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A Resolution Authorizing The Submission Of A Special Projects Grant Application With The Illinois Department Of Human Services Office Of Community And Positive Youth Development For Supporting The Cross Community Climate Collaborative's Youth Leadership Programming.
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Title
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A Resolution Authorizing The Submission Of A Special Projects Grant Application With The Illinois Department Of Human Services Office Of Community And Positive Youth Development For Supporting The Cross Community Climate Collaborative's Youth Leadership Programming.
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Introduction
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A resolution authorizing the submission of a Special Project Grant Application to accept an awarded re-appropriations grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services of the monies remaining from the FY2025 appropriation in the amount of $187,216.
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Recommended Action
Staff recommend approving the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior actions:
* On June 21, 2022, the Village Board approved the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cross-Community Climate Collaborative (C4) (RES 22-166).
* On January 28, 2025, the Village Board approved the submission of a Special Projects Grant Application to accept appropriation funds in the amount of $500,000 to support C4's Youth Climate programming. (RES 25-141).
Background
Approval of the Resolution will support the Board Goal "Sustainability & Resiliency Priority 5: Identify Partnerships" which states "Pursue opportunities to collaborate with governmental partners and neighboring jurisdictions (i.e., C4) on strategies that further Climate Ready commitments.
Under the appropriations grant, the Village contracted with Seven Generations Ahead (SGA) to manage and support the Cross-Community Climate Collaborative's (C4) newly developed youth leadership programming, building upon C4 co-directors SGA and partner/subcontractor Urban Efficiency Group (UEG) part-time youth programs. Funding specifically supports the development and implementation of UEG's Kaleidoscope Model - an eight-week program designed to develop emerging leaders councils which will engage BIPOC/LMI youth in learning about urban sustainability and civic leadership and UEG's workforce development training for youth in weatherization and energy efficiency. Through SGA's Oak Park-based It's Our Future Program, funding supports program expansion including bi-monthly forums; increased outreach to engage more youth; a climate justice youth summit; in-depth learning about local and international climate initiatives; connection to the Kaleidoscope Program; and engagement of youth in school policy implementation (OPRFHS D200; OP Elementary D97) which will collectively impact 9,300 students and the broader Oak Park community.
Not all of the $500,000 appropriated were expended in FY2025. The State has awarded a re-appropriations grant to complete the awarded project.
Timing Considerations
The Village received the grant award notification on August 11, 2025 and the grant submission deadline was August 25, 2025.
Budget Impact
The grant includes a 10% allocation to the Village for administrative costs to cover staff time for administration and the costs of the required audit. The grant is a reimbursement grant and funds are available in account #2311.41020.101.530667.000 for the Village's FY2025.
Staffing Impact
Village Staff, specifically from the Office of Sustainability and Resilience and the Finance Department, will be required to track the grant, provide required reporting to the State, and include the grant in the single audit. Staff time allocated to this project is estimated at no more than 7 hours per month.
DEI Impact
The programs developed by C4 under this grant will primarily engage BIPOC/LMI youth. The Kaleidoscope Model program specifically targets BIPOC/LMI youth in learning about urban sustainability and civic leadership and provides workforce development training. Although students have not yet been selected for the program, of the estimated 40 participants SGA anticipates an even split between students of White, Black/African American, and Asian race and ethnicity.
Community Input
C4 and SGA have committed to focusing on youth within the Oak Park community as the beneficiaries of these programs by partnering with District 97 and District 200.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board approves the Resolution.
Advantages:
* The grant will support the continuation of youth programming around urban sustainability and climate change which will benefit Oak Park youth.
* Serving as the grantee and supporting the Cross-Community Climate Collaborative supports the Village of Oak Park's commitment to C4 as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding.
Disadvantages:
* Village Staff time will be required to administer the Grant.
Alternatives
The Board can elect not to approve the Resolution.
Advantages
* No further Village staff time will be used to manage the Grant.
Disadvantages:
* If the Village does not submit the Special Projects Grant Application C4's youth leadership programming will not receive the allocated funds.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Lindsey Roland Nieratka, Chief Sustainability Officer
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution - C4 State Appropriation
2. Special Project Grant Application
3. Re-appropriations Application Packet