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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZATION FOR COOK COUNTY’S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE GREATER CHICAGOLAND ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP (GCEP)
WHEREAS, in 2022 the elected officials of the seven counties of northeastern Illinois, the City of Chicago and corresponding economic development organizations (the Parties) agreed to partner and collaborate to advance economic development within the region; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Board approved Item 22-5730 authorizing the Chief of the Bureau of Economic Development, or his or her designee, to sign an agreement outlining the County’s annual financial contribution and the proposed scope of work to support a three-year pilot initiative; and
WHEREAS, in 2025 the Parties clearly recognized positive outcomes for the Chicago region resulting from the pilot program, all Parties agreed to a one-year extension to develop a sustainable model to carry to organization forward; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Board approved Item 25-3921 continue and support GCEP through 2026 with funds in the Bureau of Economic Development’s FY 2025 budget; and
WHEREAS, the Parties have agreed to leverage and build on the success of the pilot phase; and
WHEREAS, the Parties reaffirm their commitment to collaboratively advancing regional economic development by pursuing a unified approach to business development initiatives that promote inclusive growth, attract investment, strengthen systems and programs, and enhance Chicagoland’s global competitiveness; and
WHEREAS, to advance these objectives, the Parties will develop an Annual Workplan—approved by the GCEP Executive Committee—that outlines strategies to strengthen key economic sectors by retaining and expanding existing businesses, attracting new businesses, and showcasing the region’s economic development ecosystem in ways that promote inclusive and equitable growth; and
WHEREAS, the Annual Workplan will identify strategic priorities, membership engagement activities, program development,...
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