Funding Currently Available
Powering Safe Communities Program
The Powering Safe Communities grant program awards grants of up to $10,000 to support municipal public safety initiatives throughout the ComEd region. ComEd provides the funds and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus is the grant program administrator.
For more information, please visit our Powering Safe Communities page here.
Recognition and Technical Assistance
Earn SolSmart Designation
The Mayors Caucus is no longer serving as a SolSmart Advisor and providing technical assistance to help local governments earn the SolSmart designation for streamlining solar codes and policies. However, municipalities may pursue SolSmart designation on their own. The Solar Foundation offers direct technical assistance to municipalities and counties that wish to earn SolSmart. Apply here.
Communities Invited to Earn America in Bloom National Recognition
America in Bloom (AIB) recognizes outstanding efforts to make communities more livable and beautiful through landscape beautification, stewardship, and complementary civic endeavors.
Applicant communities are evaluated for their success in growing community pride through urban forestry, landscaping, floral displays, heritage preservation, and environmental stewardship. Applicants will receive an onsite consultation by a team of expert judges in the summer of 2021. They compete with other communities in their population category and receive a benchmark Bloom Rating.
Please visit the AIB website for contest information www.americainbloom.org or contact Director of Environmental Initiatives Edith Makra at emakra@mayorscaucus.org.
Deadline: February 28, 2021
The Village of Hawthorn Woods received two America in Bloom awards in 2020: Best Ecological Preservation Project and the Community Champion Award, which went to Chief Operating Officer Pam Newton. Pictured above is Meadowlark Park & Arboretum. The Village removed turf grass on this 3-acre site and replaced it with native prairie and wetland grasses, which created natural habitats for flora and fauna.
Ongoing Resources
Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA has a national newsletter for climate and energy news for state and local governments. Additionally, this newsletter provides information on federal funding opportunities. To sign up, please click here.
More information: www.epa.gov
Environmental Initiatives