million, and local government units must match a 25% minimum, with all other applicants expected to match 50%. 

Interested parties can contact CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov or sign up for the DCEO application assistance webinar at 10:30 am on May 1. Visit the DCEO website for more information or to apply for the grant, and register for the webinar. 

 

 

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