Tax break for United Center’s 1901 Project advances amid union pushback

May 12, 2026 - 03:17

A request for a property tax break tied to the United Center's massive 1901 Project has cleared a key hurdle, even as labor unions raise objections over job guarantees. The incentive, which would reduce the tax burden on the first phase of the $7 billion mixed-use development, now moves to a final vote. That initial phase alone carries a price tag of $500 million and includes a hotel, entertainment venues, and retail space.

The tax break has given a hospitality union significant leverage in ongoing negotiations. The union is pushing for assurances that the project will create permanent, full-time jobs with fair wages and benefits, rather than relying on part-time or temporary positions. Without a binding commitment on job quality, union leaders argue the public subsidy is not justified.

Developers behind the 1901 Project say the tax break is essential to make the massive undertaking financially viable. They point to the broader economic benefits, including thousands of construction jobs and long-term tax revenue from the completed development. However, union representatives counter that the community should not have to choose between a large-scale project and stable employment for local workers.

The final vote on the tax break is expected in the coming weeks, with both sides continuing to negotiate behind closed doors. The outcome could set a precedent for how future large developments in the city handle labor agreements tied to public incentives.