Title
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A Resolution to Approve the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Energy Efficiency Grant Program Guidelines
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Introduction
overview
Approve a Resolution to approve and adopt the CDBG Energy Efficiency Grant program guidelines
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Recommended Action
Approve the resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior actions.
• RES 26-130: A Resolution Approving and Adopting the Village of Oak Park Climate Ready Energy Grant Program Guidelines
• ID 26-115: A Study Session to Review Proposed Energy Grant Guidelines for 2026 and Other Energy Efficiency Related Programming
• RES 24-258: A Resolution to Approve the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Energy Efficiency Program in Program Year 2024 Beginning October 1, 2024
Background
At the January 27, 2026 Village Board meeting, the Board approved revised guidelines for the Oak Park Climate Ready Energy Grant Program. The guidelines adopted in 2026 removed the requirement that applicants have a home energy assessment completed in order to access the Village’s grant program. In reviewing materials to prepare for its launch this spring, staff identified that the previously adopted CDBG Energy Efficiency Grant Program guidelines still required applicants to complete a home energy assessment to be eligible for the application. Staff also noticed that the older CDBG guidelines don’t include information about the need for permit, and other small clean-up items. Staff are seeking to revise the CDBG Energy Efficiency Grant Program to align the requirements between the programs.
Timing Considerations
There are no specific timing considerations associated with this item.
Financial Impact
There is no budget impact associated with this item.
Operations Impact
This change will allow staff to process grant applications more quickly.
DEI Impact
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program requires that each activity funded, except for administration, meet one of three national objectives. The three national objectives are: 1) benefit to low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons; 2) aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; and 3) meet a need having a particular urgency. An activity that does not meet a national objective is not compliant with CDBG requirements.
The Oak Park CDBG program focuses on the first national objective to benefit low-and moderate-income persons. This objective includes the following eligible activities: Area benefit activities (LMA), Limited Clientele Activities (LMC), Housing Activities (LMH), and Job Creation and Retention Activities (LMJ).
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the resolution.
Advantages:
• This action aligns program requirements between the two energy efficiency programs.
• Removes a barrier to application for the program.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this action.
Alternatives
The Village Board can provide additional feedback to staff on the guidelines.
Advantages:
• This action allows for additional guideline changes based on Board feedback.
Disadvantages:
• This action delays alignment between the Village’s energy efficiency programs.
Anticipated Future Actions
Staff will continue with program implementation, bringing forward changes as needed.
Prepared By: Jonathan Burch, Assistant Village Manager/ Neighborhood Services Director
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. CDBG Energy Efficiency Grant program guidelines