January 14, 2022
www.ssmma.org
News from SSMMA
SSMMA Calls on Illinois Leaders to Take Action on Recent 2022 Legislative Priorities
The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association is calling upon Illinois leaders to make impactful changes to improve the quality of life for Southland residents.

Through the enactment of strategic policies and legislation, we can promote economic growth, respond to the challenges of COVID-19, and lay the groundwork for recovery within the region.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated inequities and hardships faced by our already vulnerable region, escalating the urgency for remedies that “build back better” and accelerate transformational inclusive economic growth in the South Suburbs. We call upon Illinois leaders to make improving the economic quality of life in the Southland a top priority.

SSMMA's Legislative Agenda includes the following priorities:

  1. Pass the Southland Reactivation Act (HB 1842/SB 2178)
  2. Restore Local Government Distributive Funds to 8% (HB 4169/SB 3010)
  3. Implement the States Capital Program, Accelerate Investments in the Southland

With the support of the General Assembly, SSMMA’s consensus agenda can put Southland communities on the path to a more economically competitive, socially equitable, and fiscally sustainable future.

If you have questions about SSMMA's 2022 Legislative Priorities please contact President Robert Kolosh, Legislative Chairman Rick Reinbold, or SSMMA Executive Director Kristi DeLaurentiis.

Find more information on our 2022 Legislative Priorities here.

To learn more attend our Annual Legislative Program on Friday, January 28th at 8:00am.
Upcoming Meetings and Events

Little Calumet River Watershed Planning Council -Thursday, January 20th at 4:00pm

Business Meeting - Thursday, January 20th at 6:00pm

Click here to view SSMMA's 2022 meeting schedule.
SSMMA Annual Legislative Breakfast

Our plans have changed! The Annual Legislative Breakfast will now be a virtual event.

The virtual webinar will be held on Friday, January 28th at 8:00am.

Find more information here.


For more information contact Melissa Doud.
SSMMA ARPA Resource Page
• SSMMA now offers an American Rescue Plan Act resource page for community leaders to access the latest information about program criteria and updates for Cook and Will County municipalities.

SSMMA 2020 Census Data Page

• Access the most recent 2020 Census data for the SSMMA region on the newest data web map or census dashboard.
COVID-19 News
As vaccination efforts across south suburban Cook continue, the percentage of vaccinated south suburban residents is progressing slowly. SSMMA's COVID Vaccine Tracker shows that the current regional vaccination rate is 54.1%, compared to 65.1% statewide.


  • As of January 14th, the seven-day average positivity rate for the SSMMA region is 14.9%, versus 19.0% for Suburban Cook County.


  • Find regional vaccination rates and vaccine clinics directly at ssmmacovid.org.
State and Local COVID-19 Information
• The Illinois Department of Public Health announced that COVID-19 anti-virals will be available in the coming weeks.

• As of January 3rd Cook County Department of Public Health issued a new mitigation order regarding the vaccine mandate.

• Will County Health Department & Community Center allows residents to schedule first-time vaccinations and booster shots directly on their website.
Community Vaccination Information
• Will County will be offering COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots on January 16th at Joliet Junior College.

• All Cook County Health Community Centers are offering Pfizer vaccines for children 5+.

• South Suburban College is partnering with IDPH to provide all three vaccinations and PCR testing Mon-Sat from 8:00am-4:00pm.

• Cook County Department of Public Health is partnering with Kaizen Health for the Destination to Vaccination program to assist residents with rides to get their vaccines.
Business & Residential Resources

• Find a list of federal and DCEO grant opportunities here.

• The Pritzker Administration has announced $45 million in grants through the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program for eligible organizations. Learn more.

• Illinois residents impacted by COVID-19 are still eligible to receive rental assistance through the Department of Human Services. Learn more.

• Cook County offers a list of resources for residents and businesses through the COVID-19 Community Recovery Initiative. Learn more.

• Will County offers resources for residents and businesses impacted by the pandemic.
CEDA Offering Water Bill Assistance to Eligible Customers
• CEDA has launched a Low Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWA) Grant Program designed to assist low-income households in Cook County with the payment of their water and wastewater utility bills.
January News from Our Community Partners
Regional Transportation Authority Hosting Movers Workshop on January 26th
• The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is developing the next regional transit strategic plan that will guide the future of public transit in northeastern Illinois, and we need your help

• The Workshop will be held on Wednesday, January 26th from 10:00am until 11:30am.

• Register here.
Cook County Announces Call for Invest in Cook and Community Development Block Grant Program Applications
• Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways is now accepting applications for the Invest in Cook and Community Development Block Grant Program.

• Register for the informational webinar held on January 26th from 1:00-3:00pm.

• The application deadline for both programs is Wednesday, March 16th at 5:00pm.
SPC News

SPC Extends Dodge Ram 1500 SSV Crew Cab Contract; Dodge Discontinues Other Products

  • The Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) has awarded the first of three possible, one-year contract extensions on the Dodge Ram 1500 SSV Crew Cab (Contract #202) to Roesch Chrysler Jeep Dodge at a base model price of $34,864.00.

  • Dodge has eliminated the Charger PPV RWD and halted production of the AWD version of the 2022 model, both on SPC Contract #200. They have also eliminated the Durango SSV V6 and SSV V8 and halted production of the AWD Pursuit V6 and AWD Pursuit V8, all on SPC Contract #201. The Dodge Ram 1500 SSV Crew Cab is the only remaining Dodge vehicle that is in production and available for entities to purchase through the SPC at this time.

  • For questions or additional information, please contact staff or Roesch Government & Fleet Sales Manager Mike Hilmers, 630-279-6000 (office), 630-247-6383 (cell), or Mikehilmers@roeschtrucks.com.

View the current SPC Catalog here.
Have something you'd like included in our next newsletter? Email it to news@ssmma.org.