Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development meeting, February 10, 2026
- When: Tue, Feb 10, 2026, 10:00 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: Room 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/showcase/8928495?video=1163382552
- Transcript: full text (4,174 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 on Economic, Capital and Technology Development heard one public commenter and approved its January 2026 monthly report. It considered the appointment of a northwest side community development corporation director to the Community Development Commission; members asked about TIF surpluses, what he would bring to the role and his biggest challenge, and several members spoke in support before the committee recommended approval. The committee then recommended approval of a slate of Special Service Area commissioner appointments and reappointments, after one appointee to SSA 42 spoke. The meeting then adjourned.
Topics: Community Development Commission appointment, TIF surplus, Special Service Area commissioners, economic development
Agenda items discussed
- 31:44 Motion to allow members to participate remotely under Rule 59: passed
- 32:05 Public comment: discussed
- 35:42 Approval of the January 2026 monthly report: passed
- 36:03 Appointment of a member of the Community Development Commission: passed
- 49:15 Appointments and reappointments of Special Service Area commissioners: passed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Gilbert Villegas (chair): Told the appointee that economic development is needed and invited him to bring legislative ideas to the committee to reduce red tape. (48:27); Told SSA commissioners they are the boots on the ground and asked them to share how the council can help businesses thrive. (53:12)
- Scott Waguespack (alderperson): Asked the appointee how many TIF districts his organization works with. (39:16); Asked the appointee's opinion on billion-dollar TIF surpluses that he said wipe out increment and harm housing and other developments. (39:30); Said reducing TIF funds without transparency or notice to aldermen will delay or shutter projects in wards. (40:04)
- Felix Cardona Jr. (alderperson): Asked the appointee what he would bring to the commission. (41:06); Said he has worked with the appointee for several years, praised his work, and asked colleagues to support him. (41:54)
- Ruth Cruz (alderperson): Praised the appointee's partnership in the 30th Ward and his team's work on economic development and small businesses. (42:28); Asked that he advocate for keeping TIF-related economic development in communities. (43:41)
- Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Said TIF is a billion-dollar tool that often overlooks residents' and aldermen's needs and that ward requests have languished. (44:51); Asked the appointee to ensure accuracy in what goes to the Department of Planning and to balance the priorities of all 50 aldermen, and said he would support the appointment. (45:44)
- Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Expressed confidence in the appointee and asked what he expects to be his biggest challenge on the commission. (46:58)