CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced an additional $30 million in funding for the Regional Site Preparation Program, bringing the total to $60 million in this round.
This additional investment will enable more regions of the state to attract industrial economic development. The program also includes an additional $1.5 million in planning grants to support assessment activities, studies, and development plans, creating more project-ready sites that are attractive to investment.
“Site preparation is a crucial step in redevelopment that creates jobs for Illinois workers and breathes new life into communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By expanding the number of development-ready properties, we are laying the foundation for long-term economic growth, revitalization, and new opportunities across the state.”
“The indicators already show that Illinois is one of the best states in the country for doing business, and with these investments, we are building on that success,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “By continuing to invest in our communities, we ensure that residents are ready for growth and that the benefits of new industries reach everyone.”
Governor Pritzker and the DCEO also announced the first round of grants from the Capital Ready Regional Site Readiness Program, totaling $25.9 million to support the readiness of seven sites across Illinois. These recipients will develop projects to better prepare the land and attract future investment and new job opportunities in the state’s economic development regions. In addition, a $120,000 planning grant was awarded to the city of McHenry to conduct environmental studies on 235 acres designated for industrial development.
This investment is part of Governor Pritzker’s $500 million fiscal year 2026 initiative, considered the largest in state history to prepare land for business development. It includes $200 million for the Site Ready Illinois and Regional Site Readiness programs, as well as $300 million for the Surplus to Success program, which focuses on repurposing idle state properties for private development.
“The Regional Site Preparation Program is another step in Illinois’ progress toward attracting investment and demonstrating its commitment to growth,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “This funding will boost the economy, create jobs, and revitalize communities across the state.”
The program’s beneficiaries were selected through a competitive process open to local governments, economic development organizations, non-profit entities, and private property owners. Planning grants can reach up to $150,000, while Capital Ready grants can reach up to $5 million. Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2026.
“It’s encouraging to see the great interest this program has generated, to the point that the state has added an additional $30 million,” said Senator David Koehler. “Communities are already benefiting and should take advantage of this opportunity.”
Representative Sharon Chung emphasized that these grants are key to paving the way for industrial development and generating economic opportunities in different regions of the state.
Finally, Christy George, president and CEO of the Illinois Economic Development Council, emphasized that the program facilitates and accelerates the site selection process for businesses, while positioning communities for long-term growth.
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