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Illinois Employers Required to Provide Public Transit Benefits in 2024

The Transportation Benefits Program Act, enacted on July 28, 2023, makes Illinois one of a handful of U.S. jurisdictions to mandate employee transportation benefits, along with the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Seattle, New York City, and New Jersey.

Illinois’s Transportation Benefits Program Act applies to employers that: (1) are located in one of thirty-eight specific counties and townships in Illinois, and (2) employ fifty or more full-time employees in one of the specified geographic areas at an address that is located within one mile of a fixed-route transit service run by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). The RTA oversees transit systems in the six-county Chicago area.

The act applies to employers in the following locations: Cook County, Warren Township in Lake County, Grant Township in Lake County, Frankfort Township in Will County, Wheatland Township in Will County, Addison Township, Bloomingdale Township, York Township, Milton Township, Winfield Township, Downers Grove Township, Lisle Township, Naperville Township, Dundee Township, Elgin Township, St. Charles Township, Geneva Township, Batavia Township, Aurora Township, Zion Township, Benton Township, Waukegan Township, Avon Township, Libertyville Township, Shields Township, Vernon Township, West Deerfield Township, Deerfield Township, McHenry Township, Nunda Township, Algonquin Township, DuPage Township, Homer Township, Lockport Township, Plainfield Township, New Lenox Township, Joliet Township, and Troy Township.

The act requires covered employers to provide a commuter benefit to all full-time employees, beginning on with the first full pay period after 120 days of employment. “Full-time” means working at least thirty-five hours per week and receiving compensation on a full-time basis. The benefit must allow employees to elect pre-tax salary reductions to be used to reimburse transit pass expenses. The act defines “transit pass” to include tokens, fare cards, and vouchers entitling a person to transportation on a public transportation system within the jurisdiction of the RTA or the Chicago Transit Authority. Employers are not required by the law to make any contributions to employees for commuter benefits, but they are allowed to do so under federal tax laws.

The transit benefit must satisfy the federal requirements and limitations for qualified transportation fringe benefits contained in Internal Revenue Code Section 132(f). This includes the monthly maximum election amount, which is subject to annual cost-of-living adjustments. The maximum amount per month in 2023 is $300. The Internal Revenue Service has not yet published the monthly maximum amount for 2024. This maximum amount applies whether transportation benefits are funded by employee salary reductions, employer contributions, or a combination of both. Federal law also allows employers to provide reimbursement benefits for vanpooling, parking, and bicycle commuting expenses, though this is not required under the Transportation Benefits Program Act.

Illinois Back to Business New Business (B2B NewBiz) Grant Program

Illinois B2B NewBiz will provide financial relief to businesses that started during the pandemic in the industries most impacted by the pandemic. Businesses that started during the pandemic have not been eligible for state grants and most federal emergency support provided for emergency relief to small businesses thus far.

To learn more and apply, visit the official site here: b2bnewbiz.com.

Attend a Webinar

Lendistry and this Program’s community-based partners will host a series of webinar sessions where they will walk you through the guidelines and do a live demo of the application process!

The following topics will be discussed:

  • Eligibility requirements and required documentation.
  • How to navigate Lendistry’s Portal.
  • How to successfully complete and submit an application.

Find a webinar that best fits your schedule and register at b2bnewbiz.com/webinars. Instructions on how to sign into the webinar will be emailed to you.

DCEO issues Tourism Grants

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has issued the following Notices of Funding Opportunity:

Tourism Private Sector Grant (Events and Festivals)

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity to provide grants for the purpose of attracting, hosting and developing new events and festivals in Illinois or enhancing existing festivals and events. Grantees must be able to match grant award dollar-for dollar; however, up to 25% of the required match may be substituted with in-kind contributions. Costs associated with hosting existing or repeat events and festivals will not be eligible unless documentation can be provided that the event was secured in direct competition with other states or significant enhancements will be made to the event or festival to increase the attendance from travel outside 50 miles.

Applications are due December 4, 2023. Click here to view the NOFO and application documents.

Tourism Attractions Grant

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity to provide grants to assist in the development or improvement of tourism attractions that increase the economic impact of tourism throughout the State. Grantees must be able to match grant dollars as described in the NOFO.

Applications are due December 18, 2023. Click here to view the NOFO and application documents.

Funding Opportunity for Businesses to Install Public EV Charging Station

Through its Driving a Cleaner Illinois program, the Illinois EPA announced the Driving a Cleaner Illinois – Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) EV Charging Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the purchase and installation of new Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) light-duty electric vehicle charging stations at publicly accessible locations.

This $27 million opportunity is being made available through Governor Pritzker’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan for electric vehicle projects authorized under CEJA. The NOFO and related documents have been posted to the Illinois EPA website.

Applications must be submitted to EPA.EVCharging@Illinois.gov by 5:00 pm CT on December 22, 2023.


Driving a Cleaner Illinois is the Illinois EPA’s grant program developed to distribute funding for various types of mobile source electrification projects. The Driving a Cleaner Illinois Program implements funding from a variety of sources, including the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Program, and Federal Highway Administration’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program.

When a Driving a Cleaner Illinois Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is available for applicants, it is posted to this page in addition to Illinois’ Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) website. Each NOFO will include the funding source and amounts, applicant and vehicle/equipment eligibility, and specific information on how and when to apply. 

ComEd

ComEd Named Most Reliable Electric Utility in America

In recognition of ComEd’s successful efforts to provide industry- and nation-leading reliability for the more than 9 million people it serves in northern Illinois, PA Consulting, a consultancy that’s bringing ingenuity to life, yesterday awarded the electric company the 2023 ReliabilityOne® Outstanding System Reliability Award, as well as the 2023 ReliabilityOne® Award for Outstanding Reliability Performance in the Midwest Region.

“It wasn’t that long ago that most ComEd customers expected power outages and considered them commonplace,” said ComEd CEO Gil Quiniones. “Over the last decade, however, our investments in grid modernization have resulted in significantly fewer and shorter outages, allowing our customers to benefit from nation-leading reliability. This award is a testament to those smart grid investments, and it’s a credit to the 6,300-plus employees who work around the clock to deliver reliable, resilient power to families and businesses across northern Illinois.”

All utilities operating electric delivery networks in North America are eligible for consideration for the ReliabilityOne® award. PA Consulting selects eight metropolitan service regional awards including Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Plains, Mountains, West, Southeast, and Southwest. The ReliabilityOne® National Reliability Award is given to the regional award recipient that has demonstrated sustained leadership, innovation and achievement in the area of electric reliability.

“In the face of increased extreme weather and natural disasters, Illinoisans deserve reliable, uninterrupted service to keep the lights on at home or at work—and that’s exactly what ComEd provides,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Being recognized as the most reliable utility company in America is a well-deserved honor and we are thankful for their continued dedication to the 9 million Illinoisans they serve.”

Investments in the power grid continued to pay reliability dividends for ComEd customers as the electric company delivered record reliability in 2022. Since smart grid investments began, overall reliability has improved more than 80 percent. In that time, ComEd has avoided more than 19 million power outages for customers, saving more than $3.3 billion in outage-related costs. In 2022, 85 percent, or nearly 3.5 million ComEd customers, experienced zero or one interruption in service.

In addition to the reliability awards, ComEd President and COO Terence R. Donnelly will be receiving the Outstanding Contributor to Reliability award. Donnelly has been COO throughout the grid modernization work at ComEd and has led efforts to improve reliability for ComEd customers.

“The complete turnaround of ComEd’s reliability over the past decade and a half has been nothing short of astonishing,” said Donnelly. “Thanks to our prudent investments in grid modernization powered by the most talented employees in the business, outages are the exception, not the expectation. But our work to create a more reliable, resilient power grid is not done, and I look forward to the many customer benefits that will spring from our planned investments and implementation of advanced technologies that will ensure our grid can power a cleaner, more electrified future.”

As extreme weather events, electrification and other ComEd customer needs increase, the need to invest in reliable infrastructure grows. ComEd filed multiyear grid and rate plans that outline grid work required to support the expansion of renewables such as solar and wind power and beneficial electrification for ComEd customers while maintaining and improving the system to continue the level of reliability customers have come to expect. The plans support the goals of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) that Illinois enacted in 2021, including ensuring that under-resourced communities benefit from the clean energy transition.

“Grid sustainability continues to be a major issue that the industry must take more seriously,” said Gregg Edeson and Derek HasBrouck, PA Consulting’s ReliabilityOne® Co-Program Directors. “This year we are celebrating utilities who are providing high levels of reliability and resilience while integrating clean energy assets and greater clean resource diversity into their operations. Congrats to ComEd for their clean energy efforts.”

“We extend our congratulations to ComEd for its recognition in exceptional reliability performance and pioneering grid modernization initiatives,” said Michael Fassnacht, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “This accomplishment is a testament to the diligent efforts of ComEd’s leadership and workforce, who have made substantial advancements in providing reliable electricity to millions across northern Illinois, a crucial factor in our region’s continued drive for sustainable growth.”

“Power reliability is vital to companies making location decisions, and ComEd’s ability to provide clean, reliable power is essential in bringing economic growth and jobs to Illinois,” said Intersect Illinois CEO Dan Seals. “We commend ComEd on its commitment to grid modernization and reliability, which contributes to Illinois’ position as an attractive place to do business.”

The ReliabilityOne® award is given annually to utilities that have excelled in delivering reliable electric service to their customers. All utilities operating electric delivery networks in North America are eligible for consideration for the ReliabilityOne® award. Selection of provisional recipients is based primarily on system reliability statistics that measure the frequency and duration of customer outages. After provisional recipients are selected, each company undergoes a certification process, which provides an independent review and confirmation of the policies, processes and systems used to collect, analyse, and report a company’s reliability results. This year’s National Award winner was identified for the 23rd Annual ReliabilityOne Awards Program based on its record-setting reliability and innovation in bringing clean energy solutions to customers.

After provisional recipients are selected, each company undergoes a certification process, which provides an independent review and confirmation of the policies, processes and systems used to collect, analyse and report a company’s reliability results.

A Much-Deserved Toast to Our Members

By Greg Bedalov, President & CEO

If you’re like me, you’re already in a 2024 mindset. We are, after all, economic development people; it’s in our nature to contemplate the future and plan for it as best we can. At the same time, it’s healthy to look back, think about what worked and what didn’t, and, when the time comes, toast our successes.

I want to take a moment to celebrate what I believe was genuinely one of the all-time best years for both Choose DuPage and the entire Chicagoland region.

In 2022, we were still navigating the economic aftershocks of the pandemic. In 2023, it feels like we’ve finally slipped out from under its shadow and made great strides forward. Maybe it was the pent-up energy of the last few years, or the optimism at finally putting the worst of COVID behind us – but the last year has been a rush of creativity and collaborative progress.

In 2022, we walked. In 2023, we leaped.

One of the biggest leaps forward was, of course, GCEP. In January 2023, DuPage joined six fellow counties, along with Chicago, to form the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership. It’s been less than a year, but already this regional economic collaboration has made a profound impact on Chicagoland—and we’re just getting started.

In 2023 alone, GCEP provided resources and assistance that influenced a UK PR firm (Polaris PR) to open their first-ever U.S. headquarters in Lake Forest, a Japanese robotics company (Rapyuta Robotics) to establish its North American Headquarters in Schaumburg, and a major food company (UPSIDE Foods) to open a Glenview location. We also successfully lobbied for several local companies, including Henry Broch Foods and S&C Electric, to remain in the region and, in some cases, expand their operations.

On top of all that, GCEP’s members made 44 pro-Chicagoland decisions, shared 36 leads, created an estimated 7,000 jobs as a result of their decisions, and invited GCEP partners to 44 key events around the world, including gatherings in China, Toronto, Sweden, and elsewhere.

Outside our partnership with GCEP, another big leap forward was the development of the Choose DuPage 2023 Strategic Plan. While our 2021 plan primarily focused on supporting local businesses within the context of the pandemic, our new plan has shifted our strategy to promote economic growth, capitalize on GCEP opportunities, and foster a green economy.

Meanwhile, we continued to build upon our Connect DuPage and Sustainable DuPage programs. In 2023, through our Connect DuPage program, we registered 86 diverse suppliers to our network. We also held nine events that drew 780 attendees and generated more than 100 industry-sector reports. Through our sustainable DuPage initiative, we completed 10 Green Business Assessments and held four events that drew 175 attendees.

Choose DuPage also continued to promote Chicagoland and drive local and regional investment. In 2023, we leveraged a Business Attraction Marketing Grant to build a robust marketing plan that is already generating valuable exposure for DuPage County. Choose DuPage is also actively overseeing feasibility studies for both a Sports Complex and a Performing Arts Center, two projects with massive potential.

Behind all these achievements, all these incredible leaps forward, are the people of Choose DuPage. In 2023, every board member brought something to the table—knowledge, resources, skills, connections, insight. We couldn’t have done it without you.

For me, what is even more impressive than any individual accomplishment is what they collectively indicate about Choose DuPage. Together, we have raised the bar on collaboration, both within our organization and with people and groups across the region: to be more creative, to dream bigger, and to do that which we could not do alone. It is this collaborative spirit that propels us forward and fuels the future we are working so hard to build.

Here’s to what we have accomplished in 2023—and to all that we will build together.

Before we wrap up, let’s count down the 23 things that made 2023 a year worth celebrating!

Engineering Chicagoland’s Future

DUPAGE BUSINESS BEAT | PODCAST EP. 3

When an experienced engineer looks at Chicagoland, what do they see?

In this episode, host Greg Bedalov meets with the founder of a prominent engineering firm and professor at the University of Illinois Chicago. Their sweeping conversation covers topics ranging from workplace sustainability and water resources to the EV infrastructure, the engineering workforce, and civic engagement.

Guest: Dr. Christopher Burke, founder and CEO of Christopher B. Burke Engineering

Engineering Chicagoland's Future

Dive Deeper:

  • Burke says that Chicagoland’s unique water infrastructure gives the region an edge. To learn more about the area’s assets and growth areas, check out the GCEP Asset Report.
  • Greg and Dr. Burke discuss how Chicagoland’s smart energy infrastructure helps the region attract data centers, semiconductor manufacturers, and other businesses. Learn more about the area’s energy assets with the ComEd Fact Sheet.
  • Feeling inspired to build a more sustainable business? Explore Choose DuPage’s Sustainable DuPage program for helpful resources and guidance on responsible practices.

A special thanks to the College of DuPage for supporting today’s episode. To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready.


DuPage Business Beat Podcast

Today’s biggest business issues, told from a Chicagoland perspective. A podcast about emerging industries, shifting borders, economic ecosystems, and you. Featuring experts and entrepreneurs. Hosted by Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage. DuPage Business Beat is produced by Choose DuPage.

New Report: Chicagoland’s Green Economy is Growing

Climate change presents enormous challenges for communities across the globe. At the same time, confronting these challenges has opened the door to exciting new possibilities.

As governments and businesses build more sustainable systems and reduce carbon emissions, a new type of economy has emerged, one focused on innovation with purpose.

We call these ‘green economies.’ According to World Business Chicago, a green economy is one in which “sustainability, environmental responsibility, and social well-being” are central tenants. Profit and competition are still at their core, but the ultimate goal is to benefit the community and the world at large.

In these economies, innovation is approached through the lens of social and environmental responsibility. Supported by policy initiatives and public education, green economies adopt sustainable practices while developing clean energy and climate-related technologies that drive decarbonization.

Today, Chicagoland is uniquely positioned to lead climate change and clean-energy efforts. Our diverse industries, talent pipeline, strategic location, and vibrant startup culture make the region a catalyst for cross-industry collaboration and innovation at scale. Now, the Chicagoland green economy is growing faster than most other U.S. metro areas.

Want to learn more? A new report by World Business Chicago goes in-depth on this emerging economy, examining key factors driving the growth, as well as challenges and opportunities ahead.

According to the report:

  • Chicagoland’s diverse green economy is growing rapidly. Since 2016, the region has experienced 180% growth in green economy output and 80% growth in green transitioning output. And the growth is expected to continue. Today, Chicago-area companies hold about 788 patents related to clean energy and climate change technology, with another 150 pending.
  • Our green economy is creating jobs, and we have the workforce to fill them. In 2022, Chicagoland’s green transitioning economy employed more than 500,000 people. The region is currently ranked fifth out of the top ten U.S. metro areas for employment in the green economy.
  • Local startups are driving the innovation. Roughly 25% of all clean and climate tech investments in Chicagoland were investments in climate tech startups, the highest proportion when compared to the Midwest, U.S., and world. These startups are key to developing innovative solutions that incumbent corporations can use to decarbonize at scale.
  • Our talent pipeline gives us an edge. Chicagoland’s numerous universities and research institutions are producing a diverse pool of graduates with the interdisciplinary skills needed to produce new technology solutions.

To learn more about Chicagoland’s emerging green economy, download the full World Business Chicago report.

Draft DuPage County Trails Plan Released!

DuPage County is crisscrossed by regional trails that span multiple jurisdictions. While the Division of Transportation (DuDOT) maintains a majority of the Illinois Prairie Path and Great Western Trail, other regional trails are shared by the various communities that they connect. 

The draft DuPage County Trails Plan is ready for your feedback!  The Plan document covers topics such as trail crossings, maintenance, signage and wayfinding, and the trail environment.  So far, we have received 3,000 survey responses and we are grateful for your continued interest in the project.

Visit www.DuPageTrailsPlan.com to review the plan and leave a comment.  The public comment period is open from October 16-November 17, 2023.  Please contact the DuPage County Division of Transportation with any questions or concerns about the Plan.

Expansion Manufacturing

PREMIER Breaks Ground on Expansion to Midwest Manufacturing Facility for Sumitomo Drive Technologies

PREMIER Design + Build Group has just broken ground on a building expansion project for Sumitomo Drive Technologies in Glendale Heights, Ill. The work is designed to meet the evolving needs of the client, whose Midwest-manufactured products are in high demand from customers across a range of industries.

The company’s Glendale Heights location is used for light manufacturing of gearmotors, also known as “speed reducers.” Gearmotors are designed to regulate the speed at which motors run to match the speed needed for a customer’s application. The gearmotors produced by Sumitomo Drive Technologies are used in many industries including auto assembly, grain handling, water treatment, wood milling, and parcel handling. Sumitomo Drive Technologies is part of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.

The manufacturer’s need to scale up its production capabilities is an interesting outgrowth of its long-term strategy. Prior to 2020, Sumitomo Drive Technologies made a commitment to investing in manufacturing within the United States. In the face of the challenges of the past several years, many of the company’s competitors were forced to shut down or severely reduce operations at overseas production facilities. Sumitomo Drive Technologies, however, was able to continue production in the Midwest, and demand for its products grew significantly.

Sumitomo Drive Technologies selected PREMIER to manage design + build services for the expansion of its existing facility, which is located at 175 W. Lake Drive within the Glendale Lakes Business Park. When complete, the building will have approximately 82,000 square feet with a 28’ clear height. In addition to more than doubling the existing footprint, PREMIER’s team will create a state-of-the art, fully modular crane building allowing seamless integration between assembly and distribution. The work includes installing new docks and doors, adding on-site parking, and updating landscaping. The building improvements will allow the firm to increase inventory space and offer a broader product line from its Midwest location. It will also improve lead times, operational efficiencies, and safety.

“We’re honored to have been chosen as the design-builder for this Sumitomo Drive Technologies assignment,” explained PREMIER’s Michael Long, Senior Vice President in the firm’s Midwest division. “They approached us with an interesting challenge, and we used our expertise to develop a solution designed to help them accomplish every one of the objectives they have established.” Working with Mr. Long on the assignment is Project Manager Stefan Olson. PREMIER’s project partners include Cornerstone Architects Ltd. for architectural design and SpaceCo for civil engineering.

“Michael Long and the PREMIER team have already proven themselves to be such an incredible asset,” according to Eduardo Plata, Corporate Project Manager for Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America. “We’re so thankful to have found a project partner that is so knowledgeable and will guide us through this process and always look out for our best interests.”

“Reimagining and reshaping facilities to meet our clients’ evolving needs is the kind of challenge the team at PREMIER loves to take on,” said Long. “This is a client that was uniquely positioned to grow their business, and we’re excited to help them create a new home in which to continue that success.”

The project kicked off late last week with a groundbreaking, which included local officials and several Sumitomo Drive Technologies executives who traveled to Illinois from Japan to participate in the celebration. As part of the kickoff, Sumitomo Drive Technologies and PREMIER presented the nearby Glen Ellyn Food Pantry with a $5,000 donation to help fund its work across DuPage County.


About PREMIER Design + Build Group

PREMIER Design + Build Group is a leading design-build construction firm headquartered in Buffalo Grove, Ill. With a strong track record spanning several decades, PREMIER specializes in providing comprehensive solutions for industrial, commercial, healthcare, residential, retail, and mixed-use construction projects. The company’s unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service has earned it a reputation as a trusted partner in the industry.

About Sumitomo Drive Technologies

Sumitomo Drive Technologies is a brand of Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America, one of the most respected names in the power transmission industry. As an industrial manufacturer of premium quality gearboxes, motors, and controls, we operate two prominent facilities – our Headquarters in Chesapeake, VA, and the Large Industrial Gear Unit Manufacturing and Assembly Facility in Verona. Our commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and comprehensive solutions makes us an industry leader in power transmission.