Westmont adopts TIF relocation grant to help businesses displaced by redevelopment
August 07, 2026 | Westmont, DuPage County, Illinois
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The Village of Westmont on Aug. 6 approved a commercial Tax Increment Financing (TIF) relocation grant program to help businesses displaced by redevelopment inside village TIF districts.
Assistant Village Manager Parker framed the program as a way to reduce harm to small businesses during redevelopment while still supporting long-term property-value increases. Parker described the reimbursement structure: "a business that is less currently less than 1000 square feet will be able to get reimbursed for the 1st $5,000 of eligible costs and then 0.5 of the next $5,000 of eligible cost," and said larger businesses would receive higher caps. The draft seeks a three-year commitment from grant recipients to ensure the business remains in Westmont after receiving funds and proposes an upfront cash advance tied to issuance of a building permit, though the board may alter that trigger during administrative processing.
Trustees asked whether all leaseholders in a TIF-affected property would qualify; Parker said eligibility depends on meeting program criteria and that a business that relocates within Westmont with a three-year commitment would be eligible. Tammy Deck, owner of TLD Design Center Gallery, urged adoption during public comment, saying she has "every intention of staying" in the village after 33 years in business and that the grant would help her manage relocation timelines and permitting obstacles.
The board voted by roll call to adopt the program. The adopted draft sets reimbursement examples included in staff materials: up to $7,500 for businesses under 1,000 square feet and up to $12,500 for larger businesses, with administrative rules to be finalized by staff prior to implementation.
The program was presented as a voluntary assistance tool — not a replacement for eminent-domain or other state-mandated compensation — and staff said it is modeled on a similar Lombard program. The board asked staff to refine administrative details, including the timing of cash advances and documentation required to show commitment.
Assistant Village Manager Parker framed the program as a way to reduce harm to small businesses during redevelopment while still supporting long-term property-value increases. Parker described the reimbursement structure: "a business that is less currently less than 1000 square feet will be able to get reimbursed for the 1st $5,000 of eligible costs and then 0.5 of the next $5,000 of eligible cost," and said larger businesses would receive higher caps. The draft seeks a three-year commitment from grant recipients to ensure the business remains in Westmont after receiving funds and proposes an upfront cash advance tied to issuance of a building permit, though the board may alter that trigger during administrative processing.
Trustees asked whether all leaseholders in a TIF-affected property would qualify; Parker said eligibility depends on meeting program criteria and that a business that relocates within Westmont with a three-year commitment would be eligible. Tammy Deck, owner of TLD Design Center Gallery, urged adoption during public comment, saying she has "every intention of staying" in the village after 33 years in business and that the grant would help her manage relocation timelines and permitting obstacles.
The board voted by roll call to adopt the program. The adopted draft sets reimbursement examples included in staff materials: up to $7,500 for businesses under 1,000 square feet and up to $12,500 for larger businesses, with administrative rules to be finalized by staff prior to implementation.
The program was presented as a voluntary assistance tool — not a replacement for eminent-domain or other state-mandated compensation — and staff said it is modeled on a similar Lombard program. The board asked staff to refine administrative details, including the timing of cash advances and documentation required to show commitment.
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