Business and Economic Development Committee Meeting - July 14, 2026
Business and Economic Development Committee Meeting - July 14, 2026
The Business and Economic Development Committee of Cook County met on July 14, 2026, at 6:00 PM. A quorum was present with Commissioners Laurie, Miller, Moore, Marita, Kevin Morrison, and Anaya in attendance; Commissioners Britton, Gainer, and Sean Morrison were absent. The meeting included public testimony from two speakers and approval of routine items.
Public Comments & Testimony
- George Blakemore expressed frustration over the lack of business and economic development in Black communities, stating that Chinatown, Jewish, and Latina communities have such development while Black communities do not. He criticized Black leadership and noted the absence of banks and businesses in Black neighborhoods.
- Dr. Sandy A. Norman (Life Beyond Limit Inc. / Chainbreakers VIP) testified on violence intervention and prevention. She described her work with young people who are active shooters or targets of violence. She emphasized the need for housing and job opportunities for at-risk youth, particularly relocation housing for those living in dangerous 'red zones.' She urged the committee to meet with her to address systemic issues.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Committee Minutes (Item 26-1958): The minutes from the June 9, 2026 meeting were approved by voice vote, moved by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Moore.
- Bundled Tax Incentive Resolutions: Four proposed resolutions for 6B property tax incentives were bundled and approved by voice vote:
- Item 26-1647: Proposed resolution for 1355 Green Leaf RTL C, in Elk Grove Village (15th district)
- Item 26-1648: Proposed resolution for CHP NCH Holding LLC, in Melrose Park (16th district)
- Item 26-1649: Proposed resolution for Framos Properties LLC, in Bridgeview (6th district)
- Item 26-1650: Proposed resolution for Routine 80 Realty LLC, in Melrose Park (16th district) The motion was moved by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Marita. No questions or discussion were raised.
Key Outcomes
- The committee approved the June 9, 2026 meeting minutes.
- The committee approved four 6B property tax incentive requests for developments in Elk Grove Village, Melrose Park, and Bridgeview.
- The meeting was adjourned after a motion by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Moore.
Meeting Transcript
Speakers. Okay. I'd like to call uh to order the business and economic development committee to order. Madam Secretary, can we please call the roll? Thank you, ma'am. Commissioner Britton is excused. I'm sorry, Commissioner Britton is absent. Thank you. Chair Gainer is excused. Commissioner Laurie. Present. Thank you, sir. Commissioner Miller. Is present. Thank you. Commissioner Moore is present. Thank you, sir. Commissioner Marita. Present. Thank you, ma'am. Commissioner Kevin Morrison. Thank you. And Commissioner Sean Morrison is excused. And Madam Chair Anaya is present. Present. Ma'am, let me revisit those that did not respond. You have an absence for Commissioner Britton and absence for Chair Gainer as well as Sean Morrison. There is a quorum. Thank you. We will begin with uh public speakers. Thank you. We have two speakers. George Blakemore and Dr. Sandy Norman. Is she present? If not, Mr. Blake Moore, please come to the mic and be reminded of our speaking rules. You may begin. What committee? This is an economic development. And you can see everybody getting up leaving. Is it something wrong with me? Uh look at here. Business and economics. And the commissioners have left. It's only two commission that that's present. Well, Mr. Blake Moore, they don't want to hear you. It's three. Why?
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