Title
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A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Invest in Cook Grant Application for the 2027 Chicago Avenue Safety Improvement Project
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Introduction
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The Cook County Department of Highways recently announced a call for applications for their Invest in Cook grants. The Engineering Division is currently working on the design of the Chicago Avenue Safety Improvement Project generally from Kenilworth to Ridgeland as identified in the Vision Zero Plan and staff recommends submitting a grant application to help fund construction of the project in 2027.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways recently announced $8.5 million in transportation funds for Invest in Cook grants to help cover the cost of planning and feasibility studies, engineering, and construction associated with improvements consistent with the County’s Long-Range Transportation Plan. Grant applications are due on March 20, 2026, with an anticipated award notice this summer.
The Engineering Division will be overseeing the consultant-led design of a safety improvement project on Chicago Avenue. Chicago Avenue was identified as a High Injury Network as part of the Vision Zero Plan (VZP). The VZP and the Bike Plan call for safety improvements on Chicago Avenue, including the installation of protected bike lanes to reduce the roadway width and slow cars while also improving pedestrian and bicycle safety. The installation of protected bike lanes will require the removal of parking on one side of the street, and there will be public engagement associated with the design of the project later this year. The VZP also identifies intersection improvements at the Kenilworth intersection to improve pedestrian safety. The final design for any protected bike lanes and any additional safety improvements will be developed during the design of the project based on detailed reviews of the issues and public engagement.
Staff recommends applying for the Invest in Cook funds to help fund the construction of the Chicago Avenue Safety Improvement project in 2027, since this project aligns with the Connecting Cook County’s plan for prioritizing transit and other transportation alternatives.
The Village has previously been awarded Invest in Cook grant funds in 2025 and 2026 for construction of the Neighborhood Greenway bike system and in 2019 to help fund the resurfacing of Lake Street from Euclid to Austin. These grant funds are relatively simple to administer.
Timing Considerations
The Cook County Invest in Cook grant application is due March 20, 2026.
Financial Impact
There is no cost associated with the grant application for this project. Grant funds will help offset local costs for the future construction project. Based on limited available funds for this grant program and typical awarded grant amounts, staff will request $700,000 in grant funds to help support construction of the project in 2027, as a 50% match for the total cost of the project, which is estimated at a total $1,416,930. Funding for the match for this project will be provided from the capital budget. Design engineering, which is already funded for the project, is estimated at $150,000 and is already allocated.
Operations Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
The improvements align with Climate Action Goals CA01, VT01-2, VT09 and TS01 to improve pedestrian safety and reduce vehicle emissions by creating more opportunities for bicycle travel.
Community Input
Chicago Avenue was identified as a High Injury Network as part of the Vision Zero Plan which went through extensive community input. Future community input will be sought during the design of the project.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution, which will allow for the potential to receive grant funds to cover the cost associated with constructing the Chicago Avenue Safety project.
Advantages:
• This Resolution will allow for the submission of the grant application.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this action
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can vote down the resolution.
Advantages:
• There are no advantages to this action.
Disadvantages:
• Misalignment with the Vision Zero Plan and Bike Plan.
Anticipated Future Actions
Should the Village of Oak Park be awarded the Invest in Cook Grant, the Village will need to enter into an IGA with Cook County for these funds.
Prepared By: Bill McKenna, Village Engineer/Assistant Public Works Director
Reviewed By: Rob Sproule, Public Works Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution