With the help of SSMMA and a group of engaged south suburban residents, Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) is developing a map of flood indicators and urban flooding locations in the Calumet region of Cook County via their Urban Flooding Baseline Project. The project kicked off in March of this year, and will conclude in May 2022.

SSMMA has partnered with CNT to provide outreach and assistance with stormwater data collection across the Southland. The project's data collectors and advisory group members are south suburban residents who have been directly impacted by flooding and are eager to convey to local municipal leaders how stormwater negatively impacts their neighborhoods.

"As a resident in the south suburbs, it has been powerful to be part of the advisory group and data collection team. I have learned an incredible amount about flooding and its impact on residents, businesses, and communities", said Rachel H., a Blue Island Resident involved in the project.

"Several residents have approached me while I was out taking photos, and you can hear the frustration and helplessness they feel, and also the pain from feeling ignored. It seemed to give them some slight hope to be noticed and recognized that this is a serious and real problem. I look forward to continuing to document these flooded areas and creating a solid basis of data to be used to aid these communities."

Since March, data collectors have deployed during and after storm events that involve heavy rainfall or melted snow. These community members take geographically tagged photos of externally flooded areas within communities like Dixmoor, Dolton, Harvey, Phoenix, Posen, Riverdale, Markham, and parts of unincorporated Thornton Township.

Residents and local community members interested in getting involved can share their personal stories or flooding photos with CNT via this online survey. Responses will be included in an upcoming web-based flood visualization tool.

For more information, contact Victoria Nicholson.

Jingle & Mingle Holiday Dinner

You're invited to SSMMA's annual holiday dinner!

This event is hosted by Mayor Patty Eidam and the Village of Lansing on Thursday, December 2nd at Lansing Serbian Social Center at 6:00pm.

Find registration and sponsorship information here.

For more information contact Melissa Doud.