New Village Website for COVID-19 Resources

April 4, 2020

The Village has created a webpage with resources, guidelines, and up to date information for businesses seeking COVID-19 relief through State and Federal programs.  This site will be updated regularly as information becomes available.

COVID-19 Resources for Businesses and Employers

New Mixed Use, Luxury Apartment Redevelopment Approved for Downtown Franklin Park 

March 30, 2020

Rendering of the development illustrating the view from Franklin Ave and 25th Ave.

Rear elevation showing resident parking and entryways.

On March 16th, 2020, the Board of Trustees passed an ordinance regarding the sale of 9600 Franklin Avenue (Crossings Phase 2) from the Village of Franklin Park to A&E Luxury Apartments, LLC. A&E plans to construct a 6-story, 110-unit, market rate luxury rental housing development with ground floor retail and parking. The Village of Franklin Park has been working with A&E over the past 6 months and believes this development will bring an infusion of energy to our downtown district. A&E has met the Village Zoning Code in terms of height, density, and parking for all of their residents.

In tandem with the aforementioned project, the Village has plans to increase parking capacity downtown to accommodate future development. One aspect of this plan is that parking spaces that are currently reserved for Metra patrons on the south side of the tracks will be available for public use for supplemental parking, and all Metra parking will be located on the north side of the tracks off of Belmont Ave. and Pacific Ave. The additional capacity for Metra parking will be located at the former Police Station site and the former Leyden Township News Agency building after demolition. Moreover, to increase parking capacity in the downtown district, the Village has acquired the building and parking lot at 3019 Rose St. through the Cook County Land Bank Authority. The building will be demolished and redeveloped as a parking lot for residents of the Senior Towers at 9535 Franklin Avenue and for guests visiting our downtown businesses.  This future parking plan is in line with the goals and vision that has been outlined for Downtown Franklin Park in the Village's Comprehensive Plan.  With the redevelopment of Crossings Phase 2, this parking plan will facilitate the introduction of much needed new retail and restaurant opportunities in Downtown Franklin Park without causing significant congestion and parking issues.

Furthermore, to ensure the downtown district has adequate parking to meet future development capacity, Village staff conducted a parking study.  The study was administered at different times of the day over a period of several weeks in order to get a better understanding of parking availability downtown on a regular basis. Staff determined that the downtown district currently has 270 public parking spaces that are available for patrons of downtown businesses. That number will increase to 400 public parking spaces as current Metra parking spaces shifts to the north side of the tracks and with the addition of the parking lot at 3019 Rose St. Moreover, staff concluded that parking occupancy has never exceeded half of the current supply. Therefore, as new development is constructed and business demand increases, the Village of Franklin Park downtown district will be ready to handle the influx.

If you have any questions regarding the proposed developments, please contact Nicholas Walny at 847-671-8278 or Ryan Adriatico at 847-671-8276.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT FOR THE ACQUISITION OF 3019 ROSE STREET

March 27, 2020

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Village of Franklin Park (the “Village”) adopted Ordinance No.: 1920-G-75, a copy of which is printed below.  A copy of the Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Acquisition of 3019 Rose Street between the Cook County Land Bank Authority and Village is available in the office of the Village Clerk, Village Hall, Village of Franklin Park, 9500 West Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131 or at www.villageoffranklinpark.com. In the event of questions, please contact Nicholas Walny, Senior Planner, 9500 West Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois, or at (847) 671-4800 or nwalny@vofp.com.

Ordinance No.: 1920-G-75

Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Acquisition of 3019 Rose Street

COVID-19 Guidelines and Resources for Small Businesses and Employers

March 23, 2020

**Last Updated April 2, 2020**

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Development & Zoning Department is operating under State and County guidelines in order to ensure the safety of our staff, residents, and business owners.  Please be aware that staff will primarily be working remotely during this time, but will have access to email and voicemail in order to respond to inquiries in a timely manner.  Permits and applications will be reviewed by staff on a weekly basis as well. 

Application materials and submissions should be emailed to staff as PDFs (Nicholas Walny: nwalny@vofp.com; Ryan Adriatico: radriatico@vofp.com) or mailed to Village Hall (address to: Community Development Department, 9500 Belmont Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131) whenever possible.  Items may also be submitted via the drop box in the parking lot at Village Hall if the first two options are not available to you.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact John Schneider at (847) 671-8300 or via email at jschneider@vofp.com.

Support for Small Businesses and Employers

During these difficult circumstances, the County and State has established resources and guidelines for small businesses and employers.  Information on available resources can be accessed below.

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce put together a comprehensive summary of the emergency small business loan that can be accessed here.
• CDC Guidance for Employers - Keeping a safe working environment during the outbreak
• Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 by U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• IMEC - IMEC has gathered news, resources, and updates on the COVID-19 pandemic that may be helpful for manufacturers.  Click here.
• SBA Disaster Assistance -  The Illinois Disaster Loan Declaration allows all Illinois small businesses (according to SBA's size standards) and private non-profits with a substantial economic injury related to COVID-19 to apply for loans of up to $2M. These loans can go toward working capital to meet needs including payroll, accounts payable, and fixed debt payments until the situation improves. Interest rates are 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profits. Business owners can apply for a loan now at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

We expect small business owners and stakeholders will have some questions. The Illinois District Office is hosting twice daily webinars on the Economic Injury Disaster Loans starting Thursday, March 18. You can find details and register for these training events at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

Businesses can access additional information and apply for the loan online . Eligibility requirements are determined by SBA and can be found .

Business advisors at are available to assist small businesses with the loan application process and are currently operating remotely. Businesses can locate their nearest Small Business Development Center .

• Illinois Municipal League (IML) — The IML has provided a guideline to explain the Governor’s Shelter-In-Place Executive Order here.  Additional resources are available here.
• Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) — The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity regularly updates this site with COVID-19 information for small businesses which you can refer to at any time.
• Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) – The IMA hosts webinars and conference calls to help manufacturers navigate through changing regulations and best practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. This page is updated regularly with information and resources for manufacturers.  Recordings of past webinars are also available at this site.
• Supply Chain Disruption Planning Checklist - This checklist can help your company react and prepare for disruptions.
• Tax Relief - IRS Guidance related to Coronavirus for businesses and individuals

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association will host a second conference call on the ever-developing concerns about the effects of COVID-19 on businesses in Illinois. 

Join leading experts from around the state in this informational discussion.

Register Here

DuPage County Health Department – The Facts about Covid-19: Steps to Take with Employees & Product

Georgia Pacific – Best Practices on Sanitizing Your Workspace and the Shop Floor

• Amna Handley, MSN, FNP-C, APRN, CIC - Director, Clinical Development
• Steve Laratta - VP / GSM, INDUSTRIAL    
• Jason Atkin - Customer Development Leader-Industrial Supply

Barnes & Thornburg, LLP –  Legal Obligations & The Impact of the Families First Legislation on Employers

• David B. Ritter, Partner                                                                           

ROC Group – Effectively Communicating with Employees During Uncertain Times

Courtney Thompson, Managing Director

Illinois Manufacturers' Association

ima-net.org

PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE OF SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK AT 9800 FRANKLIN AVENUE

February 5, 2020

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Village of Franklin Park (the “Village”) adopted Resolution No.: 1920-R-25 declaring a parcel of real property located at 9800 Franklin Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois (the “Property”) as surplus property.  The Village is listing the Property for sale with Darwin Realty & Development Corporation, 970 North Oaklawn Avenue, Suite 100, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 (the “Darwin”).  A copy of Resolution No.: 1920-R-25 is printed below.  Copies of the Appraisal of the Property and the Exclusive Right to Sell Agreement between the Village and Darwin is available in the office of the Village Clerk, Village Hall, Village of Franklin Park, 9500 West Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131 or at www.villageoffranklinpark.com.  In the event of questions, please contact Nicholas Walny, Senior Planner, 9500 West Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois, or at (847) 671-4800.

9800 Franklin Avenue Public Notice and Resolution

9800 Franklin Avenue Appraisal

9800 Franklin Avenue Exclusive Right to Sell Agreement

Open House | Des Plaines River Trail

January 27, 2020

Christopher Burke Engineering is hosting an informational meeting on the Des Plaines River Trail Improvements project.  The meeting will be conducted in an open house format, allowing interested individuals to visit at any time between 4:00 and 7:00 pm.  Attendees will have the opportunity to review exhibits, provide feedback, and meet with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Trail Advisory Group members, and consultant representatives on a one-on-one basis.

Des Plaines River Trail Phase I Study Open House

Date:
Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Time:
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location:
Franklin Park Police Department
9451 Belmont Avenue
Franklin Park, IL 60131

If you are unable to attend, comments may be submitted via mail or e-mail to Melissa McGhee of Christopher Burke Engineering:

Melissa McGhee, PE
Christopher Burke Engineering, Ltd.
9575 W. Higgins Rd
Suite 600
Rosemont, IL 60018
mmcghee@cbbel.com

Written comments will be accepted until March 4, 2020.

Open House Informational Flyer

Now Live: Zoning Code Update Website

January 17, 2020

The Community Development Department has been working hand in hand with Camiros to address concerns with the Village’s existing code, identify opportunities for improvement, and highlight trends and best practices that are in line with the Village’s Comprehensive Plan and vision for the future. 

That said, Camiros has developed a website to provide a central location for our reports, presentations, and information on  upcoming events.  There is also a form under the “Get Involved” tab to allow the public to voice their comments and concerns directly to the Community Development Department.  The website can be accessed at the following link:

Franklin Park Zoning Code Rewrite

Visit the website to stay informed on our progress and learn more about opportunities to get involved!

PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE OF SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK AT 9150-9158 WEST GRAND AVENUE

January 16, 2020

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Village of Franklin Park (the “Village”) adopted Resolution No.: 1920-R-23 declaring a parcel of real property located at 9150-9158 West Grand Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois (the “Property”) as surplus property.  The Village is listing the Property for sale with Darwin Realty & Development Corporation, 970 North Oaklawn Avenue, Suite 100, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 (the “Darwin”).  A copy of Resolution No.: 1920-R-23 is available below.  Copies of the Appraisal of the Property and the Exclusive Right to Sell Agreement between the Village and Darwin is available below and in the office of the Village Clerk, Village Hall, Village of Franklin Park, 9500 West Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131.  In the event of questions, please contact Nicholas Walny, Senior Planner, 9500 West Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois, or at (847) 671-4800. 

9150 Grand Avenue Public Notice and Resolution

9150 Grand Avenue Appraisal

9150 Grand Avenue Exclusive Right to Sell Agreement

Members of the Cook County Revolving Loan Fund Coalition for Brownfield Remediation met in Franklin Park.

Cook County Revolving Loan Fund for Brownfield Remediation Opens Door for New Redevelopment Opportunities

October 21, 2019

On October 16, 2019, representatives from the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability and Weaver Consultants Group provided information to members of the Cook County Revolving Loan Fund Coalition for Brownfield Remediation.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), a brownfield is a property where the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.  The coalition includes Bellwood, Franklin Park, Schiller Park, and other Cook County municipalities where brownfield sites may qualify for loans for cleanup and remediation.

The meeting provided updates on the loan program where members were informed that projects that are ready for remediation and redevelopment are being prioritized.  The goal of this revolving loan fund is to revitalize contaminated sites within eligible municipalities in order to attract employers to redevelop problem properties, leverage existing transportation and logistics assets, generate living wage jobs, and create new public open green space.  With these goals, the County and participating municipalities will foster livable, vibrant communities that are safe, healthy, and amenity-rich for all residents by bringing brownfield sites to productive uses.

If you know of any brownfield sites within Franklin Park that may be eligible for redevelopment through this loan, contact the Community Development Department at (847) 671-8276 for more information.

Additional information on the program can be accessed here: Cook County - Brownfield Redevelopment

Learn more about past projects here: Cook County Brownfield Redevelopment Story Map

Students from Leyden High School District 212 toured the Franklin Park facilities of Digital Realty (top) and Sloan Valve (bottom). 

Manufacturing Day Connects Students with Local Industrial Businesses

October 7, 2019

The Village of Franklin Park partnered with Leyden High School District 212 and local businesses on October 4, 2019 to celebrate Manufacturing Day.  The national event addresses common misconceptions about manufacturing and industrial operations by providing businesses an opportunity to open their doors to the public. This year, students from Leyden High School District 212 were able to tour Digital Realty and Sloan Valve. Participating students toured the manufacturing floor and offices of each business and were able to ask questions about day-to-day operations, technical training requirements, and advancement opportunities.

The event aims to attract future manufacturing workers to fill the industry’s shortage of skilled labor, improve the public image of manufacturing and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the manufacturing industry. The Manufacturing Day event builds on a larger Village initiative to address workforce challenges in the industry by connecting manufacturers, training agencies, and prospective workers. 

The Trail Advisory Group (TAG) has walked segments of the Des Plaines River Trail to identify opportunities for improvement and potential alternate routes.

Des Plaines River Trail Redevelopment

September 16, 2019

The Des Plaines River Trail Improvements project took another step forward in June as a variety of community, municipal, and county organizations met to discuss new and improved trail route options.

The effort is being spearheaded by the Intergovernmental Coalition of the Des Plaines River Trail which consists of the West Central Municipal Conference, Village of Franklin Park, Village of Rosemont, City of Des Plaines, City of Park Ridge, Village of River Grove, Village of Elmwood Park, and the Village of Schiller Park.

The Des Plaines River Trail Improvements project has received $721,000 of STP funds allocated from the North Central Council of Mayors, $240,000 from the Cook County “Invest in Cook” grant, $1,030,000 from the West Central Municipal Conference, and $100,000 from the Chicago Community Trust. Together, this money has funded Phase I engineering and planning undertaken by Active Transportation Alliance & Christopher B. Burke Engineering (CBBEL) of Rosemont.

In order to address the chronic issues of flooding, disrepair, and unsafe road crossings that have been afflicting the Des Plaines River Trail for years, key stakeholders have formed the Trail Advisory Group (TAG) to work with CBBEL to identify potential route alternatives and trail improvements. TAG includes representatives from the aforementioned municipalities and organizations; as well as the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and other Chicagoland area groups. Moreover, TAG has been looking to expand the trail from its current terminus at North Avenue to the Illinois Prairie Path and Miller Meadow near Forest Park.  

When completed and connected to existing trailways, the Des Plaines River Trail would extend from the Wisconsin border to the Stevenson Expressway—a distance of 50+ miles! Such an ambition corresponds with CMAP’s ON TO 2050 Plan of a continuous Greenway and Trails network for Northeastern Illinois.

Zoning Code Rewrite

June 17, 2019

In late 2018, the Village of Franklin Park Board of Trustees formally approved funding for the rewrite of the Franklin Park Zoning Code. The current iteration of the zoning code was written in 1974 and has been amended countless times over the past 45 years, but not on a comprehensive level. The new code will take several plans into consideration that have been adopted over the years including the Franklin Park Downtown Zoning Code (2014), the Franklin Park O’Hare Industrial Plan (2014), and the Franklin Park Comprehensive Plan (2017). 

At the May 20, 2019 Board of Trustees Meeting, Director of Community Development and Zoning, John Schneider, introduced Arista Strungys of Camiros to announce our partnership in this endeavor.  Camiros provides a full range of services in the areas of planning, zoning, urban design, economic development, and landscape architecture. Founded in 1976 and located in Chicago, they have provided services to over 250 communities across the United States. 

The Department of Community Development and Zoning held a kickoff meeting with Camiros on June 14, 2019 to discuss the zoning code and tour the Village.  Together, it is our goal to comprehensively rewrite and modernize the Franklin Park Zoning Code using user-friendly elements while still respecting existing development.

Check back for updates on this project to learn how you can get involved!

PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE OF SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY AT 9150-9158 WEST GRAND AVENUE OWNED BY THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Village of Franklin Park adopted Resolution No. 1920-R-05 declaring a parcel of real property as surplus property and authorizing the sale of the surplus property.

In accordance with Resolution 1920-R-05, the Village is accepting proposals for the sale and redevelopment of the parcel of real property located at 9150-9158 West Grand Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois (the “Property”) until 12:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. Written proposals for the acquisition and redevelopment of the Property shall be submitted to John Schneider, Director of Community Development, Department of Community Development, Village of Franklin Park, 9500 Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131.  Written proposals will be reviewed as submitted but no earlier than Wednesday, July 3, 2019.

Every written proposal must identify a purchase price, a proposed use for the Property in compliance with the I-1 Restricted Industrial District and provide for the redevelopment and occupancy of the building. Every written proposal shall agree to the following: 1) demolish and remove the cinder block structure in the rear of 9158 Grand Avenue to provide paved parking on the Property; 2) undertake all necessary repairs and improvements to ensure that the building and Property is in full compliance with building, property maintenance, electrical, plumbing and fire code requirements, including the installation of a sprinkler system or approved fire wall, if applicable. Sale of the Property will require the execution of a purchase and sale agreement with the Village.

The appraised value of the Property is $175,000.00.  A copy of the appraisal of the Property is available for inspection in the Office of the Village Clerk, Village of Franklin Park, Village Hall, 9500 Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131 and on the Village’s website at www.villageoffranklinpark.com.  Further information about the Property can also be obtained from the Department of Community Development.

Full Resolution can be accessed here: 

9150 Grand Avenue Public Notice and Resolution

Appraisal of 9150 Grand Avenue can be accessed here:

9150 Grand Avenue Appraisal

Franklin Avenue Reconstruction Receives Grant from IDOT 

In June of 2018, the Village of Franklin Park received a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for $22,960,000 for the reconstruction of Franklin Avenue from Runge Street to Williams Drive and through to Belmont Avenue to Mannheim Road. The Village finished first in the state for the Competitive Freight Program. In addition to the funding received from IDOT, the Village has received commitments from the “Invest in Cook” grant, awarded by the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, for $340,000 and from the North Central Council of Mayors for $2,040,000 for the Phase I and II engineering.  In total, the project will cost approximately $31 million.

The proposed Franklin Avenue Reconstruction project will allow Franklin Avenue, Williams Street, and a portion of Belmont Avenue to meet the increased demands of the region’s growing industry.

New Pace Bus Shelters

In May of 2018, the Village of Franklin Park and Pace Suburban Bus Service entered into an agreement to install bus shelters throughout the Village. The shelters will be constructed, maintained and repaired by Pace. In total, there will be 18 new bus shelters installed along major routes that include Mannheim Road, Grand Avenue, and 25th/Rose Avenue. Village residents and visitors will now have the ability to wait for buses under a secure shelter and be covered from the elements.

Video of Ridge Development Ribbon Cutting

The Village of Franklin Park celebrated the completion of a new 178,516 square foot industrial speculative building by Ridge Development at the corner of Belmont, Elm, and River Road. Ridge Development had purchased the site at 9100 Belmont Avenue from multiple owners, including the Village. One of the parcels was formerly a brownfield, but was assessed under funding from the Cook County Brownfield Assessment project. The building is available for sale or lease. Watch the above video for an overview of the project, comments by Mayor Pedersen, and footage from the event.

Active Transportation Alliance Gives Bike Racks to Village

Active Transportation Alliance has provided three new bicycle racks for the Village of Franklin Park. Two of the racks were installed downtown on Franklin Avenue, and one was installed at East Leyden High School’s athletic complex on King Street. Previously, there was no bike parking at any of these locations. Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit advocacy organization that works to improve conditions for bicycling, walking and transit. The bike racks were funded through grant dollars that Active Transportation Alliance uses to help communities with their policy implementation.

Village Celebrates New 367,000 SF Industrial Speculative Development by Molto Properties

The Village of Franklin Park celebrated the construction of a new 367,000 SF industrial speculative development by Molto Properties with a ribbon-cutting in early November of 2016. The new building at 10501 Seymour Avenue will be followed by construction of a second 106,000 SF industrial speculative building on the same site. Molto founder and senior principal Todd Naccarato discussed the project with Crain’s in 2015: “We're seeing substantial increases in rents, because these kinds of buildings are in demand right now. What we're seeing is, now that we're coming out of a recession a number of businesses are growing and want to expand. There's demand for newer buildings.” Colliers International is currently seeking industrial users for the new space, which is located across the street from O’Hare Airport and less than a mile to I-294 and the I-90 interchange.

From left to right: Dan Abdo (Glazier Corporation), John Schneider (Director of Community Development and Zoning), Trustee Bill Ruhl, Mayor Barrett Pedersen, Trustee Cheryl McLean, Trustee John Johnson and Matt Baer (Chipotle).

Groundbreaking Held for Commercial Development on Grand and Mannheim

The Village of Franklin Park held a groundbreaking to celebrate the start of construction of Glazier Corporation’s retail development on the corner of Mannheim Road and Crown Road, just north of Grand Avenue, which is now underway. Glazier closed on the 42,000 SF vacant site in October to develop a 3-unit retail center fronting Mannheim Road. Chipotle and T-Mobile have already signed leases for the space. Glazier plans on working through the winter, weather permitting, and expects the development to be operational by summer of 2017. 

Local business owners and operators learn about available workforce programs and services from regional agencies at the 2016 Franklin Park Workforce Training Forum. 

Local Businesses Attend the 2016 Franklin Park Workforce Training Forum

Mayor Barrett F. Pedersen and the Village of Franklin Park held a Franklin Park Workforce Training Forum on July 14, 2016. This free event put business owners and operators in direct contact with workforce training agencies to help them address various challenges in workforce development and training. Participating workforce agencies included: The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), the Alliance for Industry and Manufacturing (AIM), the Illinois Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT), the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL), Triton College and the Franklin Park / Schiller Park / River Grove Chamber by O'Hare. You can read more about this successful event in a Chicago Tribune article. Visit the Franklin Park Workforce Training webpage for information on the workforce agencies the Village partners with.

Commissioner Peter Silvestri, Congressman Mike Quigley, Mayor Barrett Pedersen, Commissioner Sean Morrison and Northlake's Mayor Jeffrey Sherwin at the 2016 Annual Business Appreciation Luncheon.

2016 Annual Business Appreciation Luncheon

The Village of Franklin Park hosted its 2016 Annual Franklin Park Business Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, April 22 at Pescatore Palace. Representatives from businesses, organizations and government agencies were in attendance. The event's guest speaker, Congressman Mike Quigley, spoke on various economic development initiatives occurring at the Federal level and their significance for Franklin Park's business community. Speaking on behalf of one of Franklin Park’s newer companies, Angelo Lollino of Alamode Foods spoke on the benefits of locating his business in Franklin Park as the supplier of gelato and coffee products to all Mariano's store cafes. Elected officials and representatives from the State of Illinois, Cook County, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and various workforce training agencies were present to provide information and take questions and comments from local businesses.