ComEd and Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Award 25 Grants to Help Northern Illinois Communities Enhance Public Safety, Power Clean Energy Projects

ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC) are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Powering Safe Communities grant program. This year, the program awarded over $185,000 in grants across ComEd’s northern Illinois service territory. The grants, worth up to $10,000 each, are awarded to projects that support municipal public safety and clean energy initiatives, with a focus on electrification projects that can reduce carbon emissions, improve public health outcomes and advance community resiliency.

"ComEd is proud to partner with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to support community-driven safety and clean energy initiatives," said Melissa Washington, Senior Vice President of Customer Operations and Strategic Initiatives at ComEd. “"By investing in these critical projects, we're enhancing public safety and building more resilient communities. Our efforts in clean energy, transportation, and electrification demonstrate our commitment to a sustainable, secure future. Together, we're making Northern Illinois safer and more environmentally friendly for everyone."

This is the tenth year of the Powering Safe Communities program, which has awarded over 200 grants totaling nearly $2 million to northern Illinois communities since its launch in 2015. Common among this year’s recipients are plans to purchase radar speed signs, many of which are solar powered, electric vehicles (EVs) and bicycles for public safety use and electric vehicle charging stations for municipal and public use.

“The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus is thrilled to continue our partnership with ComEd to provide funding that enhances public safety and clean energy projects that prepare our region for future challenges,” said Neil James, Executive Director at Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. “We are proud to help our local governments achieve their safety, sustainability, and infrastructure goals.”

Below is a summary of the 25 ComEd Powering Safe Communities grant recipients for 2024:

The Bensenville Police Department will use its grant to acquire two radar units for its patrol cars, which will enable accurate measurement of traffic speeds to improve road safety and enforce traffic laws.

The Berwyn Police Department will use its grant for the purchase of two solar-powered speed trailers to enhance safety measures in school zones and high-traffic areas. These trailers will monitor and control traffic speeds effectively, ensuring safer streets for residents and students.