DCEO-FLAGSHIP CULTURE DISTRICT

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to establish criteria and guidelines for designation of a flagship cultural district. Provides that, no later than September 30, 2026, the Department shall award one flagship cultural district. Provides that the criteria that the Department must develop for a flagship cultural district shall include a demonstration that the applicant and the community (1) can provide a unified and inclusive approach to creating cultural engagement opportunities within its designated geographical area and (2) can provide strong community support for the flagship cultural district designation through participation by community organizations and state, regional, and municipal government agencies or officials. Provides that, within 12 months after being designated a flagship cultural district, the flagship cultural district shall submit a report to the Department detailing its current programs and goals for the next 4 years of its designation. Provides that, each year the district remains a flagship cultural district, it shall submit a report to the Department on the status of the programs and future developments of the district. Provides that, any flagship cultural district that fails to file a report for 2 consecutive years shall lose its status as a flagship cultural district. Effective immediately.