Illinois quick hits: Chicago businesses at 10-year low; school admin survey closes soon

Illinois quick hits: Chicago businesses at 10-year low; school admin survey closes soon

August 26, 2025/

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Chicago businesses at 10-year low

The number of businesses operating in Chicago has reached a 10-year low.

Citing city license data, the Illinois Policy Institute said Chicago had 44,840 businesses operating in the city last year, down from 54,135 in 2015.

The Magnificent Mile area saw the largest decline with a 51% drop over the past decade.

School admin survey closes soon

The Illinois State Board of Education is asking school district administrators to complete the board’s Modernization District Survey this week.

ISBE says the request is part of an effort to modernize data systems, reduce duplication and build secure, user-friendly tools.

The survey closes on Friday, Aug. 29.

Increased U of I football security

The University of Illinois Division of Public Safety and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics have added walk-through metal-detection systems for home football games at Memorial Stadium.

Officials say Fighting Illini fans will have a similar entry experience to those at other major sports venues around the country.

The Illini home opener is scheduled this Friday evening against the Leathernecks of Western Illinois.

Events

No events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Ad Hock July 22nd

Committee Highlights ‘Lack of Teeth’ in County Code Enforcement Process

While the Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee quickly approved minor updates to its administrative adjudication ordinance Tuesday, the action sparked a broader discussion about resident frustration over the enforcement...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for July 22, 2025

AI Policy Discussion Urged: Chair Jackie Triner called for the county to develop a comprehensive policy on the use of Artificial Intelligence. Citing a recent conference, Triner noted the potential benefits...
WCO P&Z July 15

Crete Township Wins Approval for New Digital Sign at Community Center

Crete Township received approval from the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday for a new digital sign at its community center, a project that required a special use...
WCO P&Z July 15

Will County Planners OK Oversized Garage Near Naperville, Overriding Staff Recommendation

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved variances for a new oversized accessory garage in Wheatland Township, siding with a homeowner and builder over a staff recommendation...
WCO P&Z July 15

Green Garden Landscaping Business Gains Permit Amid Strong Neighbor Support

A small landscaping and lawn maintenance business operating on a residential property in Green Garden Township received official approval Tuesday after neighbors voiced overwhelming support for the operation. The Will...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for July 15, 2025

Frankfort Shed Relocation Approved: A homeowner on West Harvest Drive in Frankfort Township received a variance to reduce an east side-yard setback from 10 to 4 feet. The variance, sought by...
Beecher Graphic.1

Beecher Overhauls Village Governance, Dissolves Key Commissions in Code Update

Article Summary: The Village of Beecher has fundamentally restructured its governmental framework, approving a pair of ordinances that redefine the roles of trustees, resize the Police Commission, and formally dissolve...
Beecher Graphic.3

Beecher to Explore New Banking Relationship, Considers Annual Bids for Services

Article Summary: The Village of Beecher is poised to change where it banks and how it manages its financial partnerships, following a discussion at the July 14 board meeting. After...
Beecher Graphic.4

Beecher Nuisance Property Owner Makes ‘Substantial Effort’ to Clean Up

Article Summary: The owner of a long-problematic property on Catalpa Street has cleaned up the yard and ordered a dumpster, showing significant progress after years of complaints and recent threats...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Beecher Board of Trustees for July 14, 2025

The Beecher Village Board passed a major overhaul of its governmental structure at its meeting on July 14, approving ordinances that dissolve the Planning and Zoning and Beautification Commissions and...
WCO Exec Cmte July 10.1

County Approves School Resource Officer, Multi-Year Planning Requirements

Will County approved hiring an additional sheriff's deputy for a school resource officer position that will be fully funded by Summit Hill School District 161, while also passing new transparency...
WCO Exec Cmte July 10.2

County Addresses Senior Tax Exemption Processing Error

A processing error that cost County Board member Julie Berkowicz $600 in senior tax exemptions has prompted discussions about improving verification systems for property tax breaks. Will County Chief Assessment...
Meeting Briefs

Executive Committee Meeting July 10 Meeting Briefs

Liquor License Expansion: The county approved increasing Class C1 liquor licenses from eight to nine to accommodate Lockport Gas and Food LLC at 14747 W. 159th Street in Homer Glen....
Screenshot 2025-08-22 at 8.12.43 PM

Beecher School Board Begins Overhaul of District Goals, Focusing on Transparency, Inclusivity, and Student Success

Article Summary: The Beecher Board of Education has initiated a comprehensive update of its district-wide goals, beginning a process to replace a strategic plan that has been in place since...
beecher ilinois school board graphic.12

Beecher School Board Finalizes Policy Updates, Approves New Student Handbook

Article Summary: The Beecher Board of Education gave its final approval to a series of policy updates and a revised Student Handbook for the 2025-2026 school year. The unanimous votes...