Urban Heat Mitigation Funding Impact in Illinois Cities
GrantID: 3044
Grant Funding Amount Low: $10,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $83,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Urban Heat Mitigation Strategies in Illinois
Illinois is grappling with the increasing challenges of urban heat, exacerbated by climate change and extensive urban development. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that urban areas in Illinois can experience temperatures 5°F to 10°F higher than surrounding rural areas. This phenomenon can amplify health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and low-income residents, leading to increased energy costs and adverse health outcomes.
Local communities, particularly in Chicago and other densely populated cities, are those most affected by these heat islands. Public health officials and local governments face the daunting task of addressing heat-related health risks while also contending with limited budgets and coordinating multiple stakeholders. The urgency is compounded by the diverse socio-economic landscape of Illinois, where neighborhoods exhibit vast disparities in access to resources and green spaces.
The funding will support the implementation of an urban heat mitigation strategy specifically tailored to Illinois cities. The initiative will focus on enhancing green infrastructure through investments in tree planting, reflective building materials, and green roofs. These strategies are aimed at not only reducing the urban heat island effect but also promoting public health and environmental sustainability, addressing a critical need in this densely populated state.
The designated outcomes for this initiative include improved public health indexes and decreased energy consumption as a direct result of increased green infrastructure. These outcomes are vital for Illinois, where the state invests significant resources in healthcare, and reducing health risks can have a lasting financial impact on state expenditures and social equity. Moreover, improved green spaces can lead to more active communities and stronger local economies.
The implementation will involve partnerships with local governments, non-profit organizations, and community groups to ensure that the strategies developed are effective and equitable. A comprehensive approach to data collection will help track the effectiveness of urban heat mitigation efforts, and local feedback will be integrated throughout the process to fine-tune ongoing strategies.
In contrast to neighboring states, Illinois funding applicants must showcase how their proposals uniquely meet the challenges posed by the state’s urban environments. Applications will need to address specific community health disparities and environmental justice concerns, ensuring that the solutions are both impactful and inclusive.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
