Summary
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's newly-created Office of Urban Assistance will administer the $425 million Urban Weatherization Initiative Act. The purpose of the Act is to: 1) create jobs and increase skills for the under/unemployed; 2) improve energy efficiency and reduce costs in disadvantaged communities; and 3) stimulate local economies.
Eligible applicants include private, public and non-profit entities that can provide weatherization services and incorporate effective employment strategies in partnership with local community-based organizations. Grants will be awarded via a competitive request-for-proposal process and may not exceed $500,000 per fiscal year.
This initiative seeks to train and employ individuals from the targeted populations to perform traditional weatherization tasks. The program will also stimulate local economies by utilizing local suppliers, distributors and/or manufacturers of equipment and supplies necessary for weatherization work. Targeted buildings are owner-occupied, single family homes and multifamily housing of 6 units or less in census tracts with high rates of unemployment, underemployment, and poverty. 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)
A maximum of up to $6,500 may be spent per unit. However, 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. The Act also 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 Office of Urban Assistance has begun making presentations to interested community groups to increase outreach before the program begins.
Program Overview
FAQ