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TO: The Rules, Administration, and Procedures Committee
FROM: Alderman Ted Mesiacos, Ward 3
DATE: August 13, 2025
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing a two-year grant program in the amount of $50,000.00 per year in partnership with Rebuilding Together Aurora (RTA) and The Neighbor Project to assist qualified residents with projects in the Third Ward.
BACKGROUND:
Alderman Ted Mesiacos established the Third Ward Grant Program in 2021 to supplement costs outside the existing services available within the community through RTA and The Neighbor Project.
The purpose of the program is to supplement costs outside the existing services available within the community through RTA and The Neighbor Project. The funds are intended to supplement, not duplicate, services that are not covered by the current RTA and/or The Neighbor Project Programs. This program is aimed towards helping residents of the Third Ward to correct code violations, provide accessibility modifications, and improve home safety.
DISCUSSION:
Eligible homeowners include Aurora's Third Ward residents who live in their homes, who are over the age of 60, military veterans, persons living with a disability, or single parents with a child under 18 years of age, and who meet the established program criteria of RTA and The Neighbor Project. Homes in an historic district are not eligible for this grant program unless it can be shown that the applicable project costs are not significantly higher due to requirements of the historic district.
In addition to the $5,000.00 Ward 3 grant, supplementary funding may be available for repairs deemed urgent. Projects categorized as an emergency, due to high need, urgent health and/or safety concerns will be considered for up to an additional $15,000.00.
The program will be independently administered by RTA and The Neighbor Project in partnership with the City of Aurora, local non-profits, service providers, and community volunteers.
Rebuilding Together Aurora and The Neighbor Project fees will be 9% of total project cost or $250.00 per project, whichever is less.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Approval of this program will help residents of Aurora's Third Ward correct code violations, provide accessibility modifications, and improve the safety of their homes based upon individual's needs.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Approval of the annual Third Ward Grant Program in partnership with Rebuilding Together Aurora and The Neighbor Project in the budgeted, not to exceed, amount of $50,000.00 including administrative fees.
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RULES, ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing a two-year grant program in the amount of $50,000.00 per year in partnership with Rebuilding Together Aurora (RTA) and The Neighbor Project to assist qualified residents with projects in the Third Ward
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, in the exercise of said home rule authority has empowered its Rules, Administration and Procedures Committee to from time-to-time adopt rules and policies governing the operations of the Office of the Aldermen; and
WHEREAS, Alderman Ted Mesiacos established the Third Ward Grant Program in 2021 to supplement costs outside the existing services available within the community through RTA and The Neighbor Project, and
WHEREAS, the funds are intended to supplement, not duplicate, services that are not covered by the current RTA and/or The Neighbor Project Programs. This program is aimed towards helping residents of the Third Ward to correct code violations, provide accessibility modifications, and improve home safety, and
WHEREAS, $50,000.00 has been allocated for this program. Funds for these projects will be paid out of the Ward 3 Grant account 313-1004-411.50-80. And
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Rules, Administration, and Procedures Committee acting pursuant to its final action authority conferred by Sec. 2-123(f)(1)(e) of the Code of Ordinances that the Resolution authorizing the Ward 3 Residential Grant Program in partnership with Rebuilding Together Aurora (RTA) and The Neighbor Project is hereby approved.