SSMMA Newsletter June 26, 2026

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June 26, 2026

www.ssmma.org

Southland Communities Advance Low-Income Energy Efficiency Through Regional Grant Program

South Suburban communities, including Park Forest and Sauk Village, are advancing local efforts to help residents lower energy costs and increase access to energy efficiency resources through the Low-Income Energy Efficiency Outreach & Engagement (LIEEOE) Grant Program.

In Park Forest, Sustainability Coordinator Carrie Malfeo has been leading hands-on demonstrations that help residents learn how to install and use energy-efficient products, providing practical tools to reduce utility costs and improve home efficiency. These local education efforts are complemented by broader regional initiatives designed to expand awareness and participation in ComEd-supported energy efficiency programs.

The Sauk Village Smart Energy Initiative is designed to empower low-income families and the community with the knowledge and resources needed to adopt energy-efficient practices while increasing participation in ComEd-supported programs. Together, these efforts reflect a coordinated regional approach to expanding energy efficiency education, reducing household energy burdens, and increasing access to utility savings programs across the Southland.

The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) is dedicated to advancing coordinated Southland strategies that expand access to low-income energy efficiency programs and resources. SSMMA has been working with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, which serves as the facilitator to the LIEEAC under the guidance of the LIEEAC Leadership Team, under contract to ComEd, and with oversight from the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). The Caucus also serves as the administrator of the LIEEOE Grant Program. The next LIEEOE Cohort Meeting will be held on July 15, 2026, from 9:00–10:30 a.m. (virtual). Learn more.

Meetings and Events

Visit our website for SSMMA's meeting schedule, Zoom log-in information, and meeting materials.

2026 Meeting Calendar

REMINDER: There will not be a June Board Meeting.

Environmental Justice Committee Meeting - Thursday, July 9 at 2:00pm via Zoom

Little Calumet Watershed Planning Meeting - July 15th meeting is cancelled.

(next meeting will be Wednesday, October 21 at 9:00 a.m.)

SSMMA Business Meeting - Thursday, July 16 at 6:00pm via Zoom (On Call)

Celebrate the Southland Gala - Friday, July 24

CANCELED

Municipalities Encouraged to Apply for FEMA BRIC Funding

Communities affected by recent flooding are encouraged to document and report flood impacts, as damage assessments help support future disaster recovery and mitigation efforts. Municipalities should also be aware that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting applications for its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program through July 23, 2026. Apply here.

The BRIC program provides funding for projects that strengthen community resilience before disasters occur, including flood mitigation, utility hardening, critical facility relocation, stormwater infrastructure improvements, and other hazard mitigation initiatives. Local governments interested in applying must submit applications through the FEMA GO portal. Please note that applications submitted under the previous 2025 funding opportunity must be updated and resubmitted under the current Notice of Funding Opportunity. Learn more.

SSMMA Hiring a Transportation Planner/Planning Liaison

The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) is seeking a Transportation Planner to lead regional transportation planning and programming efforts while working closely with member municipalities, CMAP, IDOT, and other regional partners. The position also manages the South Council of Mayors' Surface Transportation Program (STP) and oversees the region's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, professional references, and salary expectations to Melissa Doud. The position is open until filled. Find additional information here.

Additional Grant Opportunities and Resources

• Cook County Department of Public Health has a list of grant and funding opportunities. Learn more.

• 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

Workshop Series Helps South Suburban Nonprofits Build Capacity

South suburban nonprofit organizations are invited to participate in a free three-part workshop series hosted by AMPT: Advancing Nonprofits at Governors State University this July. Designed to strengthen organizational capacity, the series will provide practical strategies for telling compelling impact stories, building strategic partnerships, and developing effective staff recruitment and onboarding processes.

Workshops will be held on July 15, 22, and 29, with participants leaving each session with actionable tools and resources to support long-term organizational sustainability.

Applications are due by July 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CDT. Apply now.

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.

Summer Surplus Vehicle & Equipment Auction is Right Around the Corner!

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 the staff or America’s AA

Sales Executive Manager Kasey Salameh, Kasey.salameh@Americasaa.com, 708-389-4488 (office) or 708-953-3069 (mobile).

Registration Open for the August 5 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 Extends Fuel Contract

As previously reported, the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) Governing Board has approved the second of three (3) possible one-year contract extensions of the Gasoline (87, 89 & 92 Octane), Diesel Fuel, Ethanol 75 & 85, and B20 Bio Diesel Fuel (Contract #230) to Al Warren Oil Co., Inc. from July 6, 2026, through July 5, 2027. For questions or additional information, please contact staff.

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

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