Illinois Communities Gain $170,000 in Funding for Energy and Safety Initiatives
Twenty-four Illinois communities will benefit from the 2026 Powering Safe Communities Program
A collaborative effort between ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus has resulted in 24 local governments, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations across Illinois receiving over $170,000 in funding. This initiative, known as the 2026 Powering Safe Communities Program, aims to bolster public safety while promoting clean energy advancements in northern Illinois communities.
“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,” stated 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.”
Since its inception in 2015, the Powering Safe Communities Program has allocated over $2 million, supporting more than 260 projects focused on public safety and clean energy. The program is administered by ComEd in partnership with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, a council representing Chicagoland’s chief elected officials.
An external panel of judges evaluates applications to ensure transparency, and applicants must match the grant 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.”
Interested communities can apply for the 2027 program to share their vision for a safer and cleaner future. For application details, visit ComEd.com/Grants.
The 2026 Powering Safe Communities grant recipients and their funded projects include:
Algonquin Area Public Library District (Algonquin) will acquire two new automated external defibrillator (AED) machines and train approximately 50 staff members.
Bartlett Park District (Bartlett) is set to install a publicly accessible AED at Jim Jensen Pavilion in Apple Orchard Community Park.
Beecher Fire Protection District (Beecher) will replace outdated equipment with three battery-operated thermal imaging cameras and three battery-operated rescue saws.
Big Rock Fire Protection District (Big Rock) intends to purchase a battery-operated hydraulic rescue ram to enhance rescue operations during vehicle collisions and structural emergencies.
004th District Community Youth and Retirement Organization (Chicago) plans to install over 20 solar-lit block club signs to improve neighborhood safety and engagement.
IAVY Inc. (Chicago) will enhance safety and accessibility at South Side Sanctuary with permanent solar-powered lighting and electrical infrastructure.
Village of Crete Emergency Management Agency (Crete) will develop a multi-department drone system to serve various local departments.
City of Earlville Police Department (Earlville) will upgrade mobile data computers in two police vehicles to improve access to real-time information.
Fox Lake Police Department (Fox Lake) plans to equip patrol vehicles with 12 AEDs.
Village of Hillside (Hillside) will install two electric vehicle charging stations at the Hillside Municipal Complex.
Teachers to the Rescue (Lanark) will supply schools with bleeding control equipment and provide training for staff members.
Leaf River Fire Protection District (Leaf River) aims to acquire a battery-operated telescoping ram for rescue operations.
Village of North Aurora (North Aurora) will install solar-powered speed radar signs on Banbury Road.
Village of North Riverside (North Riverside) will implement solar-powered stop signs, LED pedestrian crossing signs, and a speed radar sign.
City of Oregon (Oregon) plans to use a radar speed trailer to combat speeding.
Orland Hills Police Department (Orland Hills) will purchase eight AEDs for police use.
Park Forest Police Department (Park Forest) is set to install five radar speed signs and offer targeted speed enforcement training.
Village of Posen (Posen) will update school zone speed limit signage with solar-powered radar speed feedback signs.
Robbins Park District (Robbins) will install an AED and offer portable lighting for evening youth activities.
Family Peace Center (Rockford) will provide bus passes to survivors of domestic and sexual violence for improved access to services.
Sauk Village Fire Department (Sauk Village) will purchase two battery-operated chainsaws and train department members in their use.
The Village of Schiller Park (Schiller Park) will acquire nine rechargeable AEDs and offer CPR training.
Village of Skokie Police Department (Skokie) will obtain a mobile light tower/generator for emergency public safety operations.
Addison Township Highway Department (Wood Dale) will install four AED stations across township facilities.
ComEd is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC), a leading utility company serving over 10.7 million electricity and natural gas customers nationwide. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4.2 million customers in northern Illinois. For more information, visit ComEd.com, or follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.
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Original Story at www.morningstar.com