DPD funds several not-for-profit organizations as delegate agency partners for the Local Industrial Retention Initiative (LIRI) program.

LIRI agencies provide assistance to industrial businesses primarily in the City’s Industrial Corridors with the purpose of retaining those businesses in the City and supporting the Industrial Corridors. LIRI agencies assess businesses, identify resources, provide project support and act as counselors and ombudsmen to resolve a variety of business issues.

These interventions lead to completed projects, job retention and creation, leveraging public and private financing and neighborhood development. Examples of how agencies help businesses include: identifying and securing funding for property, business and workforce development; finding the right location and filling key property vacancies; attaining permits and business licenses and acting as a liaison with City departments; helping find resources to grow businesses such as expanding sales both locally and internationally; and providing guidance on City and policy issues that impact industrial companies.

Contact: 312.744.3947