West Cook News

Village of Brookfield Economic Development Commission met July 16

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

I. Call to Order

The regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission was called to order by Chairman Valadez at 8:33 a.m.

II. Roll Call

Commissioners Present: Commissioners Baader, Mack, Moore, Pardun, Richard, Sharenow, and Valadez

Commissioners Absent: Commissioners Curelo and Gatto

Others Present: Trustee Ketchmark, Village Manager Wiberg, Community Development Director Libby Popovic, KPGS Consultants Patrick Greenacre and Kendra Shaw, and Deanne Adasiak

III. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes

Chairman Valadez asked for a motion to approve the May 21, 2025 Meeting Minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Mack and seconded by Commissioner Baader to approve the minutes of the May 21, 2025 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

IV. New Business

1) Recommendation of Support – Placemaking Grant – Brookfield Shops at Progress Park: Creating Community and Fostering Economic Growth Through the Arts – Brookfield Theater Corp.

KPGS Consultants Patrick Greenacre and Kendra Shaw reported that the shops are now open and operating successfully. Kendra expressed that the Grand Opening and soft opening events were well-attended drawing approximately 350–400 visitors within the first week. She reported that the Shop Vendors have participated in more than six training sessions on topics such as financial management, retail space setup, and storytelling/elevator pitches in partnership with the WBDC. She shared that the vendors have reported sales exceeding expectations with some noting they are making more than anticipated and in some cases more than they experienced in other incubator programs. Kendra stated that overall the feedback from vendors has been highly positive and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to bring the Brookfield Shops to fruition.

Patrick shared the two promotional programs that have been launched with success: 1) The “Brookfield Bucks” program that provides $5 gift certificates to encourage purchases from vendors with a simple process for vendors to redeem the certificates at the end of each weekend and 2) “Punch Cards” which is similar to a passport program tested during the Grand Opening at the shops. He said over 60–65 punch cards have been collected and explained that beyond encouraging shop visits, the program helps build an email list for continued outreach. Plans are in place to expand this program to include nearby businesses, such as Beach Ave BBQ, to further connect and promote the surrounding area.

Kendra then reported that a grant application was submitted to Cook County for a Placemaking Grant for Phase II of the Brookfield Shops in collaboration with the Brookfield Theater Corporation, Village of Brookfield, the Brookfield Shops, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Beautification Commission. The application was successful and the project was awarded $195,200. Kendra explained that because the grant program was limited to nonprofit applicants the Village could not apply directly. The Brookfield Theater was selected as the lead applicant due to its nonprofit status, alignment with the creative arts and placemaking focus of the grant, and interest in hosting unique performances at the Brookfield Shops. She explained that the grant funds are a federal pass-through from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) administered by Cook County; She went on to say that it is a pilot initiative supporting creative community uses for underutilized spaces. Only 14 communities were awarded funding out of hundreds of applicants.

Kendra explained that the grant focuses on reactivating spaces through arts and creative activities and the primary site will be the courtyard at the Brookfield Shops. She mentioned that the project was developed under a short timeline, the grant was announced in March and due April 7, though the existing partnerships and vetted project plans made the application possible. She noted that some infrastructure items included in the proposal have already been completed; the County is now requesting that the project team review and finalize the budget for the grant funds. The County will provide training next week for all participating communities. Kendra went on to say that the primary grant focus is transforming the courtyard at the Brookfield Shops into a flexible performance and event space including a 160–190 sq. ft. stage with audio/lighting, movable elements, and upgraded landscaping. Additional plans include enhancing signage, adding storage for event equipment, and creating art installations such as movable panels or a feature wall. Sustainability features like solar panels and trolley service may also be funded. Libby commented that the Village currently has a three-year lease on the site with hopes to extend it and all improvements will be designed to be movable if needed. The space will be open to community members and businesses through an application process, with Brookfield Theater having first priority. Minimal fees may be charged for administrative and cleanup costs. Businesses can also host events, customer appreciation days, or after-hours gatherings, incorporating programs like Brookfield Cash to encourage spending at the shops.

KPGS discussed tracking attendance and vendor performance at the Brookfield Shops. Metrics include registration numbers for events, monthly vendor sales reports, anecdotal feedback, and social media engagement. Foot traffic is estimated through events like the Grand opening and Farmers Market, and sales data is already showing strong results, with some vendors reporting $12,000 gross in the first month. While benchmarking against other incubator programs is still in progress, the team plans to compare pre- and post-season numbers. Infrastructure and sustainability improvements funded by the grant, such as pathways, green roof elements, solar lights, and bicycle racks, will also be integrated into the project. Local businesses have expressed support, noting increased traffic to nearby shops during events.

The Commission then moved to a formal recommendation.

Commissioner Pardun made a motion for the Village of Brookfield to collaborate with the Brookfield Theater Group to accept the grant as proposed. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moore. All in favor, none opposed, and the recommendation carried.

V. Old Business

1) Draft Economic Incentive Policy Update

The Commissioners received an update on the Economic Incentive Policy. Libby summarized the policy emphasizing that it aims to retain, expand, and attract commercial and industrial businesses while promoting overall growth in Brookfield. She said it emphasizes strategic alignment, transparency, consistency, public benefits, and leveraging private investment. She mentioned our existing programs include Tax Increment Financing, the Property Improvement Program (now two-tiered), business retention and expansion initiatives, and the retail incubator program. She reported the additional incentives now included are sales tax incentives, property tax rebates, Cook County tax abatements, grocery store incentives, and customized development agreements. The policy also clarifies definitions, eligibility criteria, and strategic parameters, including “but for” tests and limits on pay-as-you-go incentives. She expressed that sustainability is encouraged through environmentally friendly façade and renovation improvements with review responsibilities divided between the EDC and Planning & Zoning Commission. Incentives may be combined, ensuring coordinated review and implementation.

Libby reported that since the last discussion, three new sections were added to the Economic Incentive Policy: Annual policy review by the Village Manager, Evaluation criteria for both substantive and administrative processes, and Regulatory compliance to ensure all incentives meet local, state, and federal laws. She indicated that customized development agreements were also included for unique projects allowing for fee waivers, expedited permitting, or combined incentives. Libby emphasized that the policy provides a consistent roadmap for developers outlining what incentives are available, eligibility criteria, and benchmarks such as minimum revenue for certain programs. She expressed that the policy is flexible, allowing for updates as needed with a formal review at least once a year. Libby stated that the policy also positions the village to engage with developers actively supporting ongoing and upcoming projects across Brookfield including Congress Park, downtown, Eight Corners, and other key commercial sites, ensuring the village can respond quickly to development opportunities. Libby commented that development activity in Brookfield is strong with multiple developers actively engaged.

VI. Community Development Report

Deanne expressed that the Community Development Department continues outreach to improve communication with local businesses. She reported there are 278 registered businesses and new openings include Balance Brookfield Nutrition on Prairie, a hand car wash on Ogden, and a dog grooming service on 47th Street. She indicated that spaces are becoming available due to relocations including Goldilocks Salon and an ice cream shop set to open in the fall. She then reported that a recent business retention survey was sent to registered businesses and the initial responses highlighted the businesses’ top challenges: parking, infrastructure on Ogden, and limited space for expansion and affordability. She indicated that overall, businesses report positive communication with the village. Deanne said to further support engagement, a Community Development Corner event is scheduled for July 25 at the Shops courtyard to discuss development updates and provide a “town hall” style forum. She said she will also continue in-person visits to businesses to identify needs and concerns.

VII. Commissioner Reports

Commissioner Moore pointed out the need for improved communication during ongoing construction on Grand including signage and social media updates to direct traffic and ensure customers know businesses remain open.

Village Manager Wiberg commented that construction projects in the village are on budget and on schedule. He indicated that in order to help maintain community engagement during construction, staff will continue outreach to remind residents and customers that local businesses remain open. 

He pointed out a major upcoming event is a concert featuring a Beatles cover band on the last Saturday in August that will draw a lot of people to Music on Grand.

Commissioner Valadez reported the return of the Brookfield Criterium Bike race on Wednesday, July 23. He reminded the Commissioners that Brookfield is part of the 10-day Chicago Grit series. He explained that due to construction on Grand, the racecourse has been relocated south of the tracks on Burlington in front of Irish Times. He said the event will feature a family fun ride at 6:15 PM, the Women’s Pro race at 5 PM, and the Men’s Pro race at 6:45 PM with streets closed for the day. Chris mentioned that Brookfield was selected as one of two villages to host professional teams for this year’s series, attracting riders from Australia, Los Angeles, Miami, and Jamaica. He indicated that additional marketing, promotions, and community engagement activities are planned around the race, including an expo area on Prairie Street.

Commissioner Baader introduced their new intern, Camille, and shared a brief report on the Bramsen Tropical Forest a large habitat that emulates the natural homes of gorillas, orangutans, and monkeys.

VIII. Public Comment

None.

IX. Adjournment

A motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Mack and was seconded by Commissioner Pardun.

The motion passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 9:31 a.m.

https://brookfieldil.civicweb.net/document/176243/EDC%20Minutes%20%2807-16-25%29.pdf?handle=75D4595B70AA4EEFA0707011386B94B9