Chicago, IL – More than 20 communities across northern Illinois will benefit from a new round of clean energy and public safety grants funded by ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC).
According to a joint statement released Monday, the 2025 Powering Safe Communities program will distribute over $165,000 to support 23 local projects that enhance safety and promote sustainability. The initiative, now in its 11th year, helps municipalities implement electric-powered solutions, solar infrastructure, and emergency preparedness tools.
Among the awardees, Kane County will install a solar-powered flood warning sign, while the Village of Thornton will upgrade a school intersection with LED crossing signs and new striping. South Chicago Heights plans to use its grant to place solar-powered radar signs near schools, aiming to protect students.
Other grantees include the Brookfield Police Department, which will deploy solar-powered radar signs and e-bikes, and DuPage County, which will expand electric vehicle charging at its care center. Communities like Flossmoor, Johnsburg, and Glendale Heights will also improve pedestrian and driver safety using similar solar-powered technologies.
“These grants help launch projects that provide real benefits to our customers and communities,” said Melissa Washington, ComEd’s Senior Vice President of Customer Operations and Strategic Initiatives.
Since its launch, the Powering Safe Communities program has provided nearly $2 million in funding across 240 projects. Communities must match ComEd’s grant with equal or greater investment.
Neil James, Executive Director of MMC, called the initiative “a powerful example of how collaboration can drive meaningful change at the local level.”
The full list of recipients includes municipalities in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Will, and Winnebago counties can be found below:
Brookfield Police Department – Purchase of two e-bikes and installation of two solar-powered speed radar signs to improve sustainable mobility and roadway safety.
City of Harvey – Purchase of two AEDs to increase accessibility to life-saving devices at City Hall.
DuPage County – Installation of one DC fast EV charger and one pre-purchased ChargePoint level 2 EV charger at the DuPage Care Center.
Dwight Fire Protection District – Acquisition of battery-powered saws, hand tools, and other emergency response equipment to replace aging, gas-powered tools.
Flossmoor Police Department – Installation of five flashing pedestrian beacons at key intersections to enhance resident safety.
Forest Park Fire Department – Replacement of two gas-powered chainsaws with battery-powered alternatives to upgrade essential emergency equipment.
Fox River Valley Public Library District – Installation and training for three AEDs at two library branches to expand emergency readiness.
Johnsburg Police Department – Installation of four solar-powered speed radar signs to improve pedestrian and driver safety.
Kane County – Installation of a solar-powered flood warning sign to alert drivers and pedestrians.
Lake Villa Police Department – Acquisition of two e-bikes to patrol 3,784 acres of local forest preserves.
Manhattan Police Department – Installation of two solar-powered flashing school speed limit signs near a highway-adjacent school.
Rainbow Beach Park Advisory Council – Installation of solar-powered pathway lighting, emergency call stations, and phone charging stations to improve safety and access after dark.
Village of Berkeley – Installation of two solar-powered speed radar signs to increase roadway safety.
Village of Burlington – Installation of three solar-powered speed radar signs to support traffic safety.
Village of Glendale Heights Police Department – Installation of four solar-powered speed radar signs to manage local traffic flow and safety.
Village of Lynwood – Installation of two solar-powered speed radar signs near Sandridge School to protect student pedestrians.
Village of Lyons – Installation of one level 3 EV charging station to promote clean energy infrastructure.
Village of Morton Grove – Installation of an outdoor emergency warning siren with battery backup to replace an outdated system.
Village of South Chicago Heights – Installation of two solar-powered speed radar signs to protect students near schools.
Village of Summit Police Department – Deployment of a mobile solar-powered speed radar trailer to promote safer driving around schools.
Village of Thornton – Installation of two flashing LED pedestrian-crossing signs, directional signs, and new crosswalk striping near a school intersection.
Village of Waterman – Purchase of four AEDs, one protective box, and staff training; three AEDs to be carried in police vehicles due to the village’s remote location.
Winnebago Community Unit School District 323 – Purchase of 20 stop arm cameras for school buses to deter illegal passing and protect students.
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