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Making History: Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin to Lead
Illinois Municipal League
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SSMMA proudly congratulates Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin of Matteson, SSMMA's current Vice President, on her unanimous election as the next President of the Illinois Municipal League (IML). With this appointment, she becomes the first African American woman to lead the 112-year-old statewide organization, a historic milestone for Illinois municipalities.
Mayor Chalmers-Currin has long been a trailblazer, from serving as Matteson’s first female mayor to her leadership on the IML Board of Directors as Vice President since 2021. She now steps into this new role with a proven record of advocacy, service, and vision for strong, thriving communities across Illinois.
In her own words, Mayor Chalmers-Currin noted, “Serving as President of the Illinois Municipal League is a profound honor, and I thank my colleagues for their trust and partnership. Together, we can advance policies that will strengthen our communities and our state. This moment is not only historic, but also deeply personal, as I am humbled to be the first Black woman to serve in this role in the League’s more than 100-year history. It has also been my privilege to serve and amplify the voice of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA).”
Read the complete IML Press Release here.
| | SSMMA and Regional COGs Advocate for Equitable Transit Reform | | |
The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association is working collaboratively with councils of governments across the Chicago metropolitan region—including the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, Lake County Municipal League, Northwest Municipal Conference, and Southwest Conference of Mayors—on critical public transit issues. Representing 166 municipalities and 3.4 million residents, these organizations have issued a joint statement addressing transit governance, funding, and local development authority.
As the future of public transit remains a key topic in the upcoming Veto Session, the COGs are urging reforms that ensure fair regional representation, preserve municipal authority over land use, and explore sustainable funding solutions while avoiding measures that disproportionately burden suburban communities. SSMMA and its regional partners remain committed to advancing a transit system that is safe, efficient, and responsive to all communities. Read the transit statement here.
| | Cook County Unveils $15 Million Homeowner Relief Fund | | |
Relief is on the way for Cook County residents facing skyrocketing property taxes. Cook County has launched a $15 million Homeowner Relief Fund that will provide a one-time $1,000 payment to eligible households hit hardest by recent reassessments. With applications opening on September 29, 2025, and the first round closing quickly on October 10, 2025, this is a timely opportunity for families to ease the burden of rising costs and keep stability in their homes.
SSMMA encourages all member municipalities to share this resource with residents and help connect eligible households to this critical support. Learn more and check eligibility here: Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund Overview & Checklist.
| | News from Community Partners | |
LAST CALL: Cook County Property Tax Bridge Fund Applications Open | |
Cook County has launched its Property Tax Bridge Fund Program, offering hundreds of millions of dollars in no-interest, short-term loans to eligible suburban taxing districts, including municipalities, schools, and park districts.
The application window runs from September 18 until October 3, 2025. Eligible districts must have less than 120 days of cash on hand and be located in suburban Cook County. Loan amounts are based on a district’s levy, collection rate, and available cash on hand, with awards ranging from 50%–100% of the maximum loan calculated. Find more information and application details here.
| | | | 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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2025 Fall Auction
The fall Surplus Vehicle and Equipment Auction will be held at noon on Tuesday, October 21 at America’s Auto Auction in Crestwood. Thank you to Palatine and Tinley Park for registering for the last live auction of the year. Please note that vehicles and equipment can be listed for disposal right up to the morning of the auction day. For more information, please contact staff or America’s AA Sales Executive Manager Maria Cortez, 708-389-4488.
SPC Extends Liquid Calcium Chloride Contract – Order Now for Before Prices Increase
The Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) Governing Board has approved a combined extension covering the third and fourth years of the contract for Liquid Calcium Chloride (Contract #213) with Sicalco, Ltd., of Hinsdale. The contract extension runs through December 4, 2027.
SPC to Host Starlink Webinar
On Friday, October 17 at 1:00 p.m., the SPC will host a webinar featuring Starlink’s Internet service. Starlink provides a low-latency, high-performance connectivity option that multi-location organizations can seamlessly deploy across their network, even in rural and hard-to-reach locations. Find more information in the weekly briefing.
Check out the weekly briefing here.
| 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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