Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller is proud to announce that more than $4 million in total funding has been allocated for communities and organizations across the 6th District through the Invest in Cook Program and the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and related federal funding programs.

These investments will improve critical infrastructure, expand transportation access, strengthen affordable housing and homelessness prevention efforts, support economic development, and provide essential community services throughout the Southland.

“These investments represent our continued commitment to building stronger, safer, and more connected communities throughout the Southland,” said Commissioner Donna Miller. “From rebuilding roads and sidewalks to investing in affordable housing, workforce development, domestic violence services, and homelessness prevention, these funds will have a direct and lasting impact on the quality of life for residents across the region.”

Through the Invest in Cook Program, nearly $1.2 million was awarded to municipalities and regional partners for transportation and infrastructure improvements. Projects include:

· Village of Chicago Ridge – ADA accessibility improvements at 10 intersections.

· Village of Homewood – Engineering and design for Halsted Street sidewalk and intersection improvements.

· Village of Justice – Construction of more than 1,500 feet of new sidewalks and ADA-compliant ramps.

· Village of Oak Lawn – Engineering for the Southwest Highway Traffic Signal Modernization Project.

· Village of Richton Park – Engineering for a new multi-use trail along Butterfield Creek.

· Village of Sauk Village – Development of a village wide sidewalk and ADA rehabilitation plan.

· South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association – Planning for the Little Calumet Multiuse River Trail.

These projects are designed to modernize transportation infrastructure, improve pedestrian safety, expand bicycle and trail connections, and strengthen regional mobility throughout suburban Cook County.

In addition, Commissioner Miller in her role on the Cook County Board has helped to secure over $3 million in 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), CDBG-CV, and related HUD-funded programs to municipalities and nonprofit organizations.

The funding will support programs like:

· Street resurfacing, stormwater improvements, and demolition projects in Glenwood, Justice, Richton Park, and the South Suburban Land Bank and Development Authority.

· Services for survivors of domestic violence and victims of abuse.

· Affordable housing counseling and homelessness prevention.

· Workforce development and youth employment initiatives.

· STEM education and career readiness programs.

· Emergency shelter and homelessness prevention services.

· Economic development and small business assistance.

· Community planning and technical assistance throughout the Southland.

These federal funds are provided annually through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by Cook County’s Department of Planning and Development to strengthen neighborhoods, improve public infrastructure, expand affordable housing opportunities, and support residents facing economic hardship.

“Every dollar we secure is an investment in our people and in the communities that we call home,” Commissioner Miller added. “I’m proud to continue working with our local leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to bring resources back to the Southland and ensure our residents benefit from these important investments.”

In the coming months, Commissioner Miller will work alongside local partners to ensure this funding will continue to improve infrastructure, expand economic opportunity, and enhance the quality of life for residents throughout the region.

For additional information, please contact Sam Stogsdill at Samuel.Stogsdill@cookcountyil.gov or (773) 848-0501.