Chicago, IL-Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) announced more than $14.3 million in federal funding for 15 projects in IL-03 as part of the FY26 budget appropriations. The dedicated funding will 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 see these Community Project Funding requests approved and fully funded. The funding of these 15 transformative projects is what happens when communities, local leaders, and Congress work together to deliver. As a result of our collaboration, $14.25 million will now be available to expand affordable housing, enhance our infrastructure, develop our workforce, and more," said Congresswoman Ramirez."From Wayne Township to Wheaton to Albany Park, we are investing in critical projects in our district and improving conditions that keep our communities healthy and thriving. At a time when the Administration is threatening to punish our communities by withholding federal resources, I will continue fighting to ensure IL-03's working families receive every single thing they need to thrive."

"The Department of Housing is honored to be in partnership with Congresswoman Ramirez's office, and deeply grateful for their investment in expanding affordable housing options for hardworking Chicagoans. At a time when our city is facing an increasing housing crisis, delivering safe, healthy homes for families is crucial. This investment is indicative of that shared commitment and belief that housing is a human right," said Tamra Collins, Department of Housing Managing Deputy Commissioner. DOH received $3,150,000 for the construction of Encuentro phase II, a new 98-unit housing development.

"We are grateful for this $2,000,000 federal investment, which will facilitate the pre-development of a 12-unit single-family townhome community, at a moment when the demand for housing is critically high. This support will allow us to move this housing initiative forward in West Chicago, expanding access and opportunity to the families we serve," said DuPage Housing Authority CEO Ameca Crawford. The $2,000,000 received will facilitate the pre-development of a 12-unit single-family townhome community.

"It is with great excitement and gratitude that we share with you what your generous gift will provide to Northeastern Illinois University's Nursing Program. We "broke ground" on the state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Learning Center and await the Community Project Funding so we can complete construction. Once the Nursing Simulation Learning Center is completed, we will be able to finalize approvals from the Illinois Board of Nursing and plan to welcome students in Fall 2027." said Executive Director of the Master of Science in Nursing Entry to Practice Program, Dr. Gretchen LaCivita. Northeastern Illinois University Foundation received $1,200,000 to develop modern classrooms and a dedicated Simulation Lab at the campus.

"We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Delia Ramirez and our legislative partners for their support in securing this $500,000 investment 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 strengthening our local workforce and creating real opportunity for students," said DuPage Regional Advanced Manufacturing Hub Executive Director, Michael Fumagalli, whose organization received $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. Goethe Elementary School received $850,000 to enhance the outdoor playspace to protect against flooding.

"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 $850,000 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, Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. The $850,000 in federal funding will support the construction of a community field house.

"This project will provide flood relief in this area of the County, while improving water quality and replacing aging infrastructure. We are grateful to Congresswoman Ramirez for her support of our communities," said Deborah Conroy, Chair of the DuPage County Board. The county received $1,092,00 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. The $850,000 in funding will be used to rehabilitate Hanson Park Stadium.

"For years, our students have tirelessly advocated for a turf field for our outdoor space. Securing this funding through Congress is an amazing milestone for our school community. We are thrilled to move into the next phase of this project and turn our students' long-standing advocacy into a reality," said Dever Elementary School Principal Jason Major. Dever Elementary School received $850,000 in federal funding to rehabilitate space outdoors.

"We are deeply grateful for this investment in our students' future. By modernizing our outdated locker rooms and launching a new STEM lab, we are doing more than updating infrastructure-we are ensuring our students have a safe, modern environment that honors their dignity. This dual investment reflects our commitment to their holistic growth, providing the secure and innovative spaces they need to feel valued and prepared for the future. We thank the community for this investment. By modernizing our athletic wing and creating a new STEM lab, we are providing the high-quality facilities our students deserve for their physical and academic development," said Principal Jennifer M. Sutton. Von Steuben High School received $500,000 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. Patrick Henry Elementary School received $250,000 to enhance 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. The County of DuPage received $250,000 for infrastructure improvements in 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. The school received $250,000 to improve safety in 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. Wayne Township Road District received $250,000 to repair the main entry road at Pratt Wayne Woods Forest Preserve.

"Establishing speedy, reliable service to make traveling from downtown Chicago to O'Hare International Airport seamless is a top priority for Metra, and Congresswoman Ramirez's leadership is helping turn that vision into reality. This $1.5 million appropriation enables us to rigorously study the infrastructure upgrades necessary to achieve that goal. We thank the Congresswoman for recognizing that robust public transit is the backbone of a thriving local economy," said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. Metra received $1,500,000 to study the viability of infrastructure improvements along the Milwaukee District North and North Central Service Metra lines.

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.