Office of Urban Assistance

Urban Weatherization Initiative

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Warren Ribley, Director Karin Norington-Reaves, Deputy Director

Purpose To create and implement policies to address the pressing economic

needs of residents, businesses and stakeholders in the state's urban areas.

Recommend urban economic policies to the General Assembly and Governor relating to a wide variety of topics including, but not limited to: housing, urban youth unemployment, and business incubators.

Gather and provide information on revitalization efforts of urban areas to public and private entities;

Key PrioritiesEmployment Opportunities Grant Program

Illinois Fresh Food Financing Initiative

Urban Weatherization Initiative

Phases

Phase I—Preliminary Information Sessions

Phase II—RFP Sessions/Resource Fairs

Phase III—Consumer Information Sessions

Urban Weatherization Initiative

Improve energy efficiency & reduce costs in disadvantaged communities

Create jobs and increase skills for under/unemployed

Stimulate local economy

Jobs Initiative

Energy Auditors/Assessors

Final Inspectors

Skilled Weatherization Workforce

Direct/In-direct jobs

OverviewDCEO administers with 9-member Board

Competitive-bid 2-step process:RFQ—Request for Qualifications

RFP—Request for Proposals

Board will specify:Curriculum/Training StandardsCertificationsEligibility Requirements

Overview

Grant awards not to exceed $500,000

Cost per unit may NOT exceed $6,500

Not more than 15% of grant award for administrative costs

Job skills training

Support Services

Job Skills TrainingSubstantive weatherization skills training

targeting local community members, including unemployed/underemployed

Certification

Hands-on experience

Stipends

Supportive Services

Remove or diminish barriers to success

Includes:StipendsTransportation Work GearChild care

What can grant funds be used for?Repair/replacement of inefficient heating or

cooling units

Addressing air infiltration issues (i.e. weather stripping, caulking, window/door replacement)

Funds can also be used for:

Repair/replacement of water heaters

Insulation (pipe, duct, wall, attic, etc.)

Training in weatherization skills

Basic skills training (including supportive services)

Who is eligible to apply for grant $$$’s?

Any private, public, or non-profit entity that offers or demonstrates a desire and ability to provide weatherization services that decrease

the impact of energy costs on low-income areas and also incorporates an effective local

employment strategy.

What type of homeis eligible?

Owner-occupied

Single family homes

Multi-family buildings (6 units or less)

Targeted areas

Census tracts in urban areas with 20%+ living in poverty, high rate of unemployment (or underemployment)

High concentration of families with income ≥60% of AMI

Highest energy costs in relation to income

Questions????Karin Norington-Reaves or Charlene Raickett(312) 814-2346 (312) 814-2369

Office of Urban AssistanceDepartment of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

ceo.urbanweath@illinois.gov