Many administrative functions currently handled by OPED, including oversight of TIF projects and the administering of Community Development Block Grant funds for urban renewal and housing-related projects in the city, would be transferred to a newly-created department within the city’s Office of Budget and Management, which is in the executive branch. The new office, dubbed the Office of Economic Policy Advisor, would consist of an economic policy adviser and a deputy policy adviser who would advise the city council on economic development and planning matters, including tax-increment financing proposals. Andrew Proctor, would eliminate the city’s Office of Planning and Economic Development - an executive branch department - and replace it with a new department that would report to the city council. The proposal, brought forward by Ward 5 Ald. Video gaming is an important part of our comeback as employers and community partners.”Įconomic development revamp held in committeeĪ trio of ordinances that would significantly overhaul the city’s economic development process were held in committee Tuesday. We are trying to bring our businesses back from the lockdowns and we need time to recover. “We urge you to suspend the idea of raising fees at this time. Its principals have a combined 75 years in the coin-operated amusement and vending.

Raising fees will hurt our businesses and negatively impact our bottom line,” the letter said. Renville Gaming LLC is a licensed Illinois Video Gaming Terminal Operator. “Our establishments are a net positive for the city of Springfield. However, Langfelder’s ordinance as written received significant pushback from terminal operators and owners of licensed establishments alike.Ī letter organized by Support Main Street Illinois - a coalition made up of various elements of the state’s video gaming industry - and signed by about three dozen local bars and restaurants. From the very beginning of the only video gaming, this has been a partnership between the state of Illinois, the terminal operators and the licensed. I mean, we can all talk about support local, this ordinance supports local from that aspect.” We need to stick up for local restaurants and bars, especially now.

a warning that we don't want unfunded mandates coming to our local establishments, plain and simple,” Langfelder said, referring to the Illinois Gaming Board’s decision.

Il gaming trminal operators