Arlington Heights Mayor Warns of Deadline to Keep Bears in Illinois

Tax bill debate in Springfield could impact Bears' potential move to Arlington Heights

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:21pm

Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia says the upcoming week is a critical one, as state lawmakers in Springfield debate a tax bill that could impact the Chicago Bears' potential move to Arlington Heights. The mayor describes the week as a "big big big" one, as the outcome of the tax bill could determine the future location of the Bears franchise.

Why it matters

The Chicago Bears have been exploring a potential move from their current home at Soldier Field in Chicago to a new stadium in Arlington Heights. This move has major implications for the local economy, tax revenue, and the team's fan base, making the upcoming tax bill debate an important factor in the Bears' decision-making process.

The details

The Arlington Heights mayor says the upcoming week is crucial, as state lawmakers in Springfield will debate a tax bill that could impact the Bears' potential relocation. The outcome of this tax bill debate could be a key factor in determining whether the Bears ultimately choose to move to Arlington Heights or remain in Chicago.

  • The Illinois state legislature is set to reconvene in Springfield next week.
  • Mayor Tinaglia describes the upcoming week as a "big big big" one for the Bears' future.

The players

Jim Tinaglia

The mayor of Arlington Heights, Illinois, who is actively courting the Chicago Bears to relocate their franchise to the suburb.

Chicago Bears

The NFL franchise that is considering moving from their current home at Soldier Field in Chicago to a new stadium in Arlington Heights.

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What they’re saying

“Next week is a big big big week.”

— Jim Tinaglia, Mayor of Arlington Heights (fox32chicago.com)

What’s next

The Illinois state legislature will debate a tax bill next week that could impact the Chicago Bears' potential move to Arlington Heights.

The takeaway

The upcoming tax bill debate in Springfield will be a crucial factor in determining whether the Chicago Bears ultimately choose to relocate their franchise to Arlington Heights or remain in Chicago, underscoring the high stakes involved in the team's decision-making process.