Title
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A Resolution Approving and Adopting the Village of Oak Park Climate Ready Energy Grant Program Guidelines
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Introduction
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Approve a Resolution to approve and adopt the Climate Ready Energy Grant program guidelines.
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Recommended Action
Staff recommend that the Village Trustees approve the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• On January 27, 2026 the Village Board provided input to staff on the Grant guidelines.
• The Village Board approved $750,000 in the 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Energy Grants.
• The Village Board approved the 2025 Energy Grant Guidelines at the January 14, 2025 Board Meeting.
Background
The Climate Ready Oak Park Plan commits the Village to reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions by 60% by 2030. Residential properties represent 38.8% of total community-wide emissions in 2022. The Village’s Climate Ready Energy Grants have been providing residents with monetary assistance to make energy efficiency upgrades.
This resolution aligns with CROP actions EN03 and BD03.
In FY2025, the Sustainability budget included $750,000 allocated towards the Climate Ready Energy Grants. Grant awards fell into three tiers based on income.
• Households at 80% or below AMI were eligible for up to $10,000.
• Households between 80% and 120% AMI were eligible for up to $5,000, matching.
• Households above 120% AMI were eligible for up to $1,000, matching.
As of December 2025, 84 applications were submitted, including 34 for Tier 1, 15 in Tier 2, and 35 in Tier 3. These applications represent less than the $750,000 allocated for the program in 2025. Hearing feedback from applicants and potential applicants and seeking input from the OPCAN Climate Coaches, staff determined that there are changes that could be made to make the grants more attractive to potential applicants.
The 2026 Energy Grant guidelines adjust the grant amounts and make changes to the required application submissions.
• Households below 80% of the Area Median Income have access to grants up to $20,000 or the total cost of the improvements, whichever is less.
• Households between 80% and 120% of the Area Median Income have access to grants up to $7,500 or the total cost of the improvements, whichever is less.
• Households above 120% of the Area Median Income are no longer eligible for grant funding.
Staff recommends allocating $380,000 of the $750,000 budgeted for 2026 to these two grants. The remaining $370,000 will be allocated between the Energy Loan program and a future multifamily loan program and appliance rebate program.
Timing Considerations
Funds are allocated for FY2026. Approving grant guidelines in early 2026 will allow more time to advertise and award grants.
Budget Impact
The grants will utilize the funding allocated for the Climate Ready Grant program. $750,000 are allocated in GL#2310.41020.101.570668.0000.
Operating Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
The Energy Grant guidelines are written to provide a higher benefit to the most vulnerable, defined for the purposes of this program as household below 80% AMI.
Community Input
The recommended guidelines were created with input received from community members through various channels. Staff received input from applicants and potential applicants on the ways the application process could be improved. Staff spoke with potential applicants at community events and listened to the needs and concerns. Staff worked closely with the Oak Park Climate Action Network and the input received from the Climate Coaches. The Environment and Energy Commission reviewed the proposed grant guidelines, loan guidelines, and sustainability credit guidelines at their December 2025 and January 2026 meetings. The EEC voted to recommend adoption of the proposed guidelines.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution
Advantages:
• The grant application process will be improved from 2025.
• Grant amounts for the most vulnerable will be increased.
Disadvantages:
• Potentially fewer grants will be awarded because of the larger grant amount.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can elect not to adopt the Resolution and maintain the grant guidelines from 2025.
Advantages:
• No administrative changes will be needed.
Disadvantages:
• Identified opportunities for improvement will not be addressed.
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
2. Grant Guidelines