Nicor Illinois Community Investment Awards $100,000 Impact Grant to Southland Development Authority

The Southland Development Authority (SDA) has been awarded a $100,000 Impact Grant by Nicor Illinois Community Investment (NICI), a significant boost aimed at enhancing economic development in the Southland area. This grant underscores a shared vision between NICI and SDA for fostering long-term, meaningful change through economic mobility, small business development, and infrastructure improvements.

SDA CEO Bo Kemp expressed gratitude for the grant, emphasizing its role in advancing the organization's mission to provide financial resources to businesses crucial for community progress. Tovah McCord, NICI Executive Director, highlighted the importance of investing in organizations like SDA that drive measurable impact, praising their efforts in community strengthening and economic opportunity creation.

A notable beneficiary of this grant is the SDA's emerging Monarch Fund, a financing initiative designed to spur business growth and prepare development-ready land across the Southland. With 260 acres currently under contract, the fund aims to replicate the success of projects such as the CNI Pullman redevelopment, tailored to meet the Southland's unique community and asset needs.

The collaboration with Nicor Gas, NICI's parent company, was also a focal point, especially in efforts to power land for development, a strategy pivotal for accelerating business and infrastructure growth in the region. The grant announcement event saw participation from State Representative Will Davis, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, and University Park Mayor Joseph E. Roudez III, reflecting broad support for the SDA's vision.

Further discussions at the event highlighted Governors State University's plans for expanded student housing and campus growth, aligning with the SDA's work in University Park to build a stronger, more livable community. This grant not only provides a financial boost for the SDA but also represents a collective stride towards achieving a vibrant, inclusive economy in the Southland region.