Economic Development

Hollywood Casino Joliet has announced the closing date for its riverboat facility weeks before the grand opening of its new location.

Joliet residents in the neighborhoods below the Interstate 80 bridges over the Des Plaines River want to see less crime, less vacant homes, more job development and more recreational places for youths.

Work on the second building at Shodeen Group’s The Reserve at Hudson Crossing luxury apartment building in downtown Oswego is ahead of schedule.

Over 300 people turned out at a five-hour open house Wednesday when Illinois Department of Transportation officials talked with Morrison residents interested in an end-to-end project through town that could see construction start in 2029.

Attendees will learn how to qualify for workforce funding and network with African American Business Association members.

The Village of Shorewood recently issued licenses for four businesses, two of them home-based.

Hollywood Casino Joliet, 1401 Gateway Blvd., opened its doors for a media tour on Friday, July 11, 2025. The casino is still under construction and expected to open to the public on Aug, 11.

Joliet has provided nearly $210,000 so far to restaurants, bars and other small businesses to offset impact of construction from $20 million downtown improvement project.

American-Male, which originally opened in 1977, had been closed for a number of years.

Column: Lately, it’s clear that economic development isn’t just about numbers – it’s about people, place and connection. In short, it’s about community development, writes Melissa Amedeo of the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation.

Joliet has called a special City Council for 9 a.m. Friday to vote on a legal settlement in the disputes between the city, CenterPoint Properties and NorthPoint Development.

Distinct Visual Solutions, makers of banners, promotional products, signs, stickers, vehicle lettering and wall graphics, has found a new location in Joliet.

The Dixon City Council approved an agreement with Lee County officials on June 2, 2025, that allows access to previously awarded grant funds to be used for rehabilitating or demolishing abandoned properties.

Consultant hired to review effectives of city's six tax-increment financing zones aimed at promoting development.

Although the city’s yet-to-be-named riverfront park and splash pad were originally projected to be finished toward the end of June, Strand Associates project manager Zach Simpson said the last progress meeting with contractors indicated the project was slightly behind schedule.

The Dixon City Council approved a cash farm lease agreement Monday, June 2, 2025, for the 65-acre property behind Walmart on South Galena Avenue that the city purchased in October 2024.

Sterling is one step closer to receiving a River Edge Redevelopment Zone designation that could provide up to $50 million in tax incentives for economic development work the city has already started along its riverfront.

Joliet City Manager Beatty says free-parking plan should be ready for City Council vote in two weeks. But putting it in place will take longer.

Joliet Mayor Terry D'Arcy gives his first State of the City Address, says Joliet is being rebranded as a destination point

The city of Joliet has five proposals for former MyGrain space, and Mistwood wants to extend its lease at the Grand Ballroom.

The new Joliet casino will open months ahead of schedule, Penn Entertainment said

Puerto Rico native Jose Campos is the new site leader at Bourbonnais Township's CSL Behring manufacturing plant.

The Sterling Industrial Development Commission sold four vacant properties around Sterling for $1 each.

Developers of a $14-$15-million, four-story, 73-suite hotel will soon begin construction in Bradley at the location immediately southeast of the Holiday Inn Express.

Gov. JB Pritzker four years ago announced Lion Electric, now closed, was coming to Joliet. On Tuesday, he announced that a different Canadian electric bus manufacturer is coming to Peoria.

Sought Out Grounds is a new coffee shop in downtown Joliet that plans to pair live music with a diverse menu.

Now set for May 21, Lion Electric Company is auctioning off its Joliet production plant just two years after Gov. JB Pritzker joined a big grand opening celebration. Meanwhile, the Herscher School District faces uncertainty over future servicing of its 25 Lion-C electric buses.

Over 230 people filled Jennifer's Garden at 555 Gore Road in Morris Monday morning for the annual Grundy Economic Development Council Legislative Breakfast, where local representatives answered questions from an audience made up of the local business community.

EquipmentShare construction equipment company is opening a new operation in Rockdale south of Joliet.

City leaders from Sycamore’s schools, parks, business community and city government gathered this week to provide residents with updates on goals for the city and ongoing initiatives.

Two new Jack in the Box restaurants will open in Will County this summer.

Lion Electric Company is auctioning off its Joliet production plant just two years after Gov. JB Pritzker joined a big grand opening celebration.

Marketing director for Joliet casino talks about changes coming at new Hollywood Casino under construction.

The Dixon City Council has approved two contracts that allocate funds to Discover Dixon and the Lee County Industrial Development Association. Both contracts provide a specific amount of annual funding – $325,000 for Discover Dixon and $50,000 for LCIDA.

The Joliet Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee decides on a slogan and logo as it attempts to draw in the public for development of a city comprehensive plan.

The public can see the city of Joliet's proposal for redevelopment around the Gateway center and add suggestions at a May 14 open house.

The city of Joliet provided media tours of the former MyGrain Brewing Co. space in Union Station hoping publicity will draw more potential developers.

Mercedes-Benz is opening a new dealership at 541 S. Weber Road, in Roemeoville.

Constellation Energy, owner of the Byron Nuclear Power Station, plans to invest about $355 million in a lengthy project that will increase the site's power output and extend the life of the facility and its equipment.

The Lockport City Council on Wednesday will review plans for a new auto repair shop and 7-Brew coffee kiosk.

The Lockport Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve plans for a Wendy's restaurant on Tuesday.

The city of Joliet seeks developer to put downtown buildings back to use.

The park is part of the city’s $300 million multiphase Riverfront Reimagined project.

Ron Clewer of developer Gorman & Co. said several hoteliers have expressed possible interest in developing hotels at the Lawrence Bros. and National sites, including representatives from Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and two local hoteliers.

Giada De Laurentiis will have a signature restaurant at the future Hollywood Casino Joliet.

The city of Joliet, in partnership with the Joliet City Center Partnership will showcase 10 Chicago Street businesses in a special event on Friday.

City of Joliet continues to resist plans for cannabis shops on Jefferson Street.

A new hotel, anticipated to be a four-story Hilton TRU, will be located at Weber Road and Normantown Road in Romeoville.

The city of Joliet didn't get any proposals for Chicago Street building, but giving more time may help draw a developer.

Hollywood Casino has two upcoming job fairs as it expands staff for its future location in Joliet at Interstates 55 and 80.