COOK COUNTY - On November 19, 2019, a coalition of civic, community and political leaders from the Southland has announced the formation of a public-private, nonprofit economic engine to bring new economic investments to promote economic growth in Cook County’s south suburbs. 

Decades ago, the south suburban were the heart of the Chicagoland economy, a bustling hub for manufacturing with affordable, quality communications for families. It is time to disrupt the cycles of fragmentation and disinvestment that has since occurred, which in effect over time reduces private sector investment, increases the strain on local governments and taxpayers and ultimately led to diminished services and declining property values.  

This new approach to economic development will provide new sources for financial tools and capital which are needed to support effective management and new property investment. 

“The development authority will be the lead partner with other developers, investors, and stakeholders in jumpstarting economic growth in this region,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said. “The launch of this new development authority is not just big news for the south suburbs, but big news for all of Chicagoland.” 

The Southland Development Authority will work in partnership with organizations such as the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association and the South Suburban Land Bank and Development Authority, the Southland Development Authority will harness existing assets in the region to attract major scale projects and targeted aid and professional services for the multitude of small businesses, many of which have been in operation for generations. 

Through the execution of comprehensive, mutually reinforcing industry, workforce, community and other strategies which coordinate, build from and scale existing south suburban efforts, we will build new institutional capacity, financial resources and significant industrial and residential development. 

The coalition behind the Southland Development Authority has representation from all around the region’s 40-plus municipalities and the organization will be governed by a 16-member board of directors.

“It will serve as a single point of entry for developers and investors,” Village of Flossmoor trustee Diane Williams said. 

The Southland Development Authority will help reestablish the Southland as an economic powerhouse through housing finance products, and innovative centers for food packaging, intermodal logistics and metals and manufacturing. At the same time, our efforts will help establish the Southland as a center for green tourism in Chicagoland, bolster housing stock, provide specialized business support and invest in sector-based workforce training. 

We will diligently use our collective resources and business network to connect Southland business owners, investors, and individuals with key resources to operate and thrive in the region, from equipping mid-size and small businesses in our Business Growth services Program with customized advice and consulting services, to helping local residents access the tools needed to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. 

With a deep institutional knowledge of the Southland’s people, markets, and history and our multifaceted, experienced team, the Southland Development Authority will be a powerful partner for any individual, business, or investor.

About Southland Development Authority 

The Southland Development Authority is a nonprofit business organization launched in 2019 by business, civic, and political leaders from around the Southland who recognize the potential of the region’s people, businesses, infrastructure, and real estate. The Authority brings the resources and capacity necessary to achieve transformative and inclusive economic growth for the region. It focuses on investment in industry, workforce, housing, and communities.

We work steadfastly to connect Southland business owners, investors, and individuals with key resources to operate and thrive in the region, from equipping mid-size and small businesses in our Business Growth services Program with customized advice and consulting services, to helping local residents access the tools needed to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. With a deep institutional knowledge of the Southland’s people, markets, and history and our multifaceted, experienced team, the Southland Development Authority is a powerful partner for any individual, business, or investor.

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