SSMMA Hosts Meeting with IDOT Officials |
On Monday, March 18th, South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) hosted an effective meeting between Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman and over 40 mayors and municipal representatives to discuss the South Suburban Airport (SSA), the timetable for the state’s SSA Request for Qualification (RFQ) due out in June, and other high priority transportation issues.
Joined by several senior IDOT staff and representatives from the Governor’s and Lt. Governor’s Offices, Secretary Osman informed attendees that IDOT’s office of programming and policy director had assembled a team to craft an RFQ that would be issued before June 30 this year, with the hope that there would be a robust response from experts interested in developing and operating the South Suburban Airport. Of note in the discussion was how the inclusion of language in Public Act 103-0317, that sets a timetable for the RFQ and allows for the development of a cargo-oriented airport, would likely draw a greater number of respondents advancing innovative proposals for a public-private partnership to the State of Illinois.
One question that surfaced was whether IDOT would welcome input from local leaders as the RFQ was being developed. “Will communities be afforded an opportunity to provide input or identify criteria that is important to our region?” asked Richton Park Mayor Rick Reinbold who expressed an interest in the State advancing an RFQ that encourages the private sector to respond and incorporate ways to build a smart, “green” state-of-the-art airport in the South Suburban region that not only expands Illinois' aviation capacity but brings sorely needed jobs to the region. IDOT expressed an openness to local input but noted that once the actual RFQ is issued no external engagement can occur in order to protect the integrity of the RFQ process.
IDOT also briefed the mayors about the current Phase I study that is underway examining the need for a new interchange on I-57 at Eagle Lake Road in Will County to serve the South Suburban Airport. This process also examines existing Monee-Manhattan Road and Peotone-Wilmington Road interchanges and potential improvements that may be needed.
Other topics broached by Southland mayors were concerns about the lack of regular mowing and litter clean up along interstates, interchanges, and state roadways; ways to accelerate implementation of transportation projects included in the State’s ReBuild Illinois Capital Bill program; and thorny local transportation issues specific to individual communities.
Throughout the lengthy meeting, IDOT and mayors looked for ways to partner together to address regional and local transportation priorities and recognized the need to continue regular dialog to ensure our expansive transportation network is leveraged to support transformational inclusive economic growth of the Southland.
Thank you IDOT for spending nearly a full day meeting with SSMMA mayors!
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Orland Park Releases Informative Videos on LGDF and Tier II Pensions for the Public |
The Village Manager's Office of Orland Park has created easily accessible informational videos to help the public better understand the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) and Tier II Pensions. Check out the videos linked below for additional details.
• The Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) resource provides insights into how LGDF funds are allocated, the factors influencing distribution, and the significance of this revenue stream for local municipalities financial stability
• Tier II Pensions are defined benefit plans for public employees, unions, and some private companies that help reduce the cost of the State of Illinois unfunded pension liabilities and the burden on taxpayers.
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Upcoming Meetings and Events
Visit our website for SSMMA's meeting schedule, Zoom log-in information, and meeting materials.
Transportation Committee Meeting - Tuesday, April 2 @ 2:00pm
Chicago Southland Housing and Community Development Collaborative - Thursday, April 11 @ 9:00am
Little Calumet River Watershed Planning Council - Wednesday, April 18 via Zoom
SSMMA Business Meeting - CANCELED due to Springfield Lobby Day on 4/17/24
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Thank You for Another Successful Vendor Fair Dinner! |
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SSMMA would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to all of the Associate members, elected officials, community organizations, partners, and friends who attended the annual Vendor Fair and dinner last night.
A special thank you to our hosts--Mayor Ronald Gardiner, the Village of Glenwood, Interim President Joe Pisarzewski and the Village of Thornton, Glenwoodie Golf Club, Scrementi's--and our sponsors ComEd, IBEW Local 134, and OpenGov. Vendor Photos and more information here. |
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Grant Opportunities and Resources |
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• Funding for projects to enhance urban and community forestry in disadvantaged communities is now available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry allocation of the Inflation Reduction Act. Register for an info session here.
• Check out two Funding Opportunities for Watershed Management Projects to Address Nonpoint Source Pollution. Learn more.
• U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $57 Million Available for Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Grants. Learn more.
• Find a list of grant opportunities for the state of Illinois here.
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News from Community Partners |
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State of Illinois Drug Take Back Product Stewardship Program |
• The State of Illinois recently passed the Drug Take-Back Act which requires drug manufacturers to fund collection and disposal as of December 1, 2023.
• MED-Project provides safe, free, and convenient disposal options for unwanted or expired household medications in your community. Get Started.
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ComEd Strategic Energy Management - Student Internship
• This internship is an opportunity for students interested in learning more about sustainability and energy efficiency, developing project management and peer-to-peer networking skills, and preparing for future professional opportunities.
• Application Deadline: Monday, April 15, 2024. Learn more.
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The Powering Safe Communities Program Extended
• The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus is proud to partner with ComEd to administer the Powering Safe Communities program, which provides grants for local public safety and electrification projects. To learn more or apply, visit the Powering Safe Communities Program. Learn more.
• Powering Safe Communities Program has been extended to Friday, April 12th, 2024. Previously, the application deadline was March 29th, 2024.
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Cook County Public Health Officials Say Recent Measles Cases Important Reminder to Get Vaccinated |
• In response to an increase of measles cases in the U.S., including Chicago, Cook County Health is reminding residents about the importance of measles vaccinations. The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective. Learn more.
• For appointments please call 833-308-1988
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Job Postings & Requests for Proposals |
• Municipalities and organizations can send job openings and proposals here to be publicly posted.
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Mark Your Calendars for the 2024 SPC Vendor Showcase
• The 2024 Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) Vendor Showcase will be held on Wednesday, July 24 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 Rooms 1608 and 1610 with parking available in Lot C.
The SPC Vendor 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 vendors at one time. Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC), DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference (DMMC), South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) and Will County Governmental League (WCGL) members and staff will be onsite to learn about the products, services, and solutions offered by the SPC to help you better serve your communities. Vendors will have individual display areas where you can discuss all your joint purchasing needs.
Surplus Vehicle & Equipment Auction on April 23
• The spring SPC Surplus Vehicle & Equipment Auction will be held on Tuesday, April 23 at Americas Auto Auction (America’s AA) in Crestwood. Thank you to Lincolnshire, Palatine and Tinley Park, who have registered to participate in the sale. America’s AA offers a wide variety of convenient services to prep vehicles and garner the highest possible price. Please note that vehicles and equipment can be listed for disposal at the NWMC auction right up to the morning of the auction day. Sell them now to get a fresh start and please keep in mind that a portion of the proceeds helps support the operations of the organization. The remaining live auctions for the year will be held on July 23 and October 22. 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 Account Executive Berry Ellis, 312-371-5993 or berry.ellis@americasautoauction.com
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