SB1833eng 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB1833 Engrossed LRB102 16583 RJF 21980 b

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by adding Section 605-1055 as follows:

(20 ILCS 605/605-1055 new)

Sec. 605-1055. State-designated cultural districts.

(a) As used in this Section, "State-designated cultural district" means a geographical area certified under this Section that has a distinct, historic, and cultural identity that does any of the following:

(1) Promotes a distinct historic and cultural community.

(2) Encourages economic development and supports entrepreneurship in the geographic area and community.

(3) Encourages the preservation and development of historic and culturally significant structures, traditions, and languages.

(4) Fosters local cultural development and education.

(5) Provides a focal point for celebrating and strengthening the unique cultural identity of the community.

(6) Promotes growth and opportunity without generating displacement or expanding inequality.

(b) Administrative authority. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall establish criteria and guidelines for State-designated cultural districts by rule in accordance with qualifying criteria outlined in subsection (c). In executing its powers and duties under this Section, the Department shall:

(1) establish a competitive application system by which a community may apply for certification as a State-designated cultural district;

(2) provide technical assistance for State-designated cultural districts in identifying and achieving their goals for cultural preservation, including, but not limited to, promotional support of State-designated cultural districts;

(3) collaborate with other State agencies, units of local government, community organizations, and private entities to maximize the benefits of State-designated cultural districts; and

(4) establish an advisory committee to advise the Department on program rules and the certification process. The advisory committee must include:

(A) a representative of the Department appointed by the Director;

(B) a representative of the Department of Agriculture appointed by the Director of Agriculture;

(C) a representative of the Illinois Housing Development Authority appointed by the Executive Director of the Illinois Housing Development Authority;

(D) a representative of the Illinois Office of Tourism appointed by the Director;

(E) a Latino Caucus member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(F) a Black Caucus member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(G) a Latino Caucus member of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate;

(H) a Black Caucus member of the Senate appointed by the Senate President; and

(I) four community representatives appointed by the Governor representing diverse racial, ethnic, and geographic groups not captured in the membership of the other designees, with the input of community and stakeholder groups.

(c) Certification. A geographical area within the State may be certified as a State-designated cultural district by applying to the Department for certification. Certification as a State-designated cultural district shall be for a period of 10 years, after which the district may renew certification every 5 years. A municipality or 501(c)(3) organization may apply for certification on behalf of a geographic area. The applying entity is responsible for complying with reporting requirements under subsection (d). The Department shall develop criteria to assess whether an applicant qualifies for certification under this Section. That criteria must include a demonstration that the applicant and the community:

(1) have been historically impacted and are currently at risk of losing their cultural identity because of gentrification, displacement, or the COVID-19 pandemic;

(2) can demonstrate a history of economic disinvestment;

(3) can demonstrate strong community support for the cultural district designation through active and formal participation by community organizations and municipal and regional government agencies or officials;

(4) have development plans that include and prioritize the preservation of local businesses and retention of existing residents and businesses; and

(5) have an education framework in place informed with a vision of food justice, social justice, community sustainability, and social equity.

(d) Within 12 months after being designated a cultural district, the State-designated cultural district shall submit a report to the Department detailing its current programs and goals for the next 4 years of its designation. For each year thereafter that the district remains a State-designated cultural district, it shall submit a report to the Department on the status of the program and future developments of the district.