HB2836 Summary

• Creates a Division on Downstate Economic Development within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to plan and coordinate state economic development programs for nine specified downstate regions (Northern Stateline, Northwest, West Central, North Central, East Central, Central, Southwest, Southeast, and Southern).

• Assigns the Division duties including reviewing existing department programs, identifying functions to be housed in the Division, recommending improvements to assistance programs, and facilitating streamlined interaction with downstate communities.

• Authorizes the Division to promote community development and revitalization, support job creation and retention, recommend economic policies to the General Assembly and Governor, and encourage new industrial enterprises to locate in downstate areas.

• Requires the Division to gather information about state and federal revitalization programs and provide it to public and private entities upon request, while prohibiting the Division from requiring business reports or regulating any business.

• Designates the Assistant Director to oversee Division implementation and administration, with authority to accept grants and appropriations from federal or state sources; effective January 1, 2022.