The Town of Normal is still in watch and wait mode as the Trump administration aggressively cuts programs and federal agency staff.
City Manager Pam Reece said municipalities are deeply entwined with the federal government — in programs, administrative support, and, yes, actual dollars.
“A lot, honestly, … we probably are looking at projects, capital projects, investment in police officers that we've recruited to the tune of probably over $20 million in our overall budget. So, a significant dollar amount for us in terms of our daily relationship with our federal partners,” Reece said on WGLT's Sound Ideas.
She said there is a lot at stake, and the events in Washington, D.C. have created confusion for municipalities across the country.
“Some of the grant agreements have been executed, which is great," said Reece. "Some funds at the federal level have been obligated, perhaps through the budget process, but we don't have executed grant agreements. We're working through what all the risk is and where we can rely on those federal dollars.”
That $20 million in federal dollars compares with an annual town budget of roughly $220 million, though Reece noted some grants are multi-year and affect the budget in different ways.
“Larger projects, for example, the underpass, has a BUILD grant. That’s a multi-year project. West College Avenue [rebuild] is funded through federal dollars that pass through the state. That's a multi-year capital project. And then, of course, the $750,000 Justice Department grant that we received goes toward funding six police officer positions. That's over a three-year period,” said Reece.
Right now, there is no certainty in what, if anything could be lost, she said.
“I am very pleased that we have such a strong relationship with our congressional delegation and their staff is open to informing and educating us on next steps, and we will continue to work through the process and hopefully learn soon where we stand,” said Reece.
Staff reductions
The Trump administration also has begun a series of mass staff reductions at various agencies that could influence municipalities because multiyear projects involve building relationships with people at those agencies.
“There are risks to projects associated with that, in terms of delays in getting grant approvals processed, or even through different steps of a project," said Reece. "There are several things that must happen on a federally funded project, such as environmental reviews and assessments, all the way to plan reviews and grant administration."
Reece said she has heard anecdotes about cuts at the Department of Transportation, and possibly Housing and Urban Development [HUD], though those have not directly affected Normal yet.
“But we are trying to keep our all of our eyes and ears open on what the risks are,” she said.
It is unclear whether changes in Washington could delay or otherwise affect the underpass project in Uptown. There is an executed grant agreement for $16.2 million with the Federal Railroad Administration — a significant chunk of the total cost.
“We have no knowledge that any of that is at risk,” said Reece.
The town received bids in November for the underpass project that came in over budget. The town is trying to modify the scope of work to reduce the price tag. And it is seeking additional federal support.
WGLT asked Reece whether town staff would go ahead and submit the revised bids for a council vote solely with the existing executed grant agreement, or whether the town would need additional federal assurances.
“Well, that's a great question, and I want to go to council with certainty. Fortunately, I have time to work with our advocates and figure that out,” said Reece.
Given the climate in Washington is that certainty achievable in the next month before the bids expire?
“Stay tuned … That's a big dollar amount and a very transformational project for Uptown. We want to be certain,” said Reece.
Immigration
Normal has a welcoming community ordinance, adopted in 2018. That was created to provide some assurances to residents that the police department abides by the Illinois Trust Act, and that the town provides public safety services to residents and visitors, regardless of immigration status, said Reece.
“The rules are that neither police nor fire any of our public safety services will inquire on immigration status before they respond to a call for service, or provide services to the individuals in need,” said Reece. “We didn't want their immigration status to be affecting their call for service.”
Recently, Reece, Mayor Chris Koos, and Police Chief Steve Petrilli took part in a community Zoom call with the Immigration Project, the City of Bloomington, faith-based organizations in the community, and social service providers, to better understand the current situation.
“The Immigration Project indicated there's a lot of concern, but we have seen no direct action beyond the Chicago area,” said Reece.
Bloomington does not have a welcoming city ordinance, although the city did set up a Welcoming Community commission in 2020 to use a national template for a multi-cultural promotion program. Only two members of that commission remain. The other seats are vacant.
Mall Drive
On Monday, the town council approved bids for a project on College Avenue at Landmark and Mall drives. Reece said the work will greatly improve traffic flow at that intersection.
“That intersection … will incorporate dual left turn lanes. If you're coming up Veterans Parkway and you want to turn left towards Target or any of the other retailers and in restaurants in the area, there will be a dual left turn lane. ... It’s a very busy intersection,” said Reece.
Construction will begin in the spring and go through Halloween.
“And we will be modifying the median so even additional vehicles can be waiting to turn left. A very popular destination is Chick-fil-A and other restaurants in the area, so we'll be able to accommodate more vehicles getting ready to turn,” said Reece, noting that traffic flow is good for business, but the town wants it to be safe and effective.
