South Suburban Leaders Participate in Market Investor Day | | |
Several South Suburban mayors joined Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi and regional stakeholders at the 2026 Market Investor Day, a forum focused on commercial real estate trends, property assessments, and economic development opportunities across Cook County.
A featured South Suburban panel explored property values, long-standing challenges facing local communities, and innovative strategies to support economic growth and investment. The event also included discussions on the growth of data centers, community impacts of property assessments, affordable housing development, and a demonstration of the Assessor's Office's prototype Property Tax Simulation Tool. The workshop provided an opportunity for municipal leaders, investors, and industry experts to exchange ideas and discuss the future of economic development in the Southland and throughout Cook County. See photos from the event here.
| | News from Community Partners | | |
Don't Forget: Community Shred Day is June 13
Residents are invited to participate in a free community recycling event hosted by Rep. William Davis and community partners on Saturday, June 13, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The event will offer secure document shredding, electronic recycling, and prescription drug disposal services. The collection will take place at 1912 W. 174th Street in East Hazel Crest. Learn more about the requirements and the types of items that will be accepted here.
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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Hosting Free Virtual Tour
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago invites residents to take a journey through the history and innovation behind Chicago’s water system. Participants can explore how the Chicago River was reversed and go behind the scenes to see how water is transformed and protected. The experience includes virtual access to underground infrastructure, including a descent into the 300-foot deep tunnel system. Registration is required. Learn more and register here.
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IHDA Opens Strong Communities Program Applications
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is now accepting applications for its Strong Communities Program (SCP), which provides grant funding to help local governments address vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated residential properties. With $9 million available statewide, eligible municipalities, counties, land banks, and regional planning commissions may apply for grants of up to $750,000 to support activities such as property acquisition, rehabilitation, demolition, and site improvements.
The program is designed to help communities revitalize distressed areas, create new housing opportunities, improve neighborhood safety, and return neglected properties to active use. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Learn more.
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IDHS Shares Important SNAP Eligibility Updates
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is reminding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers about recent federal changes that may impact eligibility and benefits. Due to new federal work requirements enacted through the federal budget bill, some SNAP recipients may lose benefits if they do not meet or qualify for an exemption from updated requirements.
Illinois residents receiving SNAP are encouraged to use the State of Illinois screening tool to check their eligibility status and determine whether the new rules apply to them. IDHS also encourages impacted individuals to explore available employment and volunteer opportunities through Job Ready IL and Serve IL.
In addition, new federal changes affecting SNAP eligibility for some noncitizens began taking effect April 1, 2026, and will be applied during a recipient’s next eligibility redetermination.
Updated information, resources, and notices are available through IDHS to help residents stay informed and connected to nutrition assistance benefits.
Learn more.
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LeadCare Cook County Can Help Your Municipality Comply with State Lead Service Line Replacement Requirements
Illinois’ Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act requires community water suppliers to create a plan to replace lead service lines at high-risk facilities, such as child care facilities. LeadCare Cook County, a program administered by the nonprofit Elevate and Cook County Government, offers free lead service line identification and replacement for licensed and license-exempt home and center-based child care facilities and schools.
Combine Efforts to Support Safe Water!
Your municipality is invited to partner with the LeadCare Cook County program by connecting your residents to it. By connecting child care providers and schools with the program, LeadCare Cook County can offset the pressure put on your municipality to implement your plan. You will need to act fast. LeadCare Cook County will no longer take enrollments after July 31, 2026.
Connect with LeadCare Cook County
Learn more today by visiting LeadCareCookCounty.org/SSMMA, then contact the team at info@LeadCareCookCounty.org or 773‒389‒5657 to request materials to share with your residents.
| | 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.
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Plan Now for the Summer Surplus Vehicle & Equipment Auction
Get ready for the live summer Surplus Vehicle & Equipment Auction, which will be held at noon. July 14 at America’s Auto Auction (America’s AA) in Crestwood. There is plenty of time to participate, and please note that vehicles and equipment can be listed for sale up to the morning of the auction. The next live auctions will be held on October 13 and December 15. In addition, America’s AA hosts online sales on par with other government surplus Internet auctions. For more information, please contact staff or America’s AA
Sales Executive Manager Kasey Salameh, Kasey.salameh@Americasaa.com, 708-389-4488 (office) or 708-953-3069 (mobile).
Mark Your Calendars for the SPC Supplier Showcase
The 2026 Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) Supplier Showcase will take place on Wednesday, August 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Oakton College, 1600 E. Golf Road in Des Plaines. This event provides local government officials and staff from participating councils of government—including SSMMA—the opportunity to meet one-on-one with SPC suppliers and learn about products, services, and solutions available to better serve their communities. Invitations and additional details will be shared with municipal staff and department leaders.
SPC Vehicle Order Cut Off Dates & Additional Information
Currie Motors has notified the SPC of the following vehicle factory order cut off dates:
| 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.
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