Arlington Heights has renewed a $5,000-a-month lobbying contract with Mac Strategies Group through August 31, 2027 to influence redevelopment legislation for the former Arlington Park racetrack site, where the Bears’ proposal centers.

The village and Mac Strategies Group are targeting redevelopment incentives related to Arlington Park as the Bears explore a relocation option toward northwest Indiana, potentially Hammond.

The Bears maintain a broader Illinois lobbying presence, with several firms and individuals listed, though activity has eased since the end of the last legislative session; Indiana also hosts a Bears lobbying effort led by Adam Jackson at Taft Stettinius & Hollister.

CBFC Development LLC’s Illinois lobbying lineup remains active with multiple firms listed, though several have paused work since the spring session.

Rolling Meadows continues monthly monitoring of Springfield developments with Liz Brown-Reeves Consulting, while nearby Arlington Park districts 15, 214 and 211 work with Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies on ongoing legislative engagement.

Lobbying activity related to Arlington Park redevelopment remains ongoing for Rolling Meadows and surrounding districts, with contracts totaling tens of thousands of dollars per month across multiple entities.

Lobbyists Matt Murphy and Ryan McLaughlin pushed at the Illinois Capitol during the spring session to seek favorable legislation on the redevelopment and Bears relocation prospects.

Mac Strategies Group’s contract is set at $5,000 monthly, through August 31, 2027, with a 30-day termination notice; the firm has represented the village on legislative items and Capitol access.

Arlington Heights’ extension with Mac Strategies follows prior multi-year deals, and the company may subcontract to GR Consulting, though the current agreement explicitly excludes GR Consulting.

Illinois lawmakers adjourned the spring session with bills aimed at keeping the Bears from relocating, while discussions continued into summer and fall, as the Bears’ board advanced a stadium project in Hammond and Goodell noted Illinois and Indiana both have options.

Despite Indiana incentives discussions, NFL Commissioner Goodell said the league views Illinois as an option and has engaged with select Illinois lawmakers as talks continue.

The Bears’ stadium redevelopment plan is tied to a proposed $5 billion, mixed-use, stadium-anchored project on the Arlington Park site, with a fall veto session scheduled for November 17.