SDA Unveils Shovel-Ready Development Opportunities to Chicago-Area Developers
“Illinois may be known as the Land of Lincoln, but the Southland is the Land of Opportunity.”
That was the opening message from Homewood’s Village President, Rich Hofeld at the Southland Development Authority’s (SDA) January 28 Developer Forum. It was an invitation-only event focused on unveiling shovel-ready development opportunities across the south suburbs.
The breakfast brought together experienced residential, industrial, and commercial developers, as well as brokers and real estate professionals active in the Chicago area. The audience was curated to include firms with a track record of executing projects at scale, according to the SDA’s Nick Greifer.
“We believe that there is no better opportunity in the state of Illinois and arguably no better opportunity in the region or the nation to invest than in the Southland,” said the SDA’s CEO, Bo Kemp in his opening statement.
A primary focus was TOD residential development near certain Metra stations. “There’s a real opportunity for if you’re a developer and you’re in housing to start looking along this train line,” explained the SDA’s David Agosto, a member of the board.
Communities including Hazel Crest and Richton Park have sites within walking distance of rail service that are candidates for higher-density housing. Greifer said residential density near business districts remains a priority to support local retail and commercial activity.
Industrial and commercial sites were also presented. That included larger opportunity areas in University Park and other south suburban communities. These properties offer potential for logistics, food processing, and other employment-generating uses.
The conversation even steered into green energy development.
Representatives from Trajectory Energy attended to explore renewable energy and battery storage opportunities. Recent state legislation, like the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act, expands development potential for utility-scale battery storage. This requires significantly less land than traditional solar farms.
Municipal leaders also shared updates on site availability, land assembly efforts supported by local governments and the South Suburban Land Bank (SSLBDA), and projects prepared to advance in 2026.
Hofeld reminded the room that the Southland spans “retail, multifamily, hospitality, industrial, office, medical, and professional” sectors. Meanwhile, Country Club Hills Mayor James Ford highlighted a 153-acre site near key transportation corridors. “I’m open to whatever works and improves the Southland,” Ford said, keeping it simple and flexible. And Thornton’s Mayor Maxine Reynolds left no ambiguity about the Village’s position toward investors: “We are prepared to work with you to ensure your project success.”
The main takeaways? Key sectors are poised for growth, especially in south suburban Chicago, in 2026. The areas of opportunity include:
Transit oriented development (TOD), notably along the Metra Electric line
Logistics and food processing, which continue to be strong sectors in the industrial space
Green energy, boosted by a major new state law, will boost development among first mover communities in the Southland
Additional developers in attendance included Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), Holladay Properties, Pivotal Housing Partners, Far South Community Development Corporation, among others active in the Chicago market.
About the Southland Development Authority
The Southland Development Authority, a not-for-profit economic development organization, is committed to driving equitable and sustainable economic growth in the south suburbs of Chicago. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and impactful direct investments, the SDA is building a vibrant, inclusive economy that drives wealth growth for individuals, businesses and municipalities. Combined with the benefits of the South Suburban Land Bank and the Monarch Fund, the SDA serves as a model for regional development.
