Planning and Zoning Director Andrew Braun told the committee Peoria County received $230,270 in energy transition grant funding tied to the state's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, following the 2022 closure of the Ameren Edwards facility. Under the grant conditions, the county must solicit project proposals from the community and hold a public meeting; placing the item on the executive committee agenda satisfies that requirement.

Braun identified proposed FY25 allocations: $20,000 toward a DCEO community development assistance program housing rehabilitation grant (as a match to increase competitiveness); $50,000 to Distillery Labs for accelerated business engagement and operational support (special events, office renovations); $25,000 to the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council to fund half of a business manager position; $25,000 to Discover Peoria for convention and visitor promotional materials; and $87,000 to the Downtown Development Corporation of Peoria for a revolving loan fund to help upgrade downtown office space.

Braun said Britney Edson, senior planner in his department, will serve as the grant manager. He invited committee members to request details on additional proposals received and offered to provide context from the 2023 and 2024 grant cycles.

These proposed allocations are preliminary and will be administered by Planning and Zoning if approved; the item on the executive agenda is informational and designed to meet the grant's public-engagement condition.