This month’s CDFA // BNY Mellon Development Finance Webcast Series featuring John Piemonte from Ehlers, Inc. and Nick Samuels from Moody's includes an outlook for credit ratings and takes a look at the bond market for the upcoming year.

Rich Frampton from Illinois Finance Authority provides insight into the use of US DOT private activity bonds for surface freight transfer facilities.

As part of the Brownfields Technical Assistance Program, this report from CDFA staff and technical advisors provides redevelopment recommendations for the 74th & Ashland brownfield site located in Englewood, Illinois.

Steve Eikenberry (First American Bank), Jamie Rachlin (RBC Capital Markets), and Jimmy Shanahan (Shanahan & Shanahan LLP) explore trends in bond financing throughout the state.

Ranadip Bose (SB Friedman Development Advisors) discusses creative financing strategies at the local level, specifically the concept of Value Capture as a tool for transportation finance.

Herb Klein (Jacob & Klein LTD) discusses creative financing strategies at the local level, specifically combining a number of incentives. Peoria Heights, IL is explored as a case study.

Melanie Shaker (Sycamore Advisors, LLC) discusses creative financing strategies at the local level, specifically exploring diversity in revenue sources, and how to make a strong rating agency case.

Jennifer Tammen (Ehlers, Inc) and Christina Burns (Village of Oswego) discuss how the level and structure of development impact fees can often determine the feasibility of a project from both financial and market perspectives. A case study involving...

John Sassaris (MB Financial) outlines how the Illinois economy is fairing and explores what economic development trends economists, bankers, and other professionals are experiencing throughout the state.

Jim Snyder (Ice Miller LLP), Bob Schillerstrom (Ice Miller LLP), Jim Keene (Keene and Associates, Ltd), and Aaron Fundich (Robinson Engineering, Ltd) explore water infrastructure projects that could be transformational for Illinois and various...

The Urban Land Institute provides a series of case studies that illustrate how communities have used P3s and other financing mechanisms to improve the appearance and functionality of their infrastructure.

Benefit Chicago is a new collaboration that aims to mobilize $100 million in impact investments for nonprofits and social enterprises working throughout the Chicago region

Researchers in coordination with the MacArthur Foundation explain the need for impact capital in the Chicago region, and in what areas the capital would be most useful.

A brief description of each of the loans that have been made by Living Cities' Catalyst Fund.

Arabella Advisors have compiled a brief that describes examples of impact investing in Chicago. The sectors involved include the environment, education and community development.

In order to create a comprehensive picture of the economic development landscape, C2ER reviewed data from a range of state statutes, reports, and websites. The numbers contained in this report are CREC and C2ER’s best estimate of the dollars spent...

State Rural Development Councils (SRDCs) are organizations representing all levels of government, community, regional nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. The SRDCs can implement best practices, obtain technical assistance, determine...

Cook County Clerk David Orr’s office conducted a first-ever analysis of Chicago TIFs expected to expire between 2015 and 2024. The review revealed 71 TIFs would reach their 23-year lifespan in the next decade.

John Sassaris of MB Financial Bank provides an overview of the current trends regarding economic development within Illinois.

Geoff Dickinson, Sr. Project Manager at SB Friedman Development Advisors, provides two case studies highlighting the site, market, and financing challenges associated with infill projects.

Claire Tramm, Energy Director for the Chicago Infrastructure Trust, discusses the financing structure and process of several energy programs being used in Illinois.

Mike Weber, Director PGAV Planners, provides an in-depth look at a redevelopment project that was authorized a TIF term extension.

Mark Morehouse of William Blair & Company describes what's required to ensure a P3 project is successful.

Dana Lieberman, Managing Director of Lending at IFF, provides several case studies highlighting food system and community development financing taking place in communities across Illinois.

Bryan Kern, accompanied by a panel of experts, outlines the current state of debt and capital markets, as well as opportunities for financing.

Karl Marschel of Bryan Cave provides a detailed overview of best practices for public-private partnerships.

Penny Hexdall of the USDA describes the comprehensive approach taken by the USDA in financing the local food supply chain.

Barbara Popovic of CAN TV, one of the nation's most effective public access television organizations, introduces their new facility in the Illinois Medical District and the organization's expected impact on the community.

MB Financial published this article explaining how Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs), also known as Industrial Development Bonds, can be an effective economic development tool.

As part of its regional comprehensive plan, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) introduced a plan to catalyze economic innovation throughout the region through the year 2040.

As a part of the USDA's commitment to strengthening rural economies, a state-by-state "Made in Rural America" report has been released for each state. Each state's factsheet highlights specific USDA investments in rural businesses, manufacturing,...

These Guidelines are provided by the Governor’s Office to assist issuers in understanding how the Volume Cap allocation formula will be administered for 2015.

The various targeted financing solutions to revitalize rural infrastructure and energy systems is explained in this webcast by Gary Bojes, Ph.D. of USDA, Bennett Johnson III of Ocean's Energy, Andrew Jacob with CoBank, and Christopher Sheehan of...

The various targeted financing solutions to revitalize rural infrastructure and energy systems is explained in this webcast by Gary Bojes, Ph.D. of USDA, Bennett Johnson III of Ocean's Energy, Andrew Jacob with CoBank, and Christopher Sheehan of...

With the deadline to self-report quickly approaching SEC’s MCDC Initiative, Katten Law Firm set forth a number of items that obligors and underwriters should consider as they prepare to go through the MCDC process.

This document is by the USDA Rural Development and is a monthly document about cooperatives. The document recognizes the important role that cooperatives play in strengthening the economy, providing greater economic opportunity, and creating member...

This ACEEE report tracks the progress of the 26 states with energy efficiency resources standard (EERS) policies in place as of January 2014 to determine whether they are meeting their annual saving targets.

In the report, the Dept. of the Treasury Office of Inspector General found that Illinois used most of their SSBCI funds appropriately, but did participate in a loan that was used to purchase the stock of a company representing its entire ownership...

This factsheet from the U.S. Economic Development Administration outlines the partner organizations involved in the Chicago metro region Manufacturing Community, including their vision and strategies to strengthen their competitive edge for...

This economic development plan, created by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, lays out a clear vision to enable Illinois to continue to be a force in the global economy by driving broad-based growth for all businesses,...

The Department of Housing and Economic Development summarizes TIF investment policies and guidelines for private development projects. Also included is information on long-term monitoring of TIF projects as well as policies governing TIF...

Charles Bartsch and Barbara Wells draw lessons from case studies for financing brownfield redevelopment projects in small towns and rural areas.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation published an article by Evans Paull that explores tax incentives for brownfields redevelopment and how these incentives can be paired with rehabilitation projects.

For this webinar on a new clean energy bond finance model, CE+BFI examines Qualified 501(c)(3) bonds as a mechanism for communities with 501(c)(3) organizations seeking to undertake significant clean energy projects

Jim Snyder with Ice Miller presents on infrastructure finance in Illinois, and how the demand for projects - both rural and urban - can be met with creative financing packages.

Bryan Zises with Illinois Housing Development Authority presents on a variety of programs for creating affordable housing, reducing blight, fighting foreclosure and increasing homeownership.

Robert Winner with Seyfarth Shaw gives an introduction into the state of manufacturing in Illinois, citing facts about the competitive advantage of the region.

Dennis Vicchiarelli with World Business Chicago shares insight into the momentum behind manufacturing and industry in Chicago and how the city can continue to maintain its competitive advantage.

Karl Marschel with Bryan Cave shares his experience with Indiana's TIF law and standard practice, including necessary steps to enacting a TIF, what can be funded, and other considerations.

Tony Smith with S.B. Friedman provides an in-depth look at how New Markets Tax Credits are used, evaluated, leveraged and structured to impact community development in Illinois.