Illinois is rolling out the latest round of its Regional Site Readiness Program, offering $31.5 million to help communities and property owners transform unused land — such as brownfields and dormant industrial sites — into development-ready opportunities that can support future economic growth.
The initiative will provide funding for planning, engineering, environmental reviews, site grading, and upgrades to utilities, water systems, and roadway access — the groundwork necessary before construction can break ground. Improving these critical elements helps eliminate delays that often deter large-scale private investment.
This round of funding is part of a broader $500 million statewide strategy to expand the supply of industrial land suitable for manufacturing, logistics, data centers, and commercial expansion. By preparing sites in advance, Illinois hopes to reduce lengthy development timelines and position local communities to win major job-creating projects.
The program spans all 10 Illinois economic development regions, particularly areas with vacant industrial corridors, shuttered factories, and underutilized state-owned properties. State leaders say proactive site preparation ensures that Illinois remains competitive in a national market where shovel-ready land can determine investment decisions.
Industry supporters agree the initiative sends a strong message about business attraction.
“Investing in site readiness is one of the most effective ways to attract new employers and private investment,” said Abby Powell, director of business development for the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance. “Preparing sites that are truly development-ready creates the foundation for more projects, more jobs, and stronger economic growth across the state.”
Local governments, nonprofits, economic development groups, and private landowners can request:
1. Up to $150,000 — planning & feasibility
2. Up to $5 million — capital-ready infrastructure upgrades
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through March 31, 2026, or until funding runs out.
This funding builds on Illinois’ earlier site-readiness efforts and pairs with the state’s “Surplus to Success” initiative, which aims to reposition idle government-owned land for new commercial use.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will offer a technical assistance session on Nov. 3 for entities interested in applying and will provide access to application materials and guidance.
Economic analysts say Illinois is entering an intense competition cycle as manufacturers reshoring operations demand build-ready industrial sites with strong access to transportation networks and workforce hubs.
By targeting overlooked properties — particularly in former manufacturing communities — the program could help restore economic vitality and support workforce re-entry in regions hit hardest by industrial decline.
State officials note that transforming disused land into productive development zones also reduces environmental risks and helps municipalities expand their tax base without disrupting greenfield land.
Originally reported by BySpecial to Chicago Construction News in Chicago Construction News.
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