Building the Next Chapter — Right Here in Illinois
This week, I attended the Touchdown Arlington / Meet Chicago Northwest press conference and community event.
And here’s where I stand:
The Chicago Bears belong in Illinois.
The Bears are more than a football team. They are part of our state’s identity, history, and economy. For generations, families across Illinois have gathered around Sundays in the fall. The Bears are woven into our culture.
But this conversation is bigger than football.
If the Bears move forward with a stadium and mixed-use development in Arlington Heights, it must be done responsibly. At a time when families are facing rising costs — from housing to child care to everyday essentials — any agreement must protect taxpayers. Public dollars must come with accountability. And any major project must demonstrate clear, measurable public benefit.
This must be a true partnership.
The Bears bring jobs, infrastructure investment, and the potential for long-term economic growth. We bring leadership, stability, and a responsibility to ensure that growth serves working families — not just corporations.
That’s why I support advancing a responsible mega project framework that ensures:
Real investment in Arlington Heights and surrounding communities
Strong labor partnerships and union jobs
Infrastructure improvements that benefit residents, not just visitors
Long-term economic growth that strengthens the region
Clear safeguards to protect taxpayers
The recent Touchdown Arlington / Meet Chicago Northwest event demonstrated something important: unity. Legislators, labor leaders, local officials, and residents showed strong support for keeping the Bears in Illinois and for passing legislation that benefits future developments statewide — not just this one project.
This is how we do big things the right way.
We protect taxpayers.
We demand transparency.
We ensure shared success.
The Bears are an Illinois institution. And if we build this next chapter with fairness, accountability, and long-term vision, it should be written right here in Arlington Heights.
Because responsible growth isn’t about choosing between economic development and community protection.
It’s about doing both — and doing it well.
Thank you to everyone who continues to show up, speak up, and invest in the work of shaping our shared future. I’m deeply grateful to be on this journey with you.
Let’s keep going—because together, we’re stronger.
With gratitude,
Carina Santa Maria
Candidate for Illinois State Senate, District 27