Economic Development

The Economic Development Commission meets on the second Tuesday of every month, at the Washington Historical Society, 128 Washington Square, Washington, IL, unless otherwise noted on the community calendar.  LINK TO MEETING CALENDAR

2026 Meeting Dates:

Tuesday, January 13

Tuesday, February 10

Tuesday, March 10         

Tuesday, April 14

Tuesday, May 12

Tuesday, June 9

Tuesday, July 14

Tuesday, August 11

*Tuesday, September 15

Tuesday, October 13

Tuesday, November 10

Tuesday, December 8

Why Washington?

• A Downtown Square tax increment financing (TIF) district offers renovation and improvement subsidies.
• A citywide Enterprise Zone offering 100% property tax abatement through 2030, plus sales tax waivers, tax credits, and other incentives.
• A Revolving Loan Fund offers low-interest loans for non-construction improvements to help grow a business.
• Existing retail and business spaces are available in multiple shopping centers and plazas throughout town. Dozens of acres of developable commercial property with full public utilities are also available.
• A 50% reduction of all building and zoning fees and utility connection fees for properties in the Enterprise Zone.
• No public site plan review process – most development plans for new commercial construction are reviewed internally by City staff with a quick turnaround time.

Information regarding the Economic Development Commission can be found in the City of Washington Municipal Code through the following link:

Economic Development Commission Municipal Code

To view current board members and/or to apply for a vacancy, please visit the new Boards and Commissions Portal through the following link:

Boards and Commissions Portal