SSMMA Newsletter September 18, 2026

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September 18, 2026

www.ssmma.org

Congratulations to Sheila Chalmers-Currin

on Her Term as IML President

As Village President (Matteson), Sheila Chalmers-Currin’s term as President of the Illinois Municipal League (IML) comes to a close, SSMMA congratulates her on a historic year of leadership and service. Chalmers-Currin was the first Black woman to serve as IML President in the League’s more than 100-year history.

Throughout her term, President Chalmers-Currin brought a strong Southland voice to statewide discussions on issues affecting municipalities. As IML President, she helped lead the League’s advocacy on key issues, including opposition to the Governor's Build agenda due to its proposed statewide preemption of local housing, land use, and zoning authority; worked to protect LGDF funding; and opposed proposals to change Tier 2 pension benefits that could increase costs for municipalities.

SSMMA recognizes President Chalmers-Currin for her leadership and representation of the Southland and all communities throughout her term and congratulates her on the completion of her service as IML President. Thank you!

SAVE THE DATE! SSMMA Jingle & Mingle

Mark your calendars! The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association invites you to the Jingle & Mingle Dinner on Thursday, December 3, 2026, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Beau Chateau. Mayor John Ryan and the Village of Alsip will host this year's event!

Registration will open in October. Stay tuned for additional updates and sponsorship opportunities. Contact Melissa Doud for more information.

Additional Grant Opportunities and Resources

• Find a list of the most recent DCEO Grant Opportunities here.

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

News from Community Partners

Apply for Energy Efficiency Grant Funding!

The Illinois EPA is offering $766,600 in grant funding through the Public Buildings Energy Efficiency Program to help municipalities, counties, and other units of local government improve energy efficiency in public buildings. Eligible projects may include insulation, window and lighting upgrades, programmable thermostats, HVAC improvements, high-efficiency appliances, and other energy-saving measures identified through an energy efficiency assessment or audit completed within the past five years.

Grants are capped at $200,000 per grantee, with applications due September 30, 2026. Funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program.

Learn more.

Applications Open for Exelon’s $20M Climate Change Investment Initiative

Applications are open through September 27 for Exelon’s Climate Change Investment Initiative (2c2i), which provides selected U.S.-based climate-tech startups with up to $300,000 in equity funding from the Exelon Foundation, along with in-kind support from Exelon and its utilities. Eligible startups must be addressing climate change or sustainability and operate, or have near-term potential to operate, within an Exelon service territory, including the Chicago area. Learn more and apply here.

CCDPH Launches “Every Vaccine Counts” Campaign

Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has launched its “Every Vaccine Counts” campaign to encourage families to make sure children are up to date on routine vaccinations as they return to school.

The campaign also highlights free back-to-school vaccination clinics available throughout suburban Cook County through October for eligible children ages 6 months through 18 years. Families can visit everyvaccinecounts.com to learn more and find a clinic. 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.

Plan Now for Fall Surplus Vehicle & Equipment Auction

The Surplus Vehicle and Equipment Auction will be held at noon on Tuesday, October 13 at America’s Auto Auction (America’s AA) in Crestwood. Thank you to Harvey and Tinley Park for participating. Please note that vehicles and equipment can be listed for sale right up to the morning of the auction day. The final live auction of the year will be held on Tuesday, December 15.

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.