SSMMA President Curry Speaks in Springfield
Opposing Proposed LGDF Cuts
| | Last week in Springfield, SSMMA President and Lynwood Mayor Jada D. Curry joined municipal leaders from across Illinois opposing the Governor’s proposed reduction to the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF). Speaking on behalf of south suburban communities, Curry emphasized the importance of state-shared revenue to local services, stating, “LGDF funds are a critical lifeline and essential resource for communities like mine and are particularly important to communities within the south suburban region.” Watch President Curry’s remarks here at the 10 minute mark. | | | |
Mark Your Calendar: CMAP Century Plan Regional Workshop Hosted by SSMMA
SSMMA is pleased to host a regional workshop in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) as part of developing The Century Plan, a long-term vision guiding the future of northeastern Illinois. Municipal leaders are invited to join a facilitated discussion on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. (coffee and networking at 9:30 a.m.) at the SSMMA office.
The Century Plan will serve as a “north star” for regional priorities over the next 20–30 years, helping align local and regional strategies around key issues such as housing, transportation, economic development, flooding, and job access. This workshop will provide SSMMA communities an opportunity to share local experiences, review early regional findings, and help shape priorities that will guide future planning, policy, and investment decisions.
Municipal input will directly inform the development of the Century Plan and help ensure it reflects the needs and perspectives of south suburban communities. SSMMA encourages mayors, managers, and local planning staff to participate in this important conversation about the region’s future.
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SSMMA Office Renovations Underway
Please be patient with us as we navigate packing and the temporary move during office renovations. We will return calls and messages as quickly as possible, though response times may be slightly delayed.
The renovation is expected to take approximately 3–4 months. Once we are settled back in, we look forward to hosting an open house to welcome everyone into the updated space.
| | | | News from Community Partners | |
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No-Cost Floodplain Management Assistance
Communities are invited to learn more about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Floodplain Management Services (FPMS) Program, which provides 100% federally funded technical assistance and planning support at no local cost share. A webinar on the program will be held on May 21 at 1:00 p.m. CDT.
The FPMS program helps communities better understand and manage local flood risks through services such as flood warning plans, hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, flood communication strategies, education and training workshops for emergency managers and residents, and other nonstructural or nature-based flood risk management approaches. Learn more.
Applications are due June 8, 2026. For questions, contact Kira Baltutis at (312) 846-5514, or Kaitlyn McClain at (312) 846-5455.
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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.
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Illinois Tollway Contracting Event Comes to the South Suburbs
The Illinois Tollway is bringing its next Contracting with Government event to the South Suburbs, offering small business professionals a valuable opportunity to learn how to do business with state agencies. The free event will take place on June 3, 2026, at Governors State University in University Park. Register here.
Attendees can participate in informative seminars on the state certification process and take part in a hands-on learning lab designed to help navigate state contracting portals. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Organizations are encouraged to share this opportunity with their networks. Those interested in hosting an exhibitor table to promote their chamber or organization can reach out directly to kdawson@getipass.com.
| | 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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Mark Your Calendars 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 in Des Plaines. The event offers local government officials an opportunity to connect directly with SPC suppliers and explore products, services, and solutions available through the cooperative. Members and staff from participating councils of government, including SSMMA, will be on-site.
| 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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