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Aurora holds public hearing, approves application for up to $2 million in CDBG Healthy Houses funds
Summary
City staff presented a CDBG Coronavirus Healthy Houses grant application seeking up to $2 million to replace or install HVAC systems in about 100–160 low‑ and moderate‑income rental units (average estimated $15,000 per unit). Council closed the hearing and approved the application 12–0.
Aurora city staff on Oct. 22 presented a public hearing and moved to authorize a grant application to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Coronavirus Healthy Houses program.
Bridal Stevens, the city's grant writer, said the state was allocated CDBG‑CV funds from the CARES Act and that the city proposes applying for the program’s maximum award of $2,000,000. Stevens told council staff plan to use grant funds to install or replace HVAC systems to improve health, energy efficiency and longevity in single‑ and multi‑family rental units that serve low‑ and moderate‑income households. The presentation estimated assistance would reach roughly 100–160 units using an average of $15,000 per unit for labor and materials and noted contingency for variable needs at specific sites. Stevens said the program is not anticipated to displace residents.
Council members thanked staff for pursuing the funding. A motion to close the public hearing and proceed with the application was carried on a roll call vote of 12–0. The city will design a transparent application process for landlords, perform unit assessments, and conduct competitive procurement for contractors if the grant is awarded.
What happens next: if the state awards the grant, city staff said they will implement a stakeholder engagement process, finalize program policies and selection criteria, and follow state and local procurement rules for contracting.
