September 9, 2022
www.ssmma.org
Govenor Pritzker Breaks Ground on Reconstruction of Key Corridor in Harvey, Dixmoor, Riverdale
This week, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) joined local officials and community leaders to break ground on the reconstruction of Wood Street/Ashland Avenue.

This roadway stretch is a key commercial, industrial, and residential corridor that runs through Harvey, Dixmoor, and Riverdale. The $94 million project will modernize 90-year-old infrastructure while making a critical investment in multiple communities to improve safety, support economic development, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life.

Read the full press release here.
Chicago Southland Development Corporation to Host Fall Forum September 23
The Village of Richton Park will welcome the Chicago Southland Development Corporation for an in person Fall Forum on September 23 at the Village of Richton Park Community Center starting at 8:30am. Village President Richard Reinbold, along with local government officials and leaders from the Southland, will provide updates and opportunities on economic development progress in the south suburbs.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Illinois State Representative Anthony DeLuca who spearheaded the Southland Reactivation Act, a measure aimed at creating jobs, lowering property taxes, and incentivizing commercial and industrial redevelopment in the south suburbs.
Illinois State Representative Will Davis will discuss his new legislation requiring the State of Illinois to begin negotiations for the construction of the South Suburban Airport.

Registration and information about the additional speakers can be found here.

Upcoming Meetings and Events


Click here to view SSMMA's 2022 meeting schedule.


Date Change: SSMMA Business Meeting has been rescheduled from September 16 to September 29 at 6:00pm due to IML Conference
Public Health Information
• Monkey Pox vaccinations are now offered at several clinics throughout suburban Cook County. Learn more.

• This weekend, CCDPH will partner with several organizations and churches throughout the south suburbs to host several COVID-19 vaccination clinics for ages 6 months and older. Find

• Organizations can request COVID-19 PPE and other resources from CCDPH. Learn more.

• Will County Health Department offers vaccination clinics for residents. Learn more.
COVID-19 Updates
• SSMMA's COVID Vaccine Tracker shows that the current regional vaccination rate is 56.6%, compared to 69.4% statewide.

• As of September 8, Suburban Cook County's positivity rate reports low according to the CDC level.

• IDPH Urges All Who Are Eligible to Get Up to Date With Newly Approved Bivalent Booster Shots. Learn more.

CCDPH Vaccination Clinics in South Suburban Cook County
Business & Residential Resources
• Cook County Small Business Source offers programs and opportunities to help businesses emerge from COVID-19 intact and positioned for growth.

• Gov. Pritzker Announces $15 Million to Expand Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Learn more.
• Gov. Pritzker Announces $300 Million in Funding for Energy Bill Assistance for Illinois families. Learn more.

• Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) offers a list of FY23 grant opportunities for eligible organizations. Learn more.

• Check out the latest list of Federal and DCEO grant opportunities here

• Check out Will County's small business assistance resource page.
News from Community Partners
FEMA Announces Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Programs
• The BRIC program funds capital projects that reduce the risk of future disasters, including flooding.

• The Flood Mitigation Assistance Program funds are available to local communities to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

• The application for both programs opens on September 30.
• The South Suburban Housing Center along with Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance will host a Housing Rights Webinar for Persons with Arrests and Convictions.

• The webinar will provide information about the state of Illinois and Cook County's fair housing protections for persons with criminal records.

• The webinar will take place on September 14 at 3:00pm. Register here.
• The Village of Midlothian will host a Public Open House for the proposed Natalie Creek Trail Set on September 13 at Midlothian Park District Recreation Center.

• Residents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to learn about the 12-mile multi-purpose path and bicycle route.

RTA Requesting Public Feedback for 2023 Strategic Plan Priorities
• RTA's 2023 strategic plan will guide how RTA's transit system will adapt to the impacts of the pandemic to provide safe, reliable, accessible public transportation that connects people to opportunity, advances equity, and combats climate change.

U.S. Department of Transportation Hosting Webinars for Reconnecting Communities Grant
• U.S. DOT offers numerous webinars for information related to the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program.

• Tribal, rural, small local governments, nonprofit applicants, and applicants newer to applying to DOT grants are highly encouraged to apply. Find a list of webinars here.

• The deadline for applications is on Thursday, October 13, 2022. 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.
SPC News


Register Today for the Fall Surplus Vehicle & Equipment Auction

  • The last live Surplus Vehicle & Equipment Auction of 2022 will be held on Tuesday, October 18 at noon at America’s Auto Auction in Crestwood. America’s AA offers a wide variety of convenient services to prep your vehicles and garner the highest possible price, and as previously noted, prices for used cars are up 40% year-to-year due to chip shortages and high demand.

  • Please note that vehicles and equipment can be listed for disposal right up to the morning of auction day. Sell them now before winter and the dreaded lot rot sets in. Please keep in mind that a portion of the proceeds helps support the operations of the organization. In addition, America’s Auto Auction hosts online sales on par with other government surplus Internet auctions. Contact staff or Berry Ellis, at berry.ellis@americasautoauction.com or call 312-371-5993 for more information.

Click here for more information about the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative and to view the current SPC Catalog.
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