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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 assi...
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