Delia Ramirez

06/17/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/17/2025 15:21

Congresswoman Ramirez Champions $31.1M for Housing, Infrastructure, & Workforce Priorities

Chicago, IL-Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), local leaders, and regional organizations announced they are advocating to bring more than $31.1 millionfor the development of 15 community projects in IL-03. When allocated in the FY26 appropriations, the dedicated funding would increase the number of affordable housing units, expand safe outdoor spaces for students and communities, enhance infrastructure and road safety, and support workforce development in IL-03.

"I'm excited to announce that our community came together to identify and submit the maximum number of projects allowed in the FY26 appropriations process. Thanks to the support of community leaders and local officials, we are ready to champion $31.1 million for critical, transformative projects across IL-03," said Congresswoman Ramirez."From Wayne Township to Wheaton to Albany Park, these funds will guarantee that we are investing in critical projects in our district and improving the conditions that keep our communities healthy and thriving."

"Now, we need to get this urgent funding and protect the programs and services our communities and working people rely on! We cannot allow the same partisan politics that delayed the appropriations process last year and held up the funds for our communities to continue. I will continue to fight for critical safety net programs that help working families across the country and to bring resources back to IL-03," added Rep. Ramirez.

During the public announcement, Congresswoman Ramirez said she was "particularly proud" of the projects selected because they respond to the immediate needs of the communities and years of advocacy.

"The Chicago Department of Housing is honored to have been submitted by Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez for funding consideration by the House Committee on Appropriations. At a time when our nation is facing an unprecedented housing crisis, the need for bold, community-driven solutions has never been greater. Funding for Encuentro Phase II is not just an investment in safe, stable housing for working families in Chicago-it's an investment in economic opportunity. This project will empower families to thrive, support local businesses, and remain in their communities without being burdened by skyrocketing rents. Building on the success of Phase I, Encuentro Phase II is a critical step toward making Logan Square a more equitable and inclusive neighborhood. We are deeply grateful for Congresswoman Ramirez's commitment to housing justice and her support of this transformative project," said Chicago Department of Housing Managing Deputy Commissioner Tamra Collins, requesting $10,000,000 for the construction of a new 98-unit housing development.

"DuPage and Chicago South Suburbs Habitat for Humanity is honored to have been selected alongside the DuPage Housing Authority, who is a proud partner in this endeavor, for Community Project Funding through our partners in the fight for affordable housing in the IL-03, Congresswoman Ramirez's office. This infusion of federally directed dollars is a testament of what can happen when we all come together to address a critical need in our local community. A 12-unit townhome development in West Chicago will help in continuing our success of addressing the lack of housing stock within the neighborhoods we serve," said DuPage Housing Authority Interim CEO Dorian Jenkins, requesting $2,200,000 to facilitate the pre-development of a 12-unit single-family townhome community.

"This bridge improvement study will identify key infrastructure needs to support potential Metra O'Hare Express service, serving a growing future market for air travelers and other trips," said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski, requesting $1,500,000 to study viability of infrastructure improvements along the Milwaukee District North and North Central Service Metra lines.

"As Northeastern Illinois University embarks upon our next strategic plan, the Board of Trustees and I believe that the MSNEP program confers broad societal benefit, which is both economic and social, and is therefore positioned as one of our highest priorities," said the President of Northeastern Illinois University, Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Ph.D, requesting $1,283,976 to develop modern classrooms and a dedicated Simulation Lab at the campus.

"We are incredibly grateful for the support of U.S. Congresswoman Delia Ramirez as we work to modernize manufacturing education for students in DuPage County. With more than 1,200 manufacturing companies and over 80,000 job opportunities, DuPage plays a vital role in supporting our local workforce and opening doors for students to pursue high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage careers. Partnering with state legislators helps us create a clear, coordinated path from the classroom to the workplace-ensuring students are well-prepared to succeed in our region's thriving manufacturing sector," said DuPage Regional Advanced Manufacturing Hub Executive Director, Michael Fumagalli, requesting $500,000 to upgrade equipment at the Manufacturing Lab and drive economic growth.

"With this critical funding secured, Goethe Elementary School will finally complete its long-awaited outdoor renovation project - transforming the space into a safe, durable, and enriching environment for students and families alike. These improvements will not only enhance daily learning and play for Goethe students but also create a vibrant community resource accessible to all residents in the neighborhood. This investment ensures that every child in and around the Goethe community has access to an outdoor space that encourages physical well-being, supports healthy development, and promotes overall well-being," said Goethe Elementary School Principal, Nader Elmasri, requesting $1,100,000 for enhancement against flooding of the outdoor playspace at Goethe Elementary School.

"On behalf of the Park District and the residents of the Montclare community, I'd like to extend my sincerest appreciation to Congresswoman Delia Ramirez for working to secure $3 million in funding for a new fieldhouse at Bell Park. A new fieldhouse at Bell Park to replace the existing facility would bring transformative change to the neighboring children and families by expanding recreational offerings that contribute to overall health and quality of life," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent & CEO, Ramirez-Rosa, requesting $3,000,000 for the construction of a community field house.

"This project is necessary to provide flood relief in this area of the County, it will also improve water quality and replace aging infrastructure," said DuPage County Board Chair, Deb Conroy, requesting $4,125,000 for the upgrade of outdated storm sewer systems.

"Every one of our school communities deserves a safe and enriching space for activities such as sporting events and gatherings. The new turf surface at Hanson Park Stadium is environmentally-sound and accessible while benefiting the larger school community. Thanks to Congresswoman Delia Ramirez and our community partners for making this amazing space a reality," said CPS Chief Operating Officer Charles Mayfield, requesting $1,000,000 for the rehabilitation of the Hanson Park Stadium.

"This project was student voice in action. Our students have worked tirelessly for years presenting to Chicago Public Schools officials, elected officials, and other members of the community to advocate for this turf field," said Dever Elementary School Principal Jason Major, requesting $1,100,000 to rehabilitate Dever Elementary School's field.

"We are deeply grateful for this investment in our students' future. This funding marks an exciting step forward, enabling us to modernize our athletic facilities for a safer and more functional environment while simultaneously creating a dynamic new STEM lab in previously underutilized space. This dual investment underscores our commitment to the holistic development of our students, fostering both their physical well-being and their readiness for STEM fields," said Von Steuben High School Principal Jennifer M. Sutton, requesting $1,000,000 to renovate outdated locker room facilities.

"Patrick Henry Elementary School is a neighborhood school in the Albany Park area that is a central location for families within the community. We do not have a green space within a 1 mile radius of the school and we are in need of major renovations within the playground and the surrounding area. I am thankful for the opportunity for our school and the community to have a space for families and students to enjoy," said Patrick Henry Elementary School Principal, Mary Ann Reynolds, requesting $1,250,00 to enhance Patrick Henry Elementary School's playground and outdoor facilities

"This high-impact project represents a significant milestone in our efforts to address flood-related challenges in our community. Not only will it directly prevent overland flooding into 27 homes, but by lowering the street, an additional 10 homes will be able to reduce the occurrences of flooding. Over the course of 30 years, this initiative is projected to save homeowners an estimated $19 million in damages currently incurred due to flooding. The project will make a tangible difference in the lives of residents impacted by flooding events, enhance the resilience of our neighborhoods and protect our residents' properties," said Wheaton City Manager, Mike Dzugan, requesting $1,200,000 for improvements on a flood-prone area.

"We are excited about the project as it will make an immediate and lasting impact on our students and communities. This initiative will provide increased opportunities for physical activity, fostering a stronger focus on the whole child's development and well being. Ultimately, we believe this project will create a more connected and active place for our entire community to engage," said Marvin Camras Children's Engineering Elementary School Principal, Clariza Dominici, requesting $1,000,000 to improve safety at the outdoor space.

"Wayne Township is grateful to Congresswoman Ramirez for helping reduce the tax burden on our community by securing funding for much-needed safety improvements to Powis Rd. Partnerships like this show what's possible when government agencies work together to improve infrastructure and quality of life for all residents," said Wayne Township Highway Commissioner Martin McManamon, requesting $854 to repair the main entry road at Pratt Wayne Woods Forest Preserve.

For the recording of the public announcement, CLICK HERE.

For photos and videos, CLICK HERE.

BACKGROUND

In her first term, Congresswoman Ramirez secured $14.1 MILLION in Community Project Funding for the Illinois Third Congressional District. The funding for 15 local community projects helped secure safe, affordable housing, expand food security efforts, and make important infrastructure improvements.

During the FY25 Appropriation Process, Congresswoman Ramirez fought for $34.5 million in federal funding for 15 community projects. The funding would have increased affordable housing units, expanded safe green spaces for students and communities, strengthened climate change resilience infrastructure and road safety, and supported workforce development in IL-03. Unfortunately, the Continuing Resolution passed by Congress did not include Community Project Funding for FY25.

###

Delia Ramirez published this content on June 17, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 17, 2025 at 21:21 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at support@pubt.io