Arlington Heights, Ill. – Illinois took a fresh step Thursday toward keeping the Chicago Bears in-state, as lawmakers advanced legislation tied to the proposed Arlington Park redevelopment and the team’s long-discussed future home.
According to a statement posted by the Village of Arlington Heights, state leaders in Springfield approved the Mega Projects Bill, listed as Amendment 1 to HB 910, out of the Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee. The village called the action an important milestone in efforts to keep the Bears in Illinois, framing the committee vote as momentum for a broader package that still must clear additional hurdles.
Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia said the committee approval reflects support from state leadership, the Bears and “local and regional partners” who have worked to move the measure forward. Tinaglia said feedback to date has left the village “very optimistic” that the backing needed to pass the bill in both chambers will be present in the coming weeks.
The legislation’s next steps include votes in the full Illinois House and Senate, with the village signaling an intent to push the measure to the governor’s desk. The village did not provide a timeline for floor votes or detail specific financing terms in the update, but emphasized continued coordination with lawmakers and the team.
The Arlington Park site has remained central to regional stadium speculation since the Bears acquired the property, with proponents arguing a new development could anchor jobs and year-round activity while keeping the franchise rooted in Illinois.
Tinaglia said the village will continue working with “the team and state leadership to advance this project,” urging residents to stay focused on moving the effort ahead. Further legislative action is expected in the coming weeks as the proposal seeks broader approval.
