Twenty-four communities across Illinois selected through the 2026 Powering Safe Communities Program
CHICAGO (Aug. 12, 2026) — The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and ComEd announced that 24 local governments, public agencies and nonprofit organizations across Illinois will receive more than $170,000 through the 2026 Powering Safe Communities Program. For the last 12 years, the grant program supports projects that enhance public safety and advance clean energy solutions in communities throughout northern Illinois.
“The success of the Powering Safe Communities Program reflects the strong partnership between ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, and our shared commitment to building safer and more resilient communities,” said Melissa Washington, senior vice president of government, regulatory and external affairs at ComEd. “We’re proud to help support local projects and invest in communities that are building for the future.”
The 2026 grant recipients join a growing network of communities that have benefited from the program’s support. Since its launch in 2015, the Powering Safe Communities Program has awarded over $2 million in grant funding to support more than 260 public safety and clean energy projects.
The Caucus, a regional council of governments, administers the program, while ComEd provides grant funding. To help ensure transparency and community relevance, an external panel of judges reviews applications, while grant applicants are required to match ComEd’s funding with an equal or greater investment.
“Our partnership with ComEd continues to make a meaningful impact by providing real benefits to communities,” said Neil James, executive director of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. “These projects reflect the creativity and commitment of local leaders who are turning community priorities into action.”
Communities are encouraged to apply for the 2027 program and share their vision for a safer and cleaner future. For more information, including how to apply, go to ComEd.com/Grants.
The 2026 Powering Safe Communities grant recipients and their funded projects include:
Many of the Powering Safe Communities grant recipients will purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) for their community.
Algonquin Area Public Library District (Algonquin) will purchase two new automated external defibrillator (AED) machines and provide training for approximately 50 staff members.
Bartlett Park District (Bartlett) will purchase a publicly accessible, weather protected, AED for Jim Jensen Pavilion in Apple Orchard Community Park.
Beecher Fire Protection District (Beecher) will replace aging and unreliable equipment with three battery-operated thermal imaging cameras and three battery-operated rescue saws.
Big Rock Fire Protection District (Big Rock) will purchase a battery-operated hydraulic rescue ram to enhance technical rescue capabilities during motor vehicle collisions and structural emergencies.
004th District Community Youth and Retirement Organization (Chicago) will install over 20 solar-lit block club signs to enhance neighborhood safety and community engagement.
IAYV Inc. (Chicago) will install permanent solar-powered lighting and electrical infrastructure at South Side Sanctuary to improve safety and accessibility.
Village of Crete Emergency Management Agency (Crete) will establish a multi-department public safety drone system serving the police department, fire department, emergency management agency and public works department.
City of Earlville Police Department (Earlville) will upgrade mobile data computers in two police vehicles to improve officers’ access to real-time information, enhance operational efficiency and support public safety.
Fox Lake Police Department (Fox Lake) will purchase 12 AEDs for patrol vehicles.
Village of Hillside (Hillside) will install two level two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the Hillside Municipal Complex, each with two charging ports.
Teachers to the Rescue (Lanark) will purchase bleeding control equipment and Individual First Aid Kits to be placed in schools, and provide training for school staff members.
Leaf River Fire Protection District (Leaf River) will purchase a battery-operated telescoping ram for vehicle and technical rescue operations.
Village of North Aurora (North Aurora) will purchase and install two solar-powered cloud-connected speed radar signs on Banbury Road to address ongoing speeding concerns and improve safety for residents and students.
Village of North Riverside (North Riverside) will install solar-powered flashing stop signs, LED pedestrian crossing signs and a speed radar sign to improve pedestrian safety and reduce vehicle speeds in high-traffic areas.
City of Oregon (Oregon) will purchase a radar speed trailer to reduce speed, provide awareness, and make the community safer.
Orland Hills Police Department (Orland Hills) will purchase eight fully automatic AEDs to help police officers respond to cardiac events before paramedics arrive.
Park Forest Police Department (Park Forest) will purchase five radar speed signs, including installation and data-driven targeted speed enforcement training for officers.
Village of Posen (Posen) will install four solar-powered radar speed feedback signs and update school zone speed limit signage to improve safety around Posen Elementary School and Gordon Middle School.
Robbins Park District (Robbins) will install an automated external defibrillator at a park district facility and purchase portable lighting equipment to support youth recreation activities during evening hours.
Family Peace Center (Rockford) will provide day-fare bus passes to survivors of domestic and sexual violence to improve access to transportation and support services.
Sauk Village Fire Department (Sauk Village) will purchase two battery-operated chain saws and train department members in safe operation, PPE requirements, and maintenance.
The Village of Schiller Park (Schiller Park) will purchase nine rechargeable AEDs and administer CPR training throughout the village.
Village of Skokie Police Department (Skokie) will acquire a mobile light tower/generator to support public safety operations during emergencies and power outages.
Addison Township Highway Department (Wood Dale) will purchase and install four AED stations throughout township facilities, where no AED stations are currently available.
