SSMMA Newsletter July 25, 2025

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July 25, 2025

www.ssmma.org

SSMMA Invites You to Share Your Feedback:

2025 STP Draft Methodology Open for Public Comments

The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) is now accepting public comments on its 2025 Surface Transportation Program (STP) Draft Methodology.

SSMMA is accepting public comments, which should be submitted to leslie.rauer@ssmma.org.

Share Your Input on Cook County’s Disaster Recovery Plan

Cook County has been awarded Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding from HUD to support long-term recovery efforts in suburban areas affected by recent disasters. This funding aims to help rebuild infrastructure, housing, and community services, with a focus on equity and resilience in low- and moderate-income areas. Review the FAQ sheet for the CDBG-DR Plan for more details.

Cook County invites residents to review and comment on its Draft CDBG-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Action Plan. The plan outlines how federal funding will support recovery efforts and housing needs in suburban Cook County following federally declared disasters. The public comment period is from June 28 until July 28, 2025.

For more information view the Repair and Prepare flyer here.

Additional Grant Opportunities and Resources

• ACT NOW! Proposals are due July 30. The Chi–Cal Rivers Fund is now accepting proposals for competitive grant funding. With a focus on the major waterways of the Chicago and Calumet region, the program will award grants to reduce stormwater runoff with nature-based infrastructure, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and activate restored habitats through public access improvements and community engagement. Learn more.

• The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced the FY 2027 Local Highway Safety Improvement call for projects. IDOT plans to allocate $32.75 million to local agencies to support projects that reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries, aligning with the national "moving toward zero" initiative.

• Find a list of DECO grant opportunities for the state of Illinois here.

• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is accepting grant applications for green infrastructure projects, under the GIGO program. Learn more.

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

News from Community Partners

Build Up Cook Survey Extended: Help Cook County Assess Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs

Cook County, in partnership with UIC’s Government Finance Research Center, is surveying municipalities to better understand the investments needed to ensure safe, sustainable, and affordable drinking water across the region.

This effort supports the Build Up Cook program, which helps under-resourced communities improve critical infrastructure using County resources and oversight, not direct grants.

Municipal participation is essential—please submit your completed survey to gfrc@uic.edu by August 1, 2025. Learn more.

Spread the Word: New ComEd Customer Relief Fund Now Available

ComEd has launched a $10 million Customer Relief Fund to provide one-time financial assistance to income-eligible customers facing high energy costs this summer. Communities are encouraged to help get the word out so residents can apply before funds run out.

Nonprofits and residents can learn more and apply at ComEd.com/Relief.

This fund is administered by Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago and The Salvation Army. Learn more.

You're Invited: South Suburban College Allied Health & Nursing Center Groundbreaking

South Suburban College is excited to invite the public to the groundbreaking ceremony for its new Allied Health & Nursing Center. Join Dr. Lynette D. Stokes, Chairman Terry R. Wells, and the SSC Board of Trustees on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. on the south lawn of the main campus (15800 S. State Street, South Holland, IL). Refreshments will be served following the ceremony.

Kindly RSVP by August 15 to Christin T. Miller at CTMiller@ssc.edu or 708-596-2000 ext. 2200.

Help Shape Regional Planning: Update Your Community's Developments on the CMAP Portal

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is inviting local governments to update their community’s development activity in the Northeastern Illinois Development Database. This vital resource tracks significant development projects—whether proposed, in progress, or completed—across the seven-county region.

By submitting updates, municipalities contribute to better regional land use forecasting and planning. Your input helps ensure that infrastructure investments reflect current growth and align with your community’s vision.

Visit the Development Database web map (best viewed on desktop) to review existing entries and share your updates today.

Apply Now: Powering the Holidays Grant Program

The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and ComEd are offering grants of up to $2,500 for community holiday lighting events through the Powering the Holidays Program. Municipalities, local governments, and eligible nonprofits partnering with a government entity can apply.

Applications are open through August 29, 2025, at 11:59 PM CDT.

Holiday lighting must take place between November 1, 2025 - February 13, 2026.

Learn more and apply at the Powering the Holidays Program.

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.

SPC News

Last Call for the July 31 SPC Supplier Showcase!

The 2025 Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) Supplier Showcase will be held on Thursday, July 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Oakton College, 1600 E. Golf Road in Des Plaines. The Showcase will be held in the Footlik Theater and PAC Lobby, with parking available in Lot A. We are pleased to announce that Sourcewell has again agreed to partner with the SPC for the Showcase, and they will lead a Lunch & Learn presentation that should be of interest to all attendees.

The SPC Supplier Showcase presents a unique opportunity for local government officials from the SPC’s participating councils of government and others to meet one-on-one with SPC suppliers at one time.

This is a free event for attendees, and please note that a box lunch will be served. The SPC Supplier Showcase offers a flexible, open house format, so attendees have two hours, from 10:00 a.m. until noon, to stop by when convenient. Learn more.

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

Have something you'd like included in our next newsletter? Email it to news@ssmma.org.