SSMMA Newsletter March 6, 2026

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March 6, 2026

www.ssmma.org

SSMMA Partnering with Cook County to Host Workshop for 2026 Community Development Block Grant

In partnership with the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) will host an informational workshop on Thursday, March 12, regarding the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). South suburban municipalities are highly encouraged to attend to learn more about this funding opportunity. This will be a local workshop hosted at SSMMA at 9:00 AM.

These competitive grants provide funding to support a range of community development activities in eligible suburban Cook County communities.

Applications are open until March 20, 2026. For more information or to sign up to attend, contact Sarah Waks at sarah.waks@ssmma.org.

Additional information and funding opportunities:

Final Call: Register for the Vendor Fair & Appreciation Social!

Join us for the Vendor Fair & Member Appreciation Social on March 19, co-hosted by the Villages of Glenwood and Thornton. This year’s refreshed format features vendor booths, appetizers, and cocktails, followed by a brief SSMMA Business Meeting.

Registration is required, and walk-ins will not be accepted. Contact Melissa Doud for more information. Register here.

Additional Grant Opportunities and Resources

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

• Applications are still open for IDOT EV Charging Infrastructure Grants. Learn more.

Cook County Justice Advisory Council Grants are available now. Learn more.

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

News from Community Partners

Invest in Cook Grant Program Applications Open!

Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways has announced the 10th round of Invest in Cook, an $8.5 million grant program supporting local transportation projects.

Funding is available for planning and feasibility studies, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction. The open-call ends March 20, 2026, at 5 pm. Learn more.

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.

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.