SDA Awarded $100,000 Impact Grant by Nicor Illinois Community Investment to Fuel Economic Growth in Southland

The Southland Development Authority (SDA) has been awarded a $100,000 'Impact Grant' by Nicor Illinois Community Investment (NICI), a move that underscores the commitment to fostering economic growth and development in the Southland region. This grant is part of NICI's initiative to support nonprofits that are making a tangible difference in areas such as economic mobility, small business development, and infrastructure. The announcement was made during a check-signing ceremony, highlighting the collaborative effort to drive meaningful change.

SDA CEO Bo Kemp expressed gratitude for the grant, emphasizing its role in advancing the organization's mission to provide financial resources to businesses that are pivotal to the community's progress. Tovah McCord, NICI Executive Director, reiterated the organization's dedication to investing in entities like the SDA that are creating measurable impacts in their communities. This funding is set to bolster the SDA's 'Monarch Fund', a innovative financing tool aimed at stimulating business growth and preparing development-ready land across the Southland.

The Monarch Fund, with 260 acres currently under contract, is designed to mirror the success of projects such as the CNI Pullman redevelopment, but with a focus tailored to the Southland's unique needs and opportunities. The SDA's partnership with Nicor Gas, NICI's parent company, is a cornerstone of the fund's strategy to accelerate business and infrastructure growth by powering land for development. The event also saw the presence of notable figures including State Representative Will Davis, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, and University Park Mayor Joseph E. Roudez III, showcasing the widespread support for the SDA's vision.

Representative Davis also highlighted the alignment between the SDA's initiatives in University Park and Governors State University's plans for campus expansion and student housing, further illustrating the grant's potential to foster a stronger, more livable community for both students and residents. The SDA's efforts, supported by this grant, are a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and investments in driving equitable and sustainable economic growth in the south suburbs of Chicago.