Oak Park was recently recognized as the only community to earn gold designation in the first cohort of municipalities to complete the EV Readiness Program, an initiative launched by ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to help local governments prepare for the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure across northern Illinois. In total, 12 municipalities were recognized at an awards event in December for their work to achieve the designation of “EV Ready Community.” Municipalities in the program were required to complete several core “EV Readiness Actions” including updated zoning codes to support new charging infrastructure, new permitting and inspection processes aligned with state and national standards to guide safe installation of charging equipment, and training for first responders on incidents involving EVs. Read more about the recognition at www.oak-park.us/EVready. For more information about electric vehicles in Oak Park, including resources for current and prospective EV owners, visit www.oak-park.us/electric-vehicles.
Village received high marks for carbon disclosure…The Village recently received an A from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), a global environmental disclosure system used to report on planning and progress made toward climate change adaptation and mitigation. Of 939 total cities that reported to CDP this year, 13% received an A score. Oak Park was one of only two municipalities in Illinois to receive an A. Oak Park’s score reflects community-wide planning and implementation efforts made towards the comprehensive sustainability and resilience plan, Climate Ready Oak Park. Last fall the Village published a one-year progress report on the Climate Ready Oak Park plan. The report documents Oak Park’s accomplishments, aspirations and strategies on the one-year anniversary of the climate plan’s 2022 adoption by the Village Board. Read the report at www.oak-park.us/CROP1year and find more information about Climate Ready Oak Park at www.oak-park.us/climateplan.