CHICAGO
Choose Chicago—Chicago’s tourism and convention bureau—was forced to cut 28 staff members earlier this month on October 15, in addition to closing its offices in Canada and Mexico, after failing to receive $7.2 million in state hotel tax funding due to an ongoing state budget stalemate in Springfield.
Chicago Gov. Bruce Rauner has been at odds with Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan and others on a variety of budget issues, resulting in stalled or cut funding for the tourism bureau.
Crain’s Chicago Business reported that as of July 1, Choose Chicago had received about $2.1 million of the $9.3 million in hotel tax proceeds the state owed it for the year. The rest of the funds were frozen when Gov. Rauner vetoed a budget proposal from lawmakers and the issue has never been resolved.
Beyond laying off 26 percent of its staff, including 15 full-time employees, nine part-time employees and four temporary staffers, Choose Chicago also announced it will close its visitor center in the Chicago Cultural Center on Washington Street on January 3, 2016.
The Chicago Tribune quoted Choose Chicago President Don Welsh as stating that if the state funding isn’t restored, there is likely more downsizing ahead. If funding is restored he hopes to rehire staff.
