Glen Carbon takes first step in establishing STAR Bond District

This map designates the area identified as a potential Star Bond District site in Glen Carbon.

By Kathy Turner • The Glen Carbon board, on Jan. 27, approved the first step in establishing a STAR Bond District for the village. In November 2025, the state of Illinois signed into law the Statewide Innovation Development and Economy (STAR) Bond Act. 

The act allows tourism and entertainment projects to be funded through new sales tax revenue that is generated within a defined project area. The Southwest Region, made up of Madison, St. Clair, Clinton, Monroe, Randolph, Jersey, Bond, Washington and Calhoun counties, can have only three STAR bond projects approved by the state.

By establishing a district now, Glen Carbon will be eligible to compete for one of the STAR funding opportunities. Projects can include high-quality destination users such as entertainment venues, specialty retail, hospitality and/or tourism attractions.

Glen Carbon has notified the state of their intent to explore the creation of a STAR Bond District. Similar in theory to tax-increment financing (TIF) districts or Enterprise Zones, the next step will be to host a public hearing before the village board. 

Passage of the resolution means there will be a public hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the village board meeting. The proposed developers, Destination Illinois, LLC, will present their concept for development in the designated area. 

After this meeting, the board will vote on a resolution to move forward for formal consideration by the state. 

Water Plant Bid Openings Slated

It was announced at the meeting that the village will open bids for the proposed new city water plant construction. In addition, the board announced that the village has received $1.1 million in funding support for the project.

A news conference was held earlier in the day to announce the funding. It is the result of the work of Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski.