Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker confirmed his administration is evaluating proposed legislation that could provide significant tax incentives for the Chicago Bears’ planned stadium project in Arlington Heights. The bill is considered essential for the team’s move to the former Arlington Park International Racecourse site.
Speaking on Monday, Pritzker stated his team is weighing the costs and benefits of the bill for Illinois taxpayers. “We’re going to evaluate what the costs are for the people of Illinois to do this, [and] the benefits that come from attracting businesses as a result,” he said.
The legislation centers on a “payment in lieu of taxes” (PILOT) program. This would allow the Bears to negotiate a fixed annual payment with local officials instead of paying standard property taxes, potentially locking in the rate for up to 40 years. Another program could let the team utilize expanded sales tax revenue generated by the new development.
Pritzker emphasized that the bill is not exclusive to the Bears. “It applies to much more than just the Chicago Bears,” he noted, suggesting its potential benefits for other businesses are a key reason for his consideration.
While Pritzker expressed a personal preference for the team to remain in Chicago, he acknowledged their status as a private business free to choose its location. However, he reiterated his opposition to using public funds for the stadium’s construction. “I do not think that the taxpayers of the state of Illinois should be propping up what now is an eight and a half billion dollar valued business,” he said, though he did not rule out state investment in infrastructure improvements, such as roads, around the site.
Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren has called the PILOT legislation a necessity, stating the team cannot move forward with the stadium project without it. He and Chairman George McCaskey have affirmed that the team’s “sole focus” is on building a new, fixed-roof stadium in Arlington Heights.
Warren confirmed that weekly meetings are ongoing with village officials, with a goal of breaking ground by the end of 2025. “We are still extremely focused on Arlington Heights, on building our stadium there,” he said. “That’s the plan.”
Despite the Bears’ clear intentions, a spokesperson for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has stated that “the door remains open in the city of Chicago” for the team.
Source link
