CPS Playground and Field TIF Agreements

At a glance

What: Intergovernmental agreements with Chicago Public Schools: up to $1.15 million in TIF funds plus $250,000 from CPS for an artificial turf field at Stowe Elementary, and up to $1 million in TIF assistance for a playground replacement at Sutter Montessori (CPS covers costs above $1 million).
Where it stands: Both recommended do pass by the Finance Committee on October 5, 2026. Aldermen asked why CPS does not match TIF closer to 50/50, complained of uneven project timing across wards, and criticized the opacity of the TIF Request Review process, in which Planning and Development, the budget office and the mayor's office review requests internally and approvals are posted on the open data portal. CPS said at least 10 more CPS TIF projects are expected in coming months.
Next: Full Council action.

The committee recommended do pass on both agreements. Aldermen requested a ward-by-ward list of pending TIF requests and status.

Committee video (Vimeo auto-generated captions): https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1232129590