SB4169 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 21015 RTM 34910 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
SB4169

Introduced 3/10/2026, by Sen. Celina Villanueva

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 605/605-1058 new

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to establish criteria and guidelines for designation of a flagship cultural district. Provides that, no later than September 30, 2026, the Department shall award one flagship cultural district. Provides that the criteria that the Department must develop for a flagship cultural district shall include a demonstration that the applicant and the community (1) can provide a unified and inclusive approach to creating cultural engagement opportunities within its designated geographical area and (2) can provide strong community support for the flagship cultural district designation through participation by community organizations and state, regional, and municipal government agencies or officials. Provides that, within 12 months after being designated a flagship cultural district, the flagship cultural district shall submit a report to the Department detailing its current programs and goals for the next 4 years of its designation. Provides that, each year the district remains a flagship cultural district, it shall submit a report to the Department on the status of the programs and future developments of the district. Provides that, any flagship cultural district that fails to file a report for 2 consecutive years shall lose its status as a flagship cultural district. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

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 605-1058 as follows:

(20 ILCS 605/605-1058 new)

Sec. 605-1058. Flagship cultural district.

(a) As used in this Section, "flagship cultural district" means a geographic area in a municipality with a population greater than 500,000 that is certified under this Section as an area in which the arts, entertainment, history, and culture are provided.

(b) Municipalities or organizations working on behalf of a certified flagship cultural district should seek to:

(1) promote the State and the flagship cultural district's host municipality as a flagship world hub for arts, entertainment, history, and culture;

(2) encourage economic development and support entrepreneurship in the certified geographic area and community, particularly in the fields of arts, entertainment, and culture and supporting industries;

(3) encourage the preservation and development of historic and culturally significant structures, traditions, and languages;

(4) foster local cultural development and education;

(5) provide a focal point for celebrating and strengthening the unique cultural identity of the State and the flagship cultural district's host municipality;

(6) promote growth and opportunity without generating displacement or expanding inequality; and

(7) promote tourism and further enhance the State and the flagship cultural district's host municipality's place as a global destination.

(c) The Department shall establish criteria and guidelines for designation of a flagship cultural district by rule in accordance with qualifying criteria outlined in subsection (d). In executing its powers and duties under this Section, the Department shall:

(1) establish an application system by which a 501(c)(3) organization may apply for certification as a flagship cultural district;

(2) provide technical assistance for a flagship cultural district by collaborating with all relevant offices and grantees of the Department to help them identify and achieve their goals for cultural preservation, including, but not limited to, promotional support of the flagship cultural district and support for small businesses looking to access resources; and

(3) collaborate with other State agencies, units of local government, community organizations, and private entities to maximize the benefits of the flagship cultural district.

(d) A geographic area in a municipality with a population greater than 500,000 may be certified as a flagship cultural district by applying to the Department for certification. Certification as a flagship cultural district shall be for a period of 10 years, after which the district may renew certification every 5 years. Any applicant for certification on behalf of a geographic area shall be a 501(c)(3) organization. The applying entity is responsible for complying with reporting requirements under subsection (f). 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) can provide a unified and inclusive approach to creating cultural engagement opportunities within its designated geographic area; and

(2) can provide strong community support for the flagship cultural district designation through participation by community organizations and state, regional, and municipal government agencies or officials.

(e) No later than September 30, 2026, the Department shall award one flagship cultural district.

(f) Within 12 months after being designated a flagship cultural district, the flagship 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 flagship cultural district, it shall submit a report to the Department on the status of the programs and future developments of the district. Any flagship cultural district that fails to file a report for 2 consecutive years shall lose its status as a flagship cultural district.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.