Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development meeting, May 11, 2026
- When: Mon, May 11, 2026, 10:30 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: 201A, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development
- Video: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1189863897
- Transcript: full text (26,084 words, automatic captions)
Meeting notes
AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.
The committee considered the April 2026 monthly report, approved several Special Service Area appointments, debated a Class 7B property-tax incentive for the United Center 1901 Project, held a Wayfinder pilot ordinance, approved an amendment to Special Service Area 34, and passed a substitute order for a leak-relief pilot. Most items were approved except the Wayfinder pilot, which was held for further review.
Topics: April 2026 monthly report, Special Service Area appointments, United Center 1901 Project tax incentive, Wayfinder digital kiosk pilot, SSA 34 amendment, Leak-relief pilot substitute order
Agenda items discussed
- 16:44 Public comment period: discussed
- 42:29 Approval of April 2026 monthly report of the Committee on Economic, Capital, and Technology Development: passed
- 43:07 Appointments to Special Service Areas (items 1-7): passed
- 53:00 Class 7B property-tax incentive ordinance for United Center 1901 Project (phase 1): discussed
- 1:58:59 Interactive digital Wayfinder pilot program ordinance (item 9): held
- 2:36:38 Amended 2026 Service Provider Agreement for Special Service Area 34 (Uptown) and tax levy: passed
- 2:41:07 Substitute order for leak-relief pilot (water-bill relief) (item 11): passed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Scott Waguespack (alderperson): Moved to allow Alderman Anthony V. Napolitano to participate remotely via Zoom. (15:51)
- Anthony V. Napolitano (alderperson): Confirmed his presence after remote participation was approved. (16:11)
- Jeylú B. Gutiérrez (alderperson)
- Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Asked about the number of phases in the United Center project and tax-abate scope. (1:24:44); Echoed concerns about Latino participation and equitable outreach. (1:25:48)
- Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson): Moved to recommend approval of the April 2026 report. (42:29); Listed as a supporting council member for SSA appointments. (44:30); Moved to hold the Andrew Rizzo appointment due to non-attendance. (51:10)
- Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Praised for helping move the United Center project forward. (1:26:28); Discussed the Wayfinder pilot and its potential impact on his ward. (2:02:30)
- Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson): Listed among alderpersons supporting SSA appointments. (52:01)
- Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Joined the chorus supporting the 1901 Project tax incentive. (1:32:50)
- Gregory I. Mitchell (alderperson): Asked for clarification on the development team composition. (1:04:27)
- Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Spoke as chief engineer of the United Center, highlighting job creation. (28:23)
- Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Moved to approve the April 2026 report. (42:29); Asked the acting CFO about potential revenue impact of the Wayfinder pilot on the JCDecaux contract. (2:17:12)
- Derrick G. Curtis (chair): Called the meeting to order. (14:45); Announced the meeting adjourned. (3:14:16)
Exchanges between members
- 51:10 Alderman Ronnie L. Mosley moved to hold the Andrew Rizzo appointment due to non-attendance, addressing the chair.
- 1:24:48 Alderman Raymond A. Lopez asked Alderman Walter R. Burnett about Latino participation in the 1901 Project.