Section 615.40  Administrative Requirements

State cultural district designation awards will be administered in a manner that complies with all State and federal requirements applicable to state funding opportunities including, but not limited to, GATA, the Uniform Guidance and all applicable State or federal laws or rules.  Applicants and Designee's shall review all application materials and designation award documents, which will include the specific applicable requirements for the opportunity, on the Department's website. 

a)         Application Process

1)         DCEO will post one or more Notices of Designation Opportunity (NODO) on the GATA Grantee Portal (https://grants.illinois.gov/portal/) seeking applications from eligible entities contingent upon availability of designations.  Applicants shall submit their application materials by the deadlines set by DCEO in the NODO, which will be at least 30 days after the NODO posting.

2)         As part of the application, applicants shall provide the following information about the geographic area:

A)        a detailed description of the defined geographic boundaries, outlined with a map image;

B)        a discussion of the characteristics of a distinct, historic, and cultural identity of the geographic area;

C)        a detailed statement of need describing the risk of losing the community's cultural identity because of the impact of gentrification, displacement, or the COVID-19 pandemic;

D)        a narrative statement using supporting data that demonstrates property value increases, job loss, population loss, business and organizational loss and/or the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic;

E)        a detailed narrative description of historic economic disinvestment in the community, using supporting data that outlines the impact of inequities from a lack of resources and investment;

F)         a detailed description demonstrating the applicant has the organizational capacity to carry out plans, apply for and manage grants, and dedicate personnel to the State cultural district;

G)        demonstration of strong community support for the designation though active and formal participation by local diverse stakeholders;

H)        letters of support from organizations, elected officials, and other stakeholders;

I)         if applicable, development plans that include and prioritize the preservation of local businesses and retention of existing residents and businesses; and

J)         if applicable, demonstration that the community has an education framework in place informed with a vision of food justice, social justice, community sustainability, and social equity. [20 ILCS 605/605-1057(c)(2)]

3)         The applicant is responsible for the accuracy of all data, information and documentation. Once submitted, applications shall become the property of the Department.

b)         Designation Selection

1)         Prior to a merit review of the applications, DCEO will screen all applications submitted to ensure that all of the requirements of the application package have been met.  Applicants will be notified of any deficiencies in their application package and given an opportunity to correct those deficiencies through submission of additional documentation within 30 days of the notice.

2)         Certification as a State-designated cultural district will be awarded to eligible entities following a merit review of the applications in accordance with GATA (44 Ill. Adm. 7000.350).  In evaluating applications, the Department will consider the following criteria:

A)        The application indicates the overall characteristics of a distinct, historic, and cultural identity;

B)        The applicant's demonstration of need through the impact of gentrification, displacement, and the COVID-19 pandemic;

C)        The level of risk of loss of cultural identity because of gentrification, displacement, and the COVID-19 pandemic;

D)        Demonstration of historical economic disinvestment;

E)        The level of community support for the designation including whether that community support is formalized with a Community Council;

F)         The likelihood that a designation will result in promoting growth, opportunity and economic development without generating displacement or expanding inequality;

G)        The level of organizational capacity and expertise to carry out plans, apply for and manage grant opportunities, and provide dedicated personnel to the State-designated cultural district; and

H)        Any additional information to demonstrate or support the information submitted by the applicant for the designation.

3)         The Department shall give a priority to projects that have development plans that include and prioritize the preservation of local businesses and retention of existing residents and businesses; and projects that demonstrate that the community has an education framework in place informed with a vision of food justice, social justice, community sustainability, and social equity. [20 ILCS 605/605-1057(d)(1)]

4)         Applicants shall work with local diverse stakeholders, such as Community Council members, city or town staff, cultural organizations, community organizations, chambers of commerce, educational institutions etc. to develop plans and projects that meet the objectives of the program.