Desport Latino asks West Chicago committee for city funding and logistics for Mexican Independence Day Festival

Representatives of Desport Latino told the West Chicago Public Affairs Committee on July 21 that they intend to organize a Mexican Independence Day Festival in 2025 and asked the city for financial and logistical support.

"We are here on behalf of Desport Latino ... respectfully requesting the city support both through funding and logistical coordination," said Sua Tees, speaking on behalf of the group. He said the organizers plan a family-friendly event featuring music, dance, food and local vendors and that they are building partnerships with schools, artists and businesses.

The request came during the public-participation portion of the meeting. Committee members later considered a packet item listed in the agenda as a funding agreement (on the packet labeled "resolution 25 R50"). Committee discussion clarified possible funding terms: the proposal discussed at the meeting specified $8,500 to be paid in installments and a matching amount of $8,000, for a combined commitment not to exceed $16,500.

Before the vote on the related agenda item, a member of the committee stated they would recuse themself because they are a co-founder of Desport Latino; the recusal was noted on the record. The clerk then called the roll and the committee proceeded to approve the funding measure as presented.

Why it matters: city support — financial and logistical — can be decisive in permitting, safety planning and vendor coordination for large community festivals. Committee approval moves the request to implementation steps, including budgeting and staff coordination.

Next steps: the committee approved the resolution and directed or implied follow-up with city staff to incorporate the funding into budgeting and to coordinate permit and safety logistics.