A DECADE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT By JAY HEDGES, Director Department of Commerce & Community Affairs

Ten years ago, Illinois faced an important challenge. The Midwest was under attack. We were referred to as the "Rust Belt", a region dotted with outdated factories and aging infrastructure. Other states and nations were eagerly courting our employers, but Illinois' efforts to counterattack were hampered by fragmentation — three separate governmental agencies involved in differing aspects of economic development made it difficult for employers to access information quickly.

Governor James R. Thompson recognized the importance of uniting these agencies. Unification would eliminate duplication of resources while maximizing the resources of the three agencies to answer the needs of our State. On November 1,1979, the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs became a reality through the combining of three separate state agencies.

The Department of Business and Economic Development brought industrial development, research, export development, tourism and other important services to the new agency. The Department of Local Government Affairs contributed regional planning, housing and buildings, and community services to the new agency. The third agency, the Governor's Office of Manpower and Human Development, brought employment and training programs, as well as consumer assistance programs and programs that helped low-income citizens.

Ten years later, an examination of the progress and accomplishments we have made confirms that Governor Thompson's decision to make the merger was a necessary and wise decision.

During this time, the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs has compiled an impressive record of achievement — assisting companies and communities in locating more than 2,500 facilities, expansions, and retentions — efforts that have helped bring about the creation or retention of more than 270,000 jobs and investment of more than $7 billion.

It is true that the first steps taken by this Department, like any infant, were cautious and perhaps unsure. Each small step forward which brought recognizably desired results was ultimately to grow into large strides in the retention and establishment of business, commerce, and jobs, and the improvement of community facilities, infrastructure, and services.

During the single fiscal year 1988, we contributed to the creation of 54,182 jobs through our assistance to businesses and industries in Illinois. We also provided assistance to 1.7 million low-income citizens and helped train nearly 150,000 persons so that they could be gainfully employed.

A substantial part of our efforts are directly targeted to help in the formation of small businesses through the provision of technological, managerial, and financial assistance. The Build Illinois Program has played an important part in this process through grants and loans.

More recently. Governor Thompson has designated "Corridors of Opportunity" throughout the State. This program consists of 22 corridor councils whose knowledge and expertise enables them to identify and de-

The Board of Directors, Members and Staff of the Illinois Municipal League wish Jay Hedges success in his new endeavor. Particularly we want to thank Jay for his cooperation and assistance in improving the economy and quality of life of the municipalities in Illinois. Editor

November 1989 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 25

scribe each potential market area for economic development.

We have sought the investment of foreign capital in Illinois and we are experiencing the export of Illinois-made products into the very country from which the capital was invested.

We have established additional foreign trade offices to encourage and assist foreign countries in importing products made in Illinois. Illinois is one of the largest exporters in the nation and we are striving to increase that important economic market.

Our promotion of tourism has substantially increased the inflow of tourist's dollars into Illinois.

However, economic development, in itself, does not guarantee a social panacea. The ultimate desire is a high, profitable employment and well-managed local governments capable of providing services, infrastructure, and public facilities at the highest level of efficiency.

Our Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) makes grants for housing rehabilitation, public facilities such as sewer, sewage treatment systems and water distribution systems, directed for the benefit of low to moderate — income persons. Also, economic development funds are available through low interest loans to businesses for the purpose of retaining and creating jobs.

Our Rental Rehabilitation program is directed at improving the housing facilities of the lower to moderate income individuals.

We administer the Emergency Shelter Grants Program and the Emergency Community Services Homeless Grant Program to assist the homeless. The Residential Energy Assistance Partnership Program is designed to ensure that as many low-income households as possible have access to affordable winter energy services.

Forty municipalities, large and small, have completed the rigorous task to meet standards that certifies them ready and capable for economic development. Each have been designated by the State of Illinois as a Certified City.

Each year, hundreds of volunteer projects are undertaken throughout the State which provide facilities and services for economic development, senior citizens, youth involvement and other activities beneficial to the community. Communities are publicly recognized and honored for outstanding volunteer achievements as recipients of the Governor's Home Town Awards Program.

We provide technical, informational, and educational assistance to local governments so they are better prepared to fulfill the purposes for which they exist.

Of course, there are many other functions and activities which are included in the overall operation of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.

It is personally gratifying to know that we, as a department and as a State, have been very successful with these programs. We believe that our efforts have made a difference in attaining the objective to make possible the opportunity for all of our citizens to enjoy a fuller and richer life.

Although I am leaving this Department to pursue another venture in the private sector, I feel a deep sense of respect and gratitude to Governor Thompson and the employees of this Department for the opportunity to have shared in the efforts to make Illinois a better place in which to live, work, and do business.

I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the Illinois Municipal League and to municipal officials for their superb support and cooperation which helped to make possible the successes we have enjoyed.

By concentrating on the improvement of our existing programs and the development and implementation of new programs to meet the challenges of the social, technological, and economic changes that will surely happen, I believe it can make a tremendous impact in Illinois during the 1990's for the benefit of generations yet to come.

Page 26 / Illinois Municipal Review / November 1989