Cathy Maloney, Economic Development Consultant
Elmhurst City Hall , 209 North York Street
630-530-6016, 630-832-7049 • fax - 630-782-6310
www.elmhurst.org/index.aspx?nid=120

No longer the purview of one city department, economic development is being handled by city staff, the Elmhurst Economic Development Commission, Ken Bartels Consulting and Findzall Community Marketing (Cathy Maloney), and partners such as the Chamber.

Their mission is to work effectively to retain, expand, promote and attract business and industry within Elmhurst so as to enhance the local economic climate, increase the City's tax base, increase the value of commerce and create employment opportunities.

Keyed by Elmhurst City Centre downtown, the city is blessed with vibrant and diverse business community spread across seven Business District and two Business Parks.

Other Business Districts include Spring Road, York and Vallette streets, North Elmhurst (covers York north of North Avenue, Lake Street and Grand Avenue), South Elmhurst (covers South York and Butterfield Road), Route 83 and St. Charles Road (includes Elmhurst Crossing Shopping Center), and Route 83 and North Avenue.

The city’s Business Parks are located in north Elmhurst bordered by York, Lake and Grand, and off the east side of Route 83 between York and Butterfield.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts exist within the downtown (TIF1), around Lake Street (TIF2) and at Elmhurst Crossing (TIF3).

The city’s Central Business District (CBD) Retail Business Grant Program leverages the reinvestment of TIF-captured property tax dollars to enhance the mix of downtown retail for shoppers, while generating millions of dollars in private investment and developing new sources of sales tax revenue.

Since the program’s inception in 2002, the CBD Retail Business Grant Committee has awarded TIF 1-funded grants up to $10,000 to more than 40 retail operations (up to five per year), with nearly eight out of 10 recipients still doing business.  According to a study by the U.S. Small Business Association, only two-thirds of all small business startups survive the first two years and less than half make it to four years.

The mix of grant recipients includes boutique-style clothing, footwear and accessories, jewelry, a variety of specialty foods and beverages, home design and décor, hobby and entertainment venues.

The Grant Committee is comprised of representatives from the Elmhurst City Council, Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Elmhurst City Centre and City Administration.