CTY CD-TOURISM BUREAUS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Natalie Manley

Creates county tourism and convention bureaus in Illinois' largest counties, with immediate access to state funding and a 25-member governing board.

Purpose and intent

Establish a new requirement for Illinois counties and create a dedicated governance structure for tourism development.

Specifically applies to counties with population over 600,000, mandating the creation of a tourism and convention bureau (T&CB) beginning January 1, 2027.

The T&CB would have immediate eligibility for state tourism dollars and grant funding, aligning local tourism efforts with state support.

Key provisions

Creation of county tourism and convention bureaus for counties with populations > 600,000.

The T&CB would have the same powers and duties as a tourism and convention bureau established under the Tourism Preservation and Sustainability District Act, with the notable difference of immediate eligibility for state tourism funds and grants.

Governing structure: the T&CB would be governed by a board of 25 members appointed by the county board.

Leadership: the T&CB board members would elect the board leader by simple majority vote.

Effective date: the act takes effect upon becoming law (immediate effect stated, though program implementation begins in 2027 per subsection).

Who would be affected

Counties in Illinois with populations exceeding 600,000 (as of implementation date).

Local government entities within those counties, specifically the county boards responsible for appointing the 25-member T&CB board.

Tourism and convention stakeholders within affected counties (businesses, venues, marketing entities) that would interact with the new T&CB and potentially access state funding and grants.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Effective date: upon becoming law (immediate effect for the act itself).

Specific implementation timeline: January 1, 2027, is the date by which the counties must establish the T&CB.

Governance transition: counties would appoint a 25-member board; board leadership chosen by the board via simple majority.

Summary of potential impact

Provides a formal, state-supported mechanism to promote tourism and conventions in the largest Illinois counties.

Creates a standardized governance structure (25-member board) to oversee tourism strategy, marketing, and development.

Enables immediate access to state tourism dollars and grants for these new bureaus, potentially accelerating funding and program deployment.

May influence competition for tourism-related funding and projects within large counties, as the new bureaus would operate with powers similar to those under the Tourism Preservation and Sustainability District Act.