SSMMA Newsletter April 3, 2026

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April 3, 2026

www.ssmma.org

RainReady Calumet Projects Continue to Advance Across the Calumet Corridor

The Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) continues to make steady progress on the Cook County–funded RainReady Calumet initiative, bringing innovative green infrastructure projects to flood-prone communities across the Calumet Corridor. Since the RainReady steering committees’ celebration in December, several projects have moved forward, including a newly refurbished playground built atop a large rain garden at Burr Oak Academy in Calumet Park.

Additional projects are set to begin construction soon, including native plant bump-outs and a rain garden near a daycare facility in Calumet City, as well as stormwater management and sidewalk improvements near a church and senior center in Robbins. RainReady Homes retrofits are also underway in Dolton and Riverdale, helping eligible homeowners reduce flood risk. Recently completed efforts include three new green alleys in Blue Island, with more improvements planned.

These projects build on the County’s 2022 investment of $6 million to expand green infrastructure in six flood-prone communities—Blue Island, Calumet City, Calumet Park, Dolton, Riverdale, and Robbins—through a partnership led by CNT, the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability, and Greenprint Partners. Together, these partners continue to advance long-term solutions that reduce flooding and strengthen neighborhood resilience. Learn more about the project and plans here.

Reminder: Join SSMMA’s Environmental Justice Meeting on April 9

Don’t forget to join the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) for its upcoming Environmental Justice meeting on April 9, held virtually via Zoom.

We encourage all interested stakeholders to participate and stay engaged in this important work. Contact Sarah Waks for more information.

Additional Grant Opportunities and Resources

• Illinois Climate Bank Opens NOFO for Community Geothermal Planning and Pilot Projects. Learn more.

• Check out Will County's small business assistance resource page.

News from Community Partners

Ingalls Community Impact Grant Program Now Open

Applications are now open for the Ingalls Community Impact Grant Program, supporting projects that improve community health and well-being. Priority areas include chronic disease prevention—particularly diabetes and heart disease—and youth engagement programs that promote healthy behaviors, expand access to resources, and support positive long-term outcomes.

Funding will be awarded to agencies and organizations serving the Ingalls Memorial Community Benefit Primary Service Area, which includes 13 zip codes across Thornton Township. Organizations may submit one application, and all applications are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 17.

For full details and application materials, visit their website here or contact communitybenefit@ingalls.org with questions.

Technical Assistance Applications Now Open

The annual call for technical assistance from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is now open. Through this joint program, local governments across northeastern Illinois can receive planning and implementation support to help strengthen communities, build local capacity, and advance projects aligned with regional plans like ON TO 2050 and Transit is the Answer.

Both agencies use a single online application to streamline the process and expand opportunities for eligible communities. Applications are due Friday, April 17 at noon. Communities needing assistance with the application process are encouraged to reach out to CMAP or RTA staff for support.

Job Postings & Requests for Proposals

• SSMMA offers a list of local job opportunities and RFPs throughout the south suburban region directly on our website.

• Municipalities and organizations can send job openings and proposals here to be publicly posted.

Spring Auction is Less Than 3 Weeks Away!

There will be four Surplus Vehicle & Equipment Auctions with America’s Auto Auction (America’s AA) of Crestwood this year. The 2026 auctions will all be held at noon on the following dates:

• Tuesday, April 14

• Tuesday, July 14

• Tuesday, October 13

• Tuesday, December 15

For more information, contact America’s AA Sales Executive Manager Kasey Salameh, 708-389-4488 (office), 708-953-3069 (mobile) or Kasey.salameh@Americasaa.com.

SPC Vehicle Contract Updates

Currie Fleet has provided the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) with the following updates on vehicle production:

• 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Contract #204) orders are still being accepted. Production is projecting a June build but may cut-off without a warning announcement. There will be a delay for 2027 production for gasoline motors.

• Production of Ford Transit Vans (Contract #207) for Full Size Van, Passenger Wagon and E-Transit order acceptance continues with good lead times.

• The 2027 Ford Expedition order bank opens later in March and staff will forward and update price lists/order forms on the SPC website once specifications are released.

• The anticipated order cut-off date for the Chevrolet Silverado Police Pursuit Vehicles (Contract # 234) is late April. The 2027 start-up date is expected to be greatly delayed due to plant retooling.

• Production of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 (Contract #218) continues, with a factory-ordered cut-off expected in late May or early June.

For questions or additional information, don't hesitate to get in touch with staff or Currie Fleet Municipal Sales Manager Tom Sullivan, 815-464-9200 or tsullivan@curriemotors.com.

Keep Construction Projects Moving Without Delays with SPC’s Alliance with Sourcewell

Thanks to the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative’s alliance with Sourcewell, you can save time and money on construction and public works purchasing and reduce procurement workload tied to traditional solicitation cycles by using competitively solicited agreements already in place.

Access contracts that support every phase of a project without slowing down day-to-day operations. Awarded suppliers like Caterpillar (Contract 011723-CAT), John Deere(Contract 011723-JDC), and United Rentals (Contract 040924-URI) support construction and public works projects.

For questions or additional information contact staff or Sourcewell Account Managers Aaron Peterson, 218-541-5299 or email Aaron.Peterson@sourcewell-mn.gov.

For more information visit ssmma.org/spc or contact Melissa Doud.

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