Occupational Licensing Reform
Occupational licenses are often necessary to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public. However, when these licenses are revisited by legislators, it is important they have accurate and unbiased information before determining whether and how to maintain such a license.
Regulatory Sunset Review - HB5576
This legislation amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to require the existing sunset report process collects and provides comprehensive and specific information about the need for licensure, the licensing process, and the equity concerns arising from personal qualifications, such as the cost of training and continuing education and whether such requirements are suitably addressing public safety. The bill provides guidance for the report’s recommendations of modifications to licensing rules that will lower barriers for applicants but still address genuine public safety concerns, including a list of regulatory tools other than licensure, like registration or certification, disclosures, or insurance requirements. The bill does not usurp legislators' ability to make the final determination regarding a license.
License Information Task Force - HB5575
This legislation creates a task force that includes representatives from low- and middle-income licensed occupations along with a mix of academics, advocates, administrators, and legislators. The goal of the task force is to collect, centralize, and analyze data from IDFPR about low- and middle-income licensed occupations and evaluate licenses using an equity and access lens. The legislation provides that a final report will be published and provided to the General Assembly with recommendations about increasing equity and economic opportunity. With this comprehensive information, legislators can target reform efforts to preserve public safety while removing unnecessary requirements.
Revitalization in the News: Chicago Recovery Plan Funding Available!
There’s still funding bids available through the City of Chicago and the Chicago Recovery Plan. “The Chicago Recovery Plan invests over $1.2 billion in new and existing initiatives. Over the lifespan of the Chicago Recovery Plan, there will be frequent opportunities to partner with Chicago organizations and we look forward to these partnerships.” The…
NRC Community Survey Has Been Extended!
Thriving commercial corridors and neighborhood business districts can support local communities across Chicago and Cook County. However, many commercial corridors are struggling. We are looking for your feedback and insight on how to revitalize and empower commercial corridors. Please take a moment to fill out this short survey so we can better understand the needs…
SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICTS
SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICTS BY REDUCING COMMERCIAL VACANCIES Struggling neighborhood business districts are often plagued by vacant properties. These commercial vacancies impact local economies, foster criminal activity and devastate communities. Local governments can reduce the property taxes owed by commercial property owners when their properties, or a portion of those properties, are vacant. While most…
