KC Jobs Committee October 16 2026

The Kane County Jobs Committee met on October 16, 2026, and received an update from the Kane County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) on business attraction and workforce partnerships. Reported projects included QT9 Software remaining in Kane County and planning a 42,000-square-foot Batavia facility for spring 2027; Forest Packaging’s move to a 100,000-square-foot Elgin building; and Beyoglu USA’s planned 28,000-square-foot Batavia production facility, with up to 26 new jobs. The EDC also reported that Fermilab is seeking federal and state support for a technology hub. Members discussed workforce training, housing and transportation needs, stronger municipal collaboration, and a proposed public tracker of jobs attracted to the county.

The committee considered two resolutions to continue county support for the EDC as its ARPA start-up funding ends. It approved a 2027 investment of $100,000 from Fund 400, using riverboat fund balance, with a related budget adjustment; the item was referred to the Riverboat Committee and will also proceed to Finance, Executive, and the full County Board. The committee also approved authorizing an annual agreement between the county and the EDC. The discussion noted the earlier $3 million ARPA allocation used to launch the organization, a $150,000 Illinois DCEO planning grant, and a separate $70,000 rural development grant for farm technical assistance. No contract awards or competitive procurements were identified.