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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Randal Stephens, Grant Writer
DATE: 11/1/2024
SUBJECT:
Requesting approval for authorization for the City of Aurora to execute a partnership agreement with The Conservation Foundation as a required component of the Community Change Grant Program due November 21st, 2024.
PURPOSE:
The Conservation Foundation meets both the definition of the required Community-Based Organization and has a longstanding history of coordination with the City of Auora. Their familiarity with the community in addition to their experience with the allowable activities under this grant program have led the internal working group to determine The Conservation Fund to be a strong fit as the required partner role in the application to the EPA's Community Change Grant Program due November 21st, 2024.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Aurora is seeking funds through the EPA's Community Change Grant Program focused on community engagement and quality of life improvements for residents within designated disadvantaged census tracts. Program activities should directly respond one or more of EPA's Climate Action Strategies including:
Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions
Mobility and Transportation
Energy-Efficient, Healthy, and Resilient Housing and Building
Microgrid Installations
Community Resiliency Hubs
Brownfield Redevelopment
Waste Reduction and Management
Workforce Development Programs
As a required component of this application, the City is committed to partnering with a Community-Based Organization (CBO) meaning an organization that is a 501 (c)(3) status incorporated under Illinois Law who supports the community and has a geographic presence with the community served.
Based on several internal meetings with staff members, the experience of The Conservation Foundation in green infrastructure, preservation, community engagement in addition to local familiarity and overlap of expertise in proposed project activities has led to a recommendation of...
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