Economic, Capital and Technology Development
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Navy Pier is among the most popular attractions in the Midwest;
WHEREAS, Navy Pier is operated by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA); and
WHEREAS, MPEA is a local government entity established by the Illinois General Assembly under the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Act, 70 ILCS 210; and
WHEREAS, Navy Pier, Inc is responsible for operations and development, under an agreement with MPEA, as authorized under the aforementioned act; and
WHEREAS, By Illinois statute all public bodies, including subsidiary bodies, have a duty to provide full and complete information regarding its affairs; and
WHEREAS, The State of Illinois and City of Chicago both require reporting of minority-and women-owned business enterprises contracting; and
WHEREAS, Navy Pier, Inc makes a lease payment of one dollar per year - subsidized at tax-payers expense - and in return pays no state or local taxes; and
WHEREAS, When last reported, Navy Pier, Inc had expenditures totaling over $62 million - including, but not limited to, salaries, contracted services, and professional fees; Now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Members of the Chicago City Council call for hearings to discuss Navy Pier, Inc's lack of transparency as it relates to MAA/BE contracting, use of funds distributed by the City of Chicago, and similar matters relevant to their economic impact throughout the City, and introduction of an annual economic impact filing requirement by Navy Pier, Inc as it relates such matters.
Gilbert Villegas Alderman, 36th Ward