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A Resolution Ratifying the Renewal of a Professional Services Agreement with Metro Strategies Group, LLC to Provide Grant Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $100,000 for a One (1) Year Term and Authorizing its Execution
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Introduction
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Staff requests that the Village Board ratify the execution of the Renewal of the Professional Services Agreement with Metro Strategies Group, LLC, to provide grant services for the Village.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior actions:
• The Board adopted RES 25-242 on August 5th, 2025, approving the renewal of a professional services agreement with Metro Strategies Group, LLC.
• The Board adopted RES 24-242 on June 8th, 2024, approving the renewal of a professional services agreement with Metro Strategies Group, LLC.
• The Board adopted RES 23-217 on July 31, 2023, authorizing a one-year professional services agreement with Metro Strategies Group LLC.
Background
In 2023, the Village entered an agreement with Metro Strategies Group LLC to prospect and support applications for grant funding on behalf of the Village. Since this signing, Village staff have been able to coordinate applications between departments and utilize Metro Strategies’ technical expertise to submit grant applications. With reduced grant opportunities at the federal level, Metro Strategies has been critical for helping identify state, local, and nonprofit sources of funding for Village initiatives.
Since the re-signing of the original contract in July of 2025, Metro Strategies has supported the development of over 5 successful grants for the Village, earning $294,966.82 in grant revenue and supporting staff on grants worth an additional $187,216.00. Metro Strategies has been integral in creating competitive grant applications and assisting staff with their technical expertise and network to support complex applications.
Metro Strategies has been critical for identifying and supporting grant efforts for Sustainability, Fire, and Development Services. Throughout the last year, Metro Strategies has met with each department to understand their needs and identify grant opportunities relevant to them. Metro Strategies primarily coordinates with the Village Manager’s Office and, recently, the Finance Department to support Finance concerning grants during the ongoing Finance Department reorganization.
Timing Considerations
The current contract with Metro Strategies expires at the end of July 2026.
Financial Impact
Since the 2023 agreement was signed, the Village has been invoiced $123,579.50 as of May 2026. This item is budgeted for under GL # 1001.41020.101.530667, VMO - External Support in the amount of $100,000.
Operations Impact
This contract supports Village staff in all departments to prepare, identify, and apply for grants in multiple sectors, including the state, federal, and non-profit levels. This action requires several department hours per month preparing forms and applications, but is reduced with assistance from Metro Strategies.
DEI Impact
Procuring support to acquire large, impactful external grant funding advances Village equity goals by supporting grant applications for projects to direct necessary and sufficient resources to community members and neighborhoods most in need of Village investment.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Village Board approve the resolution.
Advantages:
• Approving the resolution ensures staff remains proactive on grant opportunities, retains the professional expertise of consultants for applications, and continues to centralize grant reporting and applications.
Disadvantages:
• This action requires the expenditure of funds.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can delay action to gain additional information.
Advantages:
• The Board would be presented with additional information as requested.
Disadvantages:
• A delay in action will result in a lapse in the contract.
Alternative 2:
The Board can choose not to approve the resolution.
Advantages:
• This action can lead to potential cost savings.
Disadvantages:
• Staff will lose expertise on grant applications, opportunity insight, and grant preparation.
Anticipated Future Actions
Upon adoption of the Resolution, Village staff will execute the professional services agreement with the vendor.
Prepared By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Reviewed By: Ahmad M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Oak Park Grant Tracker July 2025 to Present
2. Proposal
3. Resolution
4. Professional Services Agreement