Lisle staff to involve new Economic Development Commission in review of business grants program

Village Manager Cook updated the Village of Lisle Committee of the Whole on July 21 about a review of the Business Development Grants Program and proposed that the newly formed Economic Development Commission (EDC) be involved in the review. Cook said staff compiled historical grant-award records since 2000, noted program changes around 2013 and 2021, reviewed existing criteria and outcomes, and examined comparable programs in other communities. He said the EDC will convene its first meeting this week and proposed the commission help review and refine program criteria and branding before returning recommendations to the board. The nut graf: Bringing the EDC into the review will add business-focused perspective to ensure grants align with the village’s economic-development goals; trustees voiced agreement and staff will proceed unless a majority objects. Trustees indicated support for involving the EDC. Trustee Grauer said involving the commission “seems reasonable,” and Trustee Prowl and others expressed concurrence that an outside review could help ensure grant dollars align with strategic goals for the next decade. No formal motion or vote was recorded; the board agreed to proceed with the EDC review and to receive recommendations when that work is complete. Ending: Staff will work with the EDC and present refined program recommendations to the board at a later meeting.