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City approves $16,500 to support Despertar Latino festival; co‑founders recuse on votes
Summary
The West Chicago City Council approved permits for a Mexican Independence Day festival on Sept. 14, 2025 and an amended resolution authorizing city funding not to exceed $16,500. Aldermen who are co‑founders of the organizing group recused themselves from related votes.
Representatives from Despertar Latino presented a proposal to organize a Mexican Independence Day festival and asked the council for logistical and financial support.
Suhera Telles, speaking for Despertar Latino, said the group aims to make the event a “vibrant, family friendly experience” celebrating Latino heritage with music, dance, food and local vendors. The council approved the event permit for Sept. 14, 2025.
Separately, Alderman Dimas moved—and Alderman Morano seconded—an amendment to resolution 25R0050 authorizing a funding agreement with Despertar Latino “for an amount not to exceed $16,500.” The mayor and council discussed that the city’s commitment would be $8,000 with a matching commitment bringing total support up to $16,500; after amendment the council adopted the resolution by roll call. Council members who are co‑founders of Despertar Latino recused themselves from votes where they had a stated conflict.
Why it matters: The funding and permit will underwrite a returning cultural event the organizers say will build momentum toward a possible parade next year. The record shows the council took two distinct actions: approving the event permit and approving a capped funding agreement.
What the council did: The council approved the festival permit and adopted the amended resolution authorizing funding not to exceed $16,500. Where members declared conflicts, they were recorded as recused from the related votes.
Next steps: Staff will execute the funding agreement and coordinate logistics with organizers. Organizers and council members said they plan to build on the festival to pursue a parade in 2026.
