Since his election in 1996, Alderman Solis has implemented programs and supported local business owners and employees to encourage responsible economic development in the 25th Ward. As a result, residents have access to higher quality local employment opportunities and businesses have increased access to the superior work force of the neighborhood.

Tax Increment Financing District (TIF)
With the support of the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development, Alderman Solis held community meetings to announce his plan to implement a TIF District in the Pilsen neighborhood. Once a controversial topic, the TIF has now contributed to the growth of industries, and jobs, as well as the beautification of public spaces.

The TIF is used to implement redevelopment plans for neighborhood commercial strips and the industrial corridor by building new roads and new sewers. Furthermore, the TIF provides incentives to attract businesses and help existing businesses expand without tapping into general funds or raising taxes.

The TIF has been a powerful tool for neighborhood development through the addition of funds for public infrastructure improvements and neighborhood development. The largest use of TIF funds for a public project will be the expansion and renovation of the Benito Juarez High School.

Pilsen Planned Manufacturing Development (PPMD)
In 2004 and 2005, Alderman Solis worked with the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to establish the former Pilsen Industrial Corridor as a Planned Manufacturing District. Planned Manufacturing Districts under the city ordinance are zoned for manufacturing purposes for a period of 23 years. The purpose of this effort was to protect manufacturing industries and employment opportunities from residential encroachment.

After a series of community meetings regarding the change in zoning, Alderman Solis and the DPD worked to protect the land from residential encroachment. As a Planned Manufacturing District, the corridor creates a secure and stable environment for industry and businesses to flourish. It is Alderman Solis’ hope that the 25th Ward be an ideal place not only to live, but also to work.


Fighting for Minority Participation in City Contracts
In 2003, Builders Association of Greater Chicago challenged the City of Chicago’s MBE/WBE Affirmative Action Program in federal court under Judge Jim Moran.

Alderman Solis led a team of support including Alderman Flores, Alderman Haithcock, Alderman Cardenas, Alderman Munoz, Alderman Ocasio, Alderman Burnett, Alderman Mitts, and the Hispanic American of Construction Industry Association (HACIA).

To encourage minority and local participation in city contracts and private development, Alderman Solis works closely with the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic American Construction Industry Association, and Eighteenth Street Development Corporation.

News
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Statement on the Big Box Ordinance

Tuesday, September 26, 2006
I-Go Car Sharing Increases Affordable Transportation Options for 25th Ward Residents

Monday, August 22, 2005
Expanded Carpenters training Facility Doubles

Events

Links
City of Chicago Web Site
A great site to find information for residents, business, government and exploring Chicago.

Spanish Coalition for Housing
The Spanish Coalition for Housing is an Illinois nonprofit corporation Founded in 1966. The Coalition is certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide housing counseling to Low and moderate income individuals.

The Resurrection Project
The Resurrection Project (TRP) has built and sold 140 new affordable homes, rehabbed 12 buildings to provide 156 units of affordable housing, counseled and educated over 5,000 families on financial literacy and homeownership, and developed hundreds of community leaders through our organizing work.

Hispanic American Construction Industry Association
The Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) is a 24-year-old membership organization whose mission is to promote the participation of its members in public and private construction projects throughout the Chicagoland area.

Jobs for Youth/Chicago
Jobs For Youth/Chicago helps young men and women from low-income families become a part of the economic mainstream.

Instituto del Progreso Latino
Instituto del Progreso Latino (Instituto) was established in 1975 to meet the needs of Latino immigrants to learn English, find employment, accustom their children to the U.S. educational systems, and adjust to life in Chicago in a myriad of ways.

Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC)

The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce provides free services to businesses ranging from business development and startup assistance, minority and disadvantage business certifications to drug-free
workplace training and procurement assistance.