The vision for the Economic Development Department is to be an attractive and economically viable place for residents to live, work and play. The Village of University Park will be a community of all income levels with an expanding and diverse employment base. Open communication between local government and business will create a business-friendly environment that will work to benefit local business and community residents alike.

Our Goal: To develop an economic development program that will generate economic growth and stability for the entire region. New business establishment, international business attraction, and community relationships with these companies will generate job opportunities for University Park residents as well as the greater Southland community.

Priority Initiatives:
*Aggressively market University Park through a multimedia campaign and promote the village and the greater region as a vibrant place to work, live, and visit.

*Continue efforts to ensure that the Abraham Lincoln Airport at University Park becomes a reality, and continued efforts through public relations to educate and inform regional residents of the economic opportunities that such a project will create for everyone.

*Maintain the village’s charm by continuing to work with local developers to build up-scale housing that will only add to the aesthetic beauty of our neighborhoods, while providing activities for all residents, involve residents in making that town attractive and safe and continue to improve on our public education system.

*Become a business-friendly community with the establishment of a local Chamber of Commerce to support existing businesses, provide technical support to small business owners as well as become a liaison between these businesses and the local work force.

*Enhance the Towne Center Plaza to reestablish the facility as a vital economic center that will attract retail and service businesses, pedestrian activity, and community interaction.

Services
Community Information
The Economic Development Department provides data on sites and properties, current and future development projects, and TIF districts. The department is responsible for facilitating economic development programs, creating mutually beneficial partnerships with existing businesses and bringing new business to the area.

Financial Incentives
The Goal of the University Park Department of Economic Development is:
To develop an economic development program that will generate economic growth and stability for the entire region. New business establishment, international business attraction, and community relationships with these companies will generate job opportunities for University Park residents as well as the greater Southland community.

Proposals for projects resulting in the achievement of more than one of the above-stated goals shall receive priority consideration.
Available Financial Incentives

• Tax Increment Financing Districts
• Infrastructure Improvements
• DCEO Programs
• MACC (Matteson Are Chamber of Commerce)

University Park Chamber of Commerce
The UP Chamber of Commerce meets (TBA) at (TBA)

Volunteer for the UP Chamber of Commerce TBA, Chairman of the Board Chamber Liaison: TBA



For Zoning questions see Code Enforcement Department, Supervisor, Deborah Stroud Email - debstroud@university-park-il.com
or Call (708) 235-4818.