CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. announced that a combined total of $1.6 million is coming to local communities to support revitalization efforts.

“Investing in affordable housing uplifts our community and boosts our local economy,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “We are taking strong strides toward revitalization and attracting investments in the communities that need it most. All Illinoisans deserve sustainable, livable housing options.”

The Illinois Housing Development Authority recently approved $19 million to support affordable housing and community revitalization efforts across Illinois. Awarded under the Strong Communities Program, the initiative will provide funding to 68 units of local governments and land bank authorities for the acquisition, maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition of abandoned residential properties in their communities. The program is designed to support local revitalization efforts and attract further investment in communities that may lack the resources needed to tackle vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties.

The second round of Strong Communities Program awardees include:

• Cook County Land Bank Authority: $562,000
• South Suburban Land Bank and Development: $562,000
• Village of Hopkins Park: $195,000
• Sauk Village: $337,000

“Vacant and abandoned properties continue to be a strain on local budgets and resources in communities throughout Illinois, which is why IHDA created the Strong Communities Program to assist local governments with their neighborhood revitalization efforts,” said IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust. “Through the Strong Communities Program, IHDA seeks to help communities transform these properties back into positive, revenue-generating assets for neighborhoods.”

The grants are funded by the Rebuild Illinois capital plan and will leverage IHDA’s existing funding to increase property values, create jobs, help reduce crime, generate additional tax revenue and attract further community investment in underserved communities around the state. A total of $30 million in grant funding has been awarded through two application rounds.

To learn more about the Stronger Communities Program, click here.

CHICAGO – With support from State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr., the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the latest round of Back to Business grants awarded to businesses in the restaurant industry.

“The Back to Business program and other relief efforts helped thousands of small businesses across Chicago and Illinois bounce back from the pandemic,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Because Illinois has been responsible in our budgeting, we are able to provide funds for entrepreneurs and businesses that need it most.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest hit industries. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, DCEO has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

Seven restaurants in Sims’ district will receive a combined total of $220,000 through this round of Back to Business grants.

"It has remained a top priority of mine to help all small businesses build back better," said Sims. "This program serves as a support system for those who've struggled in receiving funding assistance in the past.”

For more information about B2B grants visit DCEO’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the General Assembly’s assault weapons ban:

“Today’s decision is a victory for public safety, a victory for communities, a victory for the far too many victims and survivors of gun violence who demand action to pass commonsense gun laws in our state. 

“Our communities are tired of the of gun violence plaguing our streets and today’s decision reinforces that Illinois is taking the steps necessary to protect our neighbors and their families. I will rest a bit easier knowing that not only my family, but countless other families, will be protected as they travel to work, school, the mall or church.

“Limiting access to high-capacity magazines and military-style assault weapons will save countless lives. While the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision is a massive step toward ending the bloodshed on our streets, more work is needed to ensure that the tragic gun violence epidemic ends once and for all. I renew my commitment to be a voice and advocate for the victims who have lost their lives to gun violence and for their families who are counting on elected officials for the changes we need to ensure what happened to their loved one doesn’t happen to someone else.

“We celebrate today’s decision, but our work continues.”

ST. ANNE – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. announced that the Village of St. Anne is set to receive $700,000 through the Community Development Block Grant for public infrastructure,  which enables communities in non-metropolitan areas to make critical repairs to water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure to enhance safety and quality of life for residents.

“Clean drinking water should be a fundamental human right,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “But the sad reality is that not everyone has this access. Investments into our water and sewer infrastructure are investments into our communities.”

Public infrastructure grants are designed to provide communities with funding to improve public infrastructure and eliminate conditions detrimental to public health, safety and public welfare. As part of the annual CDBG program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $48.5 million for 41 infrastructure projects across the state.

These projects include construction of storm sewer pipes, waterline replacements, hydrant and water storage tank construction, and other critical projects that help mitigate flooding and support sewage management, water delivery and other public water necessities.

“Communities in every corner of the state should have access to resources to keep Illinois families safe and healthy with a proper roof over their heads,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “The Community Development Block Grants will provide critical assistance to rehabilitate dozens of homes and improve infrastructure in the areas that need it the most without placing the sole burden of funding costly projects on local entities.”

To see a full list of grants awarded, click here.