New Community Development Support Unit Helps Local Governments By JAN M. GRAYSON, Director Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs

Local government officials in Illinois will find it easier to access the technical assistance available through the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA), thanks to changes made as part of the Department's recent reorganization.

The new Community Development Support Unit, located within the new Bureau of Community Development, is designed to provide regionally-based technical assistance to local government officials, maintain regular contact with local governments, and promote awareness of programs and services available through DCCA, other state agencies and the federal government. In addition, staff of this unit will, when requested, act as liaisons between local officials and federal and state agencies, identifying and addressing the informational needs of local officials.

DCCA's new mission statement emphasizes the Department's role in providing leadership in the coordination and integration of resources to foster development. The new Community Development Support Unit underlines the importance of local governments as the foundation upon which community development efforts are built.

One of the main goals of the new Community Support Unit will be to help local governments build capacity and identify resources that support community growth. Unit staff will work to help local governments access the many DCCA programs designed to assist local community development, including the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP), the Tax Increment Financing Program (TIF) and the technical programs offered by DCCA's Office of Local Government Management Services.

Unit staff already have begun to meet with representatives of Illinois' utility companies, community colleges, regional planning commissions, counties, townships, cities, villages and other organizations vital to the community development effort. Once local needs are identified, we are working to facilitate solutions. For example, village officials in Coffeen determined that an old cement water tower should be destroyed and improvements are needed to the water tower currently in use. DCCA staff identified CDAP and the Illinois Rural Bond Bank as potential funding sources and presented information to Coffeen officials on ways to pursue this funding. In another case, DCCA staff are working with Wenona officials to address a water supply problem that affects approximately 25 households in the community. Staff have outlined the Illinois Rural Bond Bank, CDAP and the federal Farmers Home Administration as possible funding sources to address the issue.

The Community Development Support Unit will also take a lead role in rural development issues. Unit staff will administer the AGRICOMP program, a computerized business and financial education program for Illinois farmers, administered through Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield and offered through John Wood Community College, Parkland Community College and Rend Lake Community College. Staff also will work closely with DCCA's Business Development Bureau to ensure cooperation on regional economic development issues.

Community Development Support Unit staff will be based in DCCA's Chicago, Springfield and Marion offices. For further information, contact 312/814-2319, 217/785-6145 or 618/997-4371, ext. 328. •

Page 18 / Illinois Municipal Review / January 1992