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Belleville Today
By the People, for the People
Illinois Expands STAR Bonds Program to Boost Economic Development
Governor Pritzker announces over $1 billion in new sales and 5,000 jobs from expanded tourism and entertainment projects.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced an expansion of the state's STAR Bonds program, which supports the development of tourism, entertainment, retail, and destination-based projects across Illinois. The expanded program is expected to create over $1 billion in sales and more than 5,000 new jobs through the creation of new sports complexes, hotels, malls, and restaurants.
Why it matters
The STAR Bonds program is a key economic development tool for Illinois, helping to attract new investment and drive job growth in communities across the state. The expansion of the program signals the state's commitment to supporting the growth of its tourism and entertainment sectors, which have been hit hard by the pandemic.
The details
The STAR, or Sales Tax and Revenue, bonds are designed to support the development of tourism, entertainment, retail, and destination-based projects throughout Illinois. These projects create new bonds and stimulate capital investment. The expansion of the program was included as part of an affordable housing bill signed into law by Governor Pritzker last year.
- Governor Pritzker announced the STAR Bonds program expansion on Monday, February 9, 2026.
The players
JB Pritzker
The Governor of Illinois, who announced the expansion of the STAR Bonds program to support economic development projects across the state.
What they’re saying
“For decades, the Illinois state government lacked an organized development infrastructure, and our communities suffered. Now, I'm very proud to say that a whole lot has changed since then.”
— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois (25newsnow.com)
What’s next
The expanded STAR Bonds program is expected to begin funding new tourism and entertainment projects in communities across Illinois in the coming months.
The takeaway
The expansion of the STAR Bonds program demonstrates Illinois' commitment to supporting economic growth and job creation, particularly in the state's tourism and entertainment sectors, which have been hit hard by the pandemic.
