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Title
Urban Weatherization Initiative

Short Description

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Description

Application Notifications

You may direct all inquiries to ceo.urbanweath@illinois.gov.

Welcome
About the Urban Weatherization Initiative
Weatherization Specialist Training Grants
Advisory Board
Information for Homeowners
Information for Weatherization Providers
FAQs

Welcome

Welcome to the Urban Weatherization Initiative (Public Act 96-0037). The Urban Weatherization Initiative (UWI) is a new program administered by the Office of Urban Assistance in the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. It has the distinction of being the first state-funded weatherization program in the country.

The purpose of the Initiative is three-fold:

1. to create jobs and increase skills and career opportunities for the under/unemployed;

2. to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs in disadvantaged communities; and

3. to stimulate local economies buy purchasing supplies from local distributors and manufacturers.

Announcements

Number of Counties Expanded for Urban Weatherization Training Program - August 14th, 2012

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, along the UWI Board of Directors, is proud to announce the expansion of communities that are now eligible to participate in the Urban Weatherization Initiative Programs that include the Home Energy Auditor Training Program, Weatherization Specialist Training Program, and Residential Weatherization Program. The expanding Counties include:
Alexander County
Boone County
Bureau County
Clark County
Clay County
*Cook County
*South Suburban Cook County
Franklin County
Grundy County
Kane County
*Kankakee County
Lake County
LaSalle County
Lee County
Macon County
Madison County
Marion County
Montgomery County
*Peoria County
Pulaski County
Putnam County
*Rockford City
Rock Island County
*St. Clair County
Stephenson County
Union County
Will County
Winnebago County

About the Urban Weatherization Initiative

Although the Urban Weatherization Initiative is designed to increase energy efficiency and homeowners' energy bills, the program is also a jobs initiative. This Initiative seeks to train and employ individuals from targeted Illinois communities to perform traditional weatherization tasks and home energy audits.

The total grant award may not exceed $500,000 per fiscal year, with no more than 15% of the grant award used for administrative costs.

The Urban Weatherization Initiative will also stimulate local economies by utilizing local suppliers, distributors and/or manufacturers of equipment and supplies necessary for weatherization work.

Weatherization activities include:
• Repair/replacement of inefficient heating or cooling units

• Addressing air infiltration issues (i.e.- weather stripping, caulking, window/door replacement) Repair/replacement of water heaters

• Pipe, duct insulation

• Training in weatherization skills

• Basic skills training (including workforce development)

If your business supplies, distributes or manufactures goods and equipment used in the performance of weatherization work, we would like to hear from you. Contact us at ceo.urbanweath@illinois.gov.

A maximum of up to $6,500 may be spent per unit. However, for eligible households, this program can be coupled with the $6,500 maximum benefit available through the existing Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) equaling a potential weatherization benefit of $13,000 per unit.

Read the Statute
Program Overview

UWI Grants

Providers may include businesses, community-based organizations, Contractors, and Educational Institutions – and most likely a combination of those.

Although the Urban Weatherization Initiative is designed to increase energy efficiency and decrease costs to homeowners, the program is also a jobs initiative.

Energy Auditor Training Grants

The first round of Home Energy Auditor Training Classes have concluded. The second round of grant applications are currently under review. Once the Board of Directors awards the grants, contact information for each awardee will be posted. Thank you.

Weatherization Specialist Training Grants

The first round of Weatherization Specialist Training Classes have concluded. The second round of grant applications are currently under review. Once the Board of Directors awards the grants, contact information for each awardee will be posted. Thank you.

Advisory Board

The Act establishes a 9-member Urban Weatherization Initiative Board to approve and deny all grants from the fund. The board is composed of 5 voting members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate and 4 non-voting ex officio members from the General Assembly.

The current voting members are:

Percy Harris of East St. Louis-Chairman

Deborah Harrington of Chicago

Melissa Williams of Chicago

Bethany Del Galdo of Burr Ridge

The current non-voting ex-officio members are:

State Senator Donne Trotter of Chicago

State Rep. Ken Dunkin of Chicago

Meeting Location:

100 W. Randolph, 3rd Floor, Chicago, Il 60601

Next meeting:

When: May 19, 2013 – 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: 100 W. Randolph, 3rd Floor, Chicago, Il 60601-Illinois Room

DCEO - Office of Urban Assistance
Carmen Colvin
312.814.2346
carmen.colvin@illinois.gov

PLEASE CALL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

Information for Homeowners

The Urban Weatherization Initiative is not yet in the field weatherizing homes. Funding is first going toward building up the number of auditors and weatherization professionals needed in our communities to perform the work.

Eligibility for UWI will be based upon several factors. Only owner-occupied single family homes and multifamily buildings of 6 units or less may receive services.

• high rates of unemployment;
• high utility bills in comparison to income; or
• an income equal to or greater than 60% of the Area Median Income. (Area Median Income or AMI is used to determine eligibility in a variety of state and federal programs. This calculation analyzes the incomes in a specific geographic area. AMI generally captures a broader range of people than the federal poverty level. )

The final eligibility requirements are being determined by the UWI Board. Generally, this program will be widely available statewide to households of varying incomes.

Recipients may receive a maximum benefit of up to $6,500 (per unit). However, for eligible households, this program can be coupled with the $6,500 maximum benefit available through the existing Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) equaling a potential weatherization benefit of $13,000 per unit.

Weatherization efforts are beneficial to homeowners for social, economic, and environmental reasons. More information on why you should consider weatherizing your home can be found on the following websites:

http://www.weatherize.org/roi.html

http://www.ceo-energysavers.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7BCF3F4F05-B7E6-4C83-945A-994918320A57%7D