Bloomington's downtown was named one of five new state-designated cultural districts by Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity [DCEO]. That designation opens up millions of dollars in grant funding.
The City of Bloomington’s Downtown Cultural District and the other four designees can "apply for $3 million in funding that will be tailored to fit their individual needs and support the goals of their program to foster economic development and help communities preserve their unique cultural identities," according to a state announcement.
The City of Bloomington said it's proud to make win the designation.
"This designation will open up new opportunities for funding for economic development in support of the 'Downtown for Everyone' streetscape and will prioritize the preservation of local businesses and retention of existing businesses," the city said in a LinkedIn post.
The districts can range from entire towns to specific geographic areas. In each district, the program aims to preserve identities, structures, traditions and languages.
“People in cities and towns across the state have vibrant cultural identities, and through the State-Designated Cultural Districts program we’re helping them preserve their history and traditions while promoting economic development,” Pritzker said in a statement. “Cultural Districts reflect the diversity of our great state, and Illinois is proud to recognize their cultural significance while empowering them to expand their reach and share their culture with Illinoisans and visitors alike.”
The goal for the funding is to preserve the individual contributions of each historical district and increase their economic opportunities.
DCEO Director Kristin Richards expressed her pride of each district and how the funding will help their preservation efforts.
“This grant funding will not only expand economic development opportunities, but it will do so while preserving the historical and cultural significance of these communities,” said Richards. “Through the State-Designated Cultural Districts Program, the state can amplify these communities and their history, underscoring how critical they are to Illinois’ story. DCEO is proud to recognize the 2025 designees and celebrate their impact on the diverse cultural fabric of this great state.”
Applicants eligible to apply for a designation had to have been historically impacted and at risk of losing their cultural identity due to gentrification, or by the COVID-19 pandemic and a history of economic disinvestment.
Other designees this year were:
- Soul City in northeast Chicago, via the Austin African American Business Networking Association
- Heritage District in Rockford, via City of Rockford
- Ukrainian Village in northeast Chicago, via Selfreliance Association
- Historic District of the City of Vienna, Vienna High School
