Chicago Bears

Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan would have allowed multi-unit housing, such as duplexes and triplexes, and “granny flats” on nearly all properties zoned for residential use. But he was unable to overcome local government leaders’ opposition to the proposal.

A source cautioned that Friday’s announcement didn’t eliminate Arlington Heights from consideration, were the state to find a way to give the Bears property tax certainty on the 326-acre plot they own.

Despite a Hail Mary heave from the Illinois Senate in the final hours of the spring legislative session, state lawmakers ultimately failed to reach the end zone on a bill incentivizing the Chicago Bears to build a new stadium in Illinois.

The Bears continue to weigh whether to build a stadium in Arlington Heights or Northwest Indiana. A new property tax relief element to a measure that would allow the Bears to renegotiate their property taxes with the northwest suburb is seen as essential in getting support from lawmakers outside of Chicago, including Republicans.

“Talking about a brand new Bears stadium when this one’s not even 25 years old, that’s insensitive to what real people are going through right now," said Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch.

Gov. JB Pritzker called the team’s latest shift in its stadium focus “a startling slap in the face.”

Disagreements over property taxes and public funding have driven the discussion of the Bears’ desire to leave century-old Soldier Field, where the team has played since 1971.

The Chicago Bears laid out a $3.2 billion plan for a new domed stadium on Chicago’s lakefront on Wednesday afternoon, painting pictures of future Super Bowls and other major public events while pinning their hopes on yet-to-be-had conversations with the governor and lawmakers.

Since 2018, the Chicago Bears have give preschool students extra educational experiences in their classrooms, known as Homeroom Huddles.

A legislative proposal to help the Bears pay for a new stadium and entertainment complex in Arlington Heights got its first hearing, but final action is still a ways away.