Southland Development Authority Secures $100,000 Impact Grant from Nicor Illinois Community Investment

The Southland Development Authority (SDA) has recently been awarded a $100,000 Impact Grant by Nicor Illinois Community Investment (NICI), marking a significant milestone in the organization's efforts to foster economic growth in the Southland region. This grant, announced during a check-signing ceremony in University Park, is part of NICI's initiative to support nonprofits that are making a tangible difference in areas such as economic mobility, small business development, and infrastructure.

Bo Kemp, CEO of the SDA, expressed gratitude for the grant, highlighting its potential to advance the organization's mission of providing financial resources to businesses that are pivotal to the community's progress. Tovah McCord, Executive Director of NICI, emphasized the importance of investing in organizations like the SDA that are committed to creating measurable impact and fostering economic opportunities.

The grant is set to play a crucial role in the development of the SDA's Monarch Fund, a financing vehicle aimed at stimulating business growth and preparing development-ready land across the Southland. With 260 acres currently under contract, the Monarch Fund is designed to mirror the success of projects such as the CNI Pullman redevelopment, tailored to meet the unique needs of the Southland's communities and assets.

Collaboration between the SDA and Nicor Gas, NICI's parent company, was also highlighted during the event, underscoring a shared commitment to accelerating business and infrastructure growth in the region. The ceremony saw the participation of notable figures including State Representative Will Davis, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, and University Park Mayor Joseph E. Roudez III, reflecting broad support for the SDA's vision.

Further discussions at the event touched on Governors State University's plans for expansion, including student housing and campus growth, aligning with the SDA's efforts to enhance the livability and economic vitality of the Southland. This grant not only signifies a vote of confidence in the SDA's work but also sets the stage for transformative development projects that promise to benefit the entire region.