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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
PUERTO RICO TOWN CULTURAL DISTRICT RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF “PUERTO RICO TOWN” AND OTHER STATE-DESIGNATED CULTURAL DISTRICTS IN COOK COUNTY AND ADVOCATING FOR THE ALLOCATION OF COUNTY RESOURCES TOWARD CULTURAL PRESERVATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
WHEREAS, Cook County is home to a wide range of communities whose distinct cultural identities contribute to the social, artistic, and economic vitality of the region; and
WHEREAS, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC), in collaboration with local residents, organizations, and elected leaders, has worked for decades to preserve the Puerto Rican cultural legacy in Humboldt Park and uplift community voice through cultural preservation, health equity, and economic empowerment; and
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois has officially recognized “Puerto Rico Town” in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago as one of ten inaugural State-Designated Cultural Districts, affirming the area’s historic and cultural significance and making it eligible for targeted investment; and
WHEREAS, the proposed “Puerto Rico Town” district stretches along Division Street-also known as Paseo Boricua-encompassing the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture and other landmarks vital to Chicago’s Puerto Rican community; and
WHEREAS, the goals of the Puerto Rico Town designation include promoting small business development, preserving affordable housing, fostering entrepreneurship, attracting cultural tourism, and safeguarding the area against displacement due to gentrification; and
WHEREAS, State-Designated Cultural Districts, including Puerto Rico Town, represent an opportunity for equitable economic development and can serve as vehicles for place-based investment, public-private partnerships, and the preservation of Cook County’s diverse cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, the County has an opportunity to support these districts through the allocation of discretionary funds, grant support, or technical assistance to help implement community-driven priorities such as arts programming, youth workforce initiatives, cultural events, and preservation of historic spaces; and
WHEREAS, this resolution aligns with the County’s commitment to racial equity, neighborhood investment, and the empowerment of Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, that the Board formally recognizes Puerto Rico Town as a cultural and economic asset in Cook County and celebrates its designation as a State-Designated Cultural District; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes the efforts of the PRCC and similar community-based institutions to lead development that is rooted in culture, equity, and community ownership; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the Puerto Rican Cultural Center and shared with the State of Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to demonstrate Cook County’s recognition of Cultural Districts.
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