Economic Development

Village Overview & Demographics

The Village Hazel Crest is a vibrant bedroom community whose name originates from the hazel nut trees that were and are still in the area. Located 25 miles south of downtown Chicago, Hazel Crest is conveniently located along several major routes of transportation, including Interstates I-57; I-80 and I-294, and two state designated truck routes. Public transportation routes include the Metra Electric line access as well as several PACE bus service lines. Hazel Crest is home to approximately 13,400 residents with a median age of 38.6. Hazel Crest is centrally located and poised for exponential growth potential as it is a mere 1.2 miles away from an Amazon facility and only 1.7 miles away from the new South Suburban Casino. With active transit-oriented development plans underway, the opportunities are abound as Hazel Crest is working toward creating a vibrant, livable and sustainable downtown center.

What Hazel Crest Offers

Hazel Crest is home to over 200 businesses including Fortune 500 companies, National and Regional Brands. We are proud to be the home of the Advocate South Suburban Hospital’s Surgical Center, which brings leading-edge robotic surgery services to the residents of the Southland. Hazel Crest is equally to be the proud home of Mi-Jack Products Inc, the industry leader in crane manufacturing, sales, service and support. As a participating community in the Cal Sag Enterprise zone, there are opportunities for developers to receive discounts on village permits, state sales tax, construction costs and some potential real estate incentives. Hazel Crest also offers four (4) tax increment financing (TIF) districts that on a case-by-case basis may be augmented with Cook County Tax Assessment incentives.

Goal & Priorities

It is the goal of the Village of Hazel Crest to retain and create quality full-time permanent jobs by attracting private investment for office, industrial, warehouse, distribution, and related businesses, in addition to retail establishments and restaurants.

Business Incentives

Cal Sag Enterprise Zone
Business developers may benefit from discounts on village permits, state sales tax, construction costs and real estate incentives via the Cal Sag Enterprise Zone.  For more information about the Cal Sag Enterprise Zone business development incentives, log on to the website at http://calsagezone.com/.
Cook County Property Tax Incentives
Cook County offers certain incentives to reduce property taxes.  For qualifying projects, rates can be lowered for years. Incentives must be approved by both the Village of Hazel Crest and Cook County.  Contact the Cook County Assessor - http://www.cookcountyassessor.com/.
State of Illinois
For information about available business development programs, contact the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity - https://www.illinois.gov/dceo.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

TIF incentives are offered on a case-by-case basis up to 50% reimbursement of eligible expenses. The use of TIF is restricted by state statute.  Currently, there are three active TIF districts located in the Village of Hazel Crest:  Along 167th Street, along 183rd Street and in the original section of the village called The Proper.  (The fourth, Cherry Creek TIF, is not active).