Board of Trustees

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 – 7:30 P.M. 1. Pledge of Allegiance led by Village Clerk Pramod Shah. 2. Call meeting to order and roll call. 3. Approve Consent Agenda. * 4. Approve, as submitted, minutes of regular meeting held Monday, August 21, 2023. **go to** * 5. Approve Voucher List #8-FY24 of September 5, 2023. **go to** 6. Proclamations and Resolutions. A. Proclamations National Suicide Prevention + Action Month – September 2023 * Payroll Week – September 4-8, 2023 7. Recognition, Awards and Honorary Presentations. 8. Appointments, Reappointments and Resignations. *A. Reappointments Appearance Commission: Julie Naumiak Board of Fire & Police Commissioners: Helene Levine as Vice Chair Economic Development Commission: Marc Battista, Barbara Carley, Steve Franklin, Scott Gendell, Curt Hansen, Joseph Hermiz, Serge Khalimsky, Brian Levinson, David Rahija, Michael Rosen and Howard Meyer as Vice Chair Fire Pension Board: Julian Prendi Police Pension Board: Harold Primack Public Arts Advisory Committee: Barbara M Meyer as Chair Sustainability Environmental Advisory Commission: Rick Moskovitz, Jim McNelis as Vice Chair and Jennifer Grossman as Chair Zoning Board of Appeals: Sharon Kirkpatrick, Sean Arden, Elaine Jacobson and David Solovy * B. Resignation Human Relations Commission: Daphnee Camilien 9. Presentations and Reports. A. The 2023 Skokie Community Health Plan: A Five-year Strategy for a Healthier Skokie (REVISED DOCUMENT) – Presentation by Michael Charley, Director of Health and **go to** Human Services and Elizabeth Nelson, Public Health Coordinator/Data Analyst 10. Report of the Village Manager. **go to** A. Review and Approval of Closed Session Minutes. **go to A** * B. Purchase of One (1) Public Works Aerial Bucket Truck – National Auto Fleet Group, **go to B** Watsonville, California - $186,400. * C. Replacement of Fire Hydrants and Accessories – Core and Main, Lake Bluff, IL – **go to C** $149,125 and Ziebell Water Service Products, Elk Grove Village, IL - $11,250. * D. Purchase of One (1) Public Works Pick-Up Truck – National Auto Fleet Group, **go to D** Watsonville, California - $50,865.24. #613742  11. Report of the Corporation Counsel. **go to** SECOND READING: A. An ordinance amending chapters 46 and 58 of the Skokie Village Code pertaining to **go to A** affordable housing. Item A is on the consent agenda for second reading and adoption. The first reading was on May 15, 2023. 12. Unfinished Business. 13. New Business. 14. Plan Commission. 15. Public Comment. 16. Adjournment. __________________________ Items marked with an asterisk (*) indicate they are part of the Consent Agenda that contains routine items or items which have already been discussed by the Mayor and Board at a previous public meeting and require a second reading. Items on the Consent Agenda are passed in one vote at the beginning of the Board Meeting. Prior to the vote on the Consent Agenda, the Mayor will inquire if there is any matter which anyone wishes to remove from the Consent Agenda. If there is an item on the Consent Agenda which you wish to address, please inform the Mayor at that time you wish to remove it from the Consent Agenda. #613742  Return to Agenda 13678 MINUTES of a regular meeting of the Mayor and the Board of Trustees of the Village of Skokie, Cook County, Illinois held in the Council Chambers at 5127 Oakton Street at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, August 21, 2023 Pledge of Allegiance led by Village Clerk Pramod Shah, Mayor Van Dusen called the meeting to order. The Clerk call the Roll. Those present were Trustees Sutker, Robinson, Khoeun, Johnson, Pure Slovin , Klein and Mayor Van Dusen. Motion to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of B for sub-committee Appointments, C Reappointment, and Item A on the Corporation Counsel's report. Moved: Trustee KIein Seconded: Trustee Khoeun Ayes: Sutker, Robinson, Khoeun, Johnson, Pure SIovin, KIein and Mayor Van Dusen Nays: None. Absent: None, MOTION CARRIED * Approve, as submitted, minutes of regular meeting held Monday, August 7, 2023. Omnibus vote. * Approve Voucher List #7-FY24 of August 21, 2023. Omnibus vote. Recoenition, Awards and Honorary Presentations. A. Awards Presentation 1. Thirteenth Annual Public Health Partners of Excellence Awards presented by Dr. Edward Linn and Michael Charley. Skokie Community Foundation Since 2014 the Skokie Community Foundation has been granting monies to organizations to help fund projects associate with social services, services for youth and seniors and health and wellness. Since 2015, the foundation's unique grant program has funded 40 grants totaling more than $225,000 addressing a broad range of community concerns. On behalf of the Foundation, Ann Tennes accepted the award and expressed gratitude and recognition for the award. She introduced the Board Members that were present. Dr. Namratha Kandufa and the South Asian Healthy Lifestyle Initiative (SAHELI) for creating a culturally -targeted, community-based lifestyle intervention sturdy to improve physical activity and diet behaviors among South Asians. Dr. Namratha Kandula was honored to be acknowledged and recognized for this award. She introduced several of the Partners. Skokie's Fourth of July Parade presented by Committee Chairperson, Richard Evonitz. Chairperson Evonitz gave an update that there were 76 parade units, 1393 participants and 1,929 feet of parade, This was a healthy turnout, many social media postings, over many volunteers brought out by organizations which included Oakton Community College, District 219 Dance Marathon, and Skokie Commumty Fund. He acknowledged all the committee members who helped in the many months of planning. Mayor Van Dusen thanked all the workers who helped put this together and grateful for all the time and energy that was put in. IVtayor Van Dusen also recognized and thanked Chief Hoeflich and the Fire Department for achieving the highest rating for fire protection-ISO designation. Appointments. Reappointments^and Resignations. A. Swearing in of the following personnel by Commissioner Bruce Rottner of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners: Name Old Position New Position Claudia Contreras New Hire Police Officer Mayor Van Dusen congratulated the new Police Officer who introduced her family and friends. 613678  Return to Agenda 13679 Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees Monday, August 21, 2023 Page Two B, Appointments Consumer Affairs Commission: Biju Krishnan as Chair Omnibus vote Motion to approve the members of the Housing Sub-Committee ofthe Plan Commission. Moved: Trustee Klein Seconded: Trustee Robinson Housing Svb-Committee of the Plan Commission'. Joe Maschek (Appearance Commission), Scott Gendell (Economic Development Commission), Melissa Ponce (Family Services Commission), Jonathan Lavin (Human Reiations Commission), Charlie Saxe (Sustainabiiity Environmental Advisory Commission), ViJai Gupta (Plan Commission), Scott Bennan (PEan Commission), JeffBurman (Plan Commission), Sargon Zaya (Quadrant 1), Michael Shmer (Quadrant 2), Abigaii Stone (Quadrant 3), Hersh Friedman (Quadrant 4) and Peter Ousiey as Chair (Plan Commission) Gai! Schechter, Kimberiy Polka, Rachel Vanhoose, Emi Yamauchi These residents had input on the Sub Committee process, how the chairman will be reporting, workings of the Committee, Appointment process to the Plan Commission-not inclusive, expert resources, diverse make up of Village, qualifications of the members-variety of experience, makeup of mostly men, and how many women applied .Trustee Johnson-mclusive appointments for men than women, consider tabling to get more input, and adding members to the Commission. Ayes: Sutker, Robinson, Khoeun, Pure SIovin, Klein and Mayor Van Dusen Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION CARRIED C. Reappomtment Plan Commission: Taiia Gevaryahu This was taken off the Consent Agenda. Trustee Pure Slovin addressed the unethical behavior of Trustee Johnson concerning the lack of attendance on Plan Commission meetings with email posts and on social media of TaliaGevaryahu. He did not inquire or speak with her first before publicizing. Trustee Johnson stated that it was misinterpreted. Rachel Vanhoose, Kimberly Polka and Judy Mendel commented on tracking attendance for commissioners as in the Ordinance. *D. Resignation Public Arts Advisory Committee: Mary Fedorowski Omnibus vote. Mayor Van Dusen introduced Abigail Stone who will be serving on the Housing sub-conunittee of the Plan Commission. He thanked her for her services. Report of the Village Manager, A. Main Street Commercial Corridor Study - MKSK, Inc., Chicago, Illinois - $65,000. Motion to award a contract to analysis for the Main Street Commercial Corridor Study-MKSK, Inc. Chicago, IL in the amount of $65,000. The scope of services under this contract includes three main components: discovery, visioning and development of plan concepts. Molly Anderson, who iives in the neighborhood commented on the study. Johanna Nyden, Cominunity Development Director answered questions from the Board which included what we can expect from the study, about the company MKSK. Inc, Meet up with Main St. Moved: Trustee Robinson Seconded: Trustee Khoeun Ayes: Sutker, RobinsoB, Khoeun, JohnsoH, Pure Slovin, KIein and Mayor Van Dusen Nays: None. Absent: None< MOTION CARRIED B. Cook County Class 6b Real Estate Tax Incentive - 7344 Monticeilo Avenue. Resolution 23-8-R-1556 Motion to concur with staffs recommendation that M & M Equipment Corporation at 7344 Monticello Avenue is an excellent candidate for a ClassB classification. Max Lieb, from M & M thanked the Village for the consideration and answered questions from the Board. 613678  Return to Agenda 13680 Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees Monday, August 21, 2023 Page Three Moved: Trustee Johnsoa Seconded: Trustee Pure Slovia Ayes: Sutker, Robinson, Khoeun, Johnson, Pure SIovm, and Mayor Van Dusen Nays: None. Absent: None. Recuse: KIcin MOTION CARRIED C. Resolution to Approve Execution of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Master Agreement. Resolution 23-8-R-l 557 Motion to concur with staffs recommendation and request Mayor and Board approval of a Resolution approving and authorizing a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) agreement. Moved: Trustee Johnson Seconded: Trustee Pure Siovin Ayes: Sutker, Robinson, Khoeun, Johnson, Pure SIovia, Klein and Mayor Van Dusen Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION CARRIED * D. Refurbisiiment of One (1) Ambulance - Foster Coach Saies/Horton Emergency Vehicles - $286,406. Motion to award a contract to Foster Coach Sales/Horton Emerge»cy vehicles in the amount of $286,406 for refurbishment of one ambuiance. Omnibus vote. Report of the Corporation Counsel. This was taken off the Consent Agenda A. Ordinance 23-8-Z-4653 Motion to adopt an ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to establish and operate a drive-through at 5252 Dempster Street, Skokie, Illinois in aB3 Business District and grant reiief from Sections 118- 212(i)(l)and 118-218 of the Skokie Village Code. Item A is on the consent agenda for second reading and adoption, The first reading was on June 5, 2023. Moved: Trustee Robinson Seconded: Trustee Pure SIovin Ayes: Sutker, Robinson, Khoeun, Pure SIovin, KIein and Mayor Van Dusen Nays: Johnsoa Absent: None. MOTION CARRIED SECOND READING: B. Ordinance 23-8-C-4654 Motion to adopt an ordinance amending various sections of Chapter 10 and Chapter 46 of the Skokie Village Code pertaining to the retaii sale of Alcoholic Liquor and related fees. Item B is on ths agenda for second reading and adoption. The first readiiig was on June 20,2023. Moved: Trustee Johnsoa Seconded: Trustee Khoeun Ayes: Sutker, Robiflson, Khoeun, Johnson, Pure SIovin, Klein and Mayor Van Dusen Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION CARRIED C. Ordinance 23-8-C-4655 Motion to adopt an ordinance granting relief from Chapter 10, Section 10-10, ofthe Skokie Village Code to allow the temporary sale, possession and consumption of alcoholic liquor on the public right of way and municipal property during specified hours of Skokie's 16th annual Backlot Bash. Item C is on the agenda for second reading and adoption. The first reading was on August 7, 2023. Moved: Trustee Sufker Seconded: Trustee Robinson Ayes: Sufker, Robinson, Khoeim, Johnson, Pure SIovin, KIein and Mayor Van Dusen Nays: None. Absent; None. MOTION CARRIED 613678  Return to Agenda 13681 Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees Monday, August 21,2023 Page Four Unfinished Business. Trustee Johnson asked when the timeline of the draft Ordinance review for appointment process for Village attorneys be available. The Mayor and Corporation Counsel stated that it will be soon. Public Comments Matt Temkin on behalf of the Skokie Alliance for Electoral Reform, Emi Yamauchi, Eml Yamauchi for Matt Jarvis, Kimberly Polka and Judy Mendel Discussion included the Mapping meeting at the Library on August 14. Disinforrnation and unreliable audio input from public participation. More information in other languages, more maps, fair transparent and accountable representation, lacking community outreach and engagement processes before the September I Ith meeting. Involve the community input on the revised map after the meeting. Set deadlines for residents to email public comments before the September meeting. The Village to set a meeting to explain the referendums -Q &A .Citizens should be able to comment. Provide an overiy map which show ail the factors considered -age, race, school district, income etc, Gail Schechter-Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, Arie Crown-affordable housing-fee in lieu not an option. Rachel Vanhooes commented on the Main St. Study, Gait Schechter applied for Sub-Committee and was not selected, thanked for the sidewalk being put back on Oakton. Trustee Johnson thanked the Village for the Sustalnability Coordinator. Comments by email. Gait Schechter-Appointment to the Housing Sub-Committee Jinsky Jean Pois-The matter of the Viliage Seal Initiative, Village of Skokie Wendy Katnelson-ViiIage Trustee's recent comment EIline Eliasoff-8/21/23 Public Comment made by Trustee Pure SIovin. Steve Galante -Fly infestation. John Hopp-Inclusionary housing ordinance into the Viliage Zoning Code. Motion to adjourn at 9:03 p.m. Moved: Trustee Sutker Seconded; Trustee Klein Ayes; Sutker, Robinson, Khoeun, Johnson, Pure SIovin, Kleia and Mayor Van Dusen Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION CARRIED Pramod Shah Village Clerk Approved: Mayor Van Dusen items marked with an asterisk (*) indicate they are part of the Consent Agenda that contains routine items or items which have already been discussed by the Mayor and Board at a previous public meeting and require a second reading. Items on the Consent Agenda are passed in one vote at Ehe beginning of the Board Meeting. Prior to the vote on the Consent Agenda, the Mayor wiil inquire if there is any matter which anyone wishes to remove from the Consent Agenda. if there is an item on the Consent Agenda which you wish to address, piease inform the Mayor at that time you wish to remove it from the Consent Agenda. 613678 Return to Agenda Return to Agenda Return to Agenda Return to Agenda Return to Agenda Return to Agenda Return to Agenda Return to Agenda Return to Agenda Return to Agenda Return to Agenda Return to Agenda Return to Agenda  Return to Agenda Memorandum Mayor's Office TO: Boarifof Boa rpT of Trustees FROM: -^C^J Mayoi DATE: September 5, 2023 SUBJECT: Proclamations, Reappointments and Resignation A Proclamations "National Suicide Prevention + Action Month" September 2023 * "Payroll Week" September 4-8, 2023 AB Reappointments Appearance Commission Julie Naumiak Board of Fire & Police Commissioners Helene Levine Vice Chair Economic Development Commission Marc Battista Barbara Carley Steve Franklin Scott Gendell Curt Hansen Joseph Hermiz Serge Khalimsky Brian Levinson David Rahija Michael Rosen Howard Meyer Vice Chair Fire Pension Board Julian Prendi Police Pension Board Harold Primack 604872 Board of Trustees 09-05-23  Return to Agenda Page 2 9/5/2023 Commission Reappointments continued Public Arts Advisory Committee Barbara M Meyer Chair Sustainabilitv Environmental Advisory Commission Rick Moskovitz Jim McNelis Vice Chair Jennifer Grossman Chair Zoning Board of Appeals Sharon Kirkpatrick Scan Arden EIaine Jacobson David Solovy *C Resignation Human Relations Commission Daphnee Camilien 604872 Board of Trustees 09-05-23  ^sii 3\§i o ~^t CT< i§ I ^F l!ll ?^'sl ^ ^1 ^^ ^ ni nT ao ti^ a^ a CL »-&'?' s? -s ^ rl§ s??g s: e^^' ^ I "L § s»s^ 1-Is- ? 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Qrg a, m <1: Sr- _S a- <-ri s:? !^. ffa Qfg Si (^. ^ % t-i Return to Agenda  Return to Agenda MEMORANDUM HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES TO: John Lockerby, Village Manager CC: Elizabeth Nelson, Public Health Coordinator/Analyst FROM: _____________________________ Michael Charley, Director of Health and Human Services DATE: August 30, 2023 SUBJECT: HHS Community Health Improvement Plan, For Village Board Review & Approval The Health and Human Services’ Department is requesting Skokie Village Board review and approval of HHS’s Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) at the September 5, 2023 Village Board meeting. This comprehensive five-year plan is designed to address three critical public health priorities: access to healthcare, access to behavioral health, and affordable housing. It stems from rigorous community health assessments and an improvement process involving multiple community stakeholders. At Skokie Health and Human Services, our vision is to "Create a healthy, equitable community." The strategies outlined in this plan play a crucial role in guiding our community towards better health outcomes. We intend to engage and empower our partners to collaborate on coordinated efforts and evaluate actions for successful implementation of the CHIP. The primary objectives of our Community Health Improvement Plan are to: • Identify our community health priorities. • Focus our attention and resources on strategies for positive health outcomes. • Monitor and measure our progress in achieving these outcomes. • Enhance the overall health of our community. The development of this plan was led by the Skokie Health Equity Network steering committee with support and guidance from the Skokie Health and Human Services Department. Utilizing data on health status, quality of life, and risk factors, along with insights from a community-wide health survey, we identified three key priority health issues (access to healthcare, access to behavioral health, and affordable housing). Based on these findings, we formulated measurable and actionable objectives to drive meaningful health improvement. The implementation efforts are already in progress and will continue over the next five years. Skokie’s CHIP is a call to action, and its success depends on the active involvement of our community members, partners, and stakeholders. Everyone has a role to play, whether it's understanding the community's priorities and raising awareness or actively participating in action teams to implement strategies. We aim to look beyond individual organizational efforts and focus on the collective impact of multiple organizations and community members in improving our overall health. Together, we can create a healthier and more equitable Skokie for all. We wanted to thank the Village Board and the greater Skokie community for their support and dedication to this important endeavor. Document Number: 613383 Version: 1  Return to Memo 2022-2027 SKOKIE COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN SKOKIE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SKOKIE HEALTH EQUITY NETWORK SKOKIE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT Approved by the Board of Health on 08/03/2023 and the Village Board of Trustee on XX/XX/XXXX Document Number: 613953 Version: 1  Return to Page 1 of Plan Table of Contents Welcome Letter ......................................................................................................................................... 6 Purpose Statement.................................................................................................................................... 7 IPLAN Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 7 Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................. 7 Community Engagement and Stakeholders/Community Partnership Acknowledgements .. 9 Community Health Needs Assessment Timeline .......................................................................... 10 Vision Statement ................................................................................................................................. 11 Land Acknowledgement .................................................................................................................... 11 Village of Skokie History.................................................................................................................... 11 Skokie Health and Human Services Department .......................................................................... 14 Skokie Community Health Status Assessment .................................................................................. 16 Demographic and Socioeconomic Characteristics ....................................................................... 16 ............................................................................................................................................................ 17 Country of Origin ............................................................................................................................... 17 Ethnicity ............................................................................................................................................. 17 Languages .......................................................................................................................................... 18 Income ................................................................................................................................................ 18 Education ........................................................................................................................................... 19 Insurance Status ................................................................................................................................ 20 Health Related Data ................................................................................................................................ 21 Current Health Status........................................................................................................................ 21 Health Concerns ................................................................................................................................ 22 Availability of Care ............................................................................................................................ 23 Mortality Data ...................................................................................................................................... 23 Top Causes ......................................................................................................................................... 23 Years of Potential Life Lost - YPLL ................................................................................................... 23 Providers .............................................................................................................................................. 25 Mental Health Providers ................................................................................................................... 25 Primary Care Providers .................................................................................................................... 25 Food Security and Access................................................................................................................... 26 Maternal and Child Health ................................................................................................................ 27 Births .................................................................................................................................................. 27 2  Return to Page 1 of Plan Low Birth Weight .............................................................................................................................. 27 Prenatal Care ..................................................................................................................................... 28 WIC and SNAP.................................................................................................................................... 29 Emergency Medical Services ............................................................................................................. 29 Mental Health Calls............................................................................................................................ 33 Mental Health Distress ...................................................................................................................... 33 Communicable Diseases .................................................................................................................... 34 Mosquitoes ......................................................................................................................................... 35 Sexually Transmitted Infections ...................................................................................................... 36 Chlamydia & Gonorrhea.................................................................................................................... 36 HIV ...................................................................................................................................................... 36 Environmental Sustainability ........................................................................................................... 37 Greenhouse Gas Inventory ............................................................................................................... 37 Climate Vulnerability Assessment ................................................................................................... 38 Ground Cover, Heat Island, and Carbon Sequestration Study ....................................................... 39 Sustainability Baseline Assessment ................................................................................................. 41 Lead .................................................................................................................................................... 42 Park Access ........................................................................................................................................ 43 Walkability ......................................................................................................................................... 43 Sentinel Events .................................................................................................................................... 44 Community Themes & Strengths Assessment ................................................................................... 46 Data on Survey Respondents ............................................................................................................ 46 Age ...................................................................................................................................................... 46 Race .................................................................................................................................................... 47 Socioeconomic Data ............................................................................................................................ 47 Income and Housing.......................................................................................................................... 47 Rent Costs/Burden ............................................................................................................................ 48 Housing Occupancy ........................................................................................................................... 49 Household Income Spent on Housing .............................................................................................. 49 Housing Burden ................................................................................................................................. 50 Transportation Data .......................................................................................................................... 50 Discrimination Data ............................................................................................................................... 50 Local Public Health Assessment ........................................................................................................... 52 3  Return to Page 1 of Plan Scoring and Notes................................................................................................................................ 52 Essential Service 1: Monitor Health Status to Identify Community Health Problems ....... 52 Essential Service 2: Diagnose and Investigate Health Problems and Health Hazards ...... 53 Essential Service 3: Inform, Educate, and Empower People about Health Issues .............. 53 Essential Service 4: Mobilize Community Partnerships to Identify and Solve Health Problems ........................................................................................................................................... 54 Essential Service 5: Develop Policies and Plans that Support Individual and Community Health Efforts ................................................................................................................................... 54 Essential Service 6: Enforce Laws and Regulations that Protect Health and Ensure Safety ............................................................................................................................................................ 55 Essential Service 7: Link People to Needed Personal Health Services and Assure the Provision of Health Care when Otherwise Unavailable........................................................... 55 Essential Service 8: Assure a Competent Public and Personal Health Care Workforce .... 55 Essential Service 9: Evaluate Effectiveness, Accessibility, and Quality of Personal and Population-Based Health Services ............................................................................................... 56 Essential Service 10: Research for New Insights and Innovative Solutions to Health Problems ........................................................................................................................................... 56 Community Health Improvement Plan ............................................................................................... 58 Access to Healthcare ........................................................................................................................... 58 Description of problem ..................................................................................................................... 58 Importance of the need for Access to Healthcare ........................................................................... 59 Summary of data................................................................................................................................ 59 Relationship to Healthy People 2030 .............................................................................................. 60 Factor analysis ................................................................................................................................... 60 Objectives and strategies................................................................................................................... 61 Strategy: Develop Partnerships for a Formal Referral Network .................................................. 61 Strategy: Develop data collection process related to linguistically appropriate care ................ 65 Evaluation plan:............................................................................................................................... 68 Communication plan: ..................................................................................................................... 68 Access to Behavioral Health .............................................................................................................. 69 Description and Importance of Need for Access to Behavioral Health ......................................... 69 Summary of data................................................................................................................................ 69 Relationship to Healthy People 2030 .............................................................................................. 69 Factors analysis ................................................................................................................................. 69 Objectives and strategies................................................................................................................... 70 4  Return to Page 1 of Plan Strategy: Develop data collection process related to linguistically appropriate care ................ 70 Strategy: Advocate for state budget increase in Medicaid funding for behavioral health services............................................................................................................................................... 73 Evaluation plan:............................................................................................................................... 75 Communication plan: ..................................................................................................................... 75 Affordable Housing ............................................................................................................................. 76 Description of the Problem:.............................................................................................................. 76 Importance of Priority Health Need: ............................................................................................... 76 Data Summary: .................................................................................................................................. 76 Relationship to Healthy People 2030: ............................................................................................. 76 Factors Influencing the Problem: ..................................................................................................... 76 Objectives and strategies................................................................................................................... 77 Strategy: Inclusionary Housing Ordinance .................................................................................... 77 Strategy: Create a process to collect data on factors related to rent burden. ............................. 78 Evaluation Plan:............................................................................................................................... 80 Communication Plan: ..................................................................................................................... 80 Alignment with the State Health Improvement Plan ................................................................... 81 Next Steps ............................................................................................................................................. 81 Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................ 82 5  Return to Page 1 of Plan Welcome Letter Dear Residents of Skokie and Our Partners in Health, Welcome! We are delighted that you have discovered the Village of Skokie Health and Human Services’ Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). This comprehensive five-year plan is designed to address three critical public health priorities: access to healthcare, access to behavioral health, and affordable housing. It stems from rigorous community health assessments and an improvement process involving multiple stakeholders. At Skokie Health and Human Services, our vision is to "Create a healthy, equitable community." The strategies outlined in this plan play a crucial role in guiding our community towards better health outcomes. We intend to engage and empower our partners to collaborate on coordinated efforts and evaluate actions for successful implementation. The primary objectives of our Community Health Improvement Plan are to: • Identify our community health priorities. • Focus our attention and resources on strategies for positive health outcomes. • Monitor and measure our progress in achieving these outcomes. • Enhance the overall health of our community. The development of this plan was led by the Skokie Health Equity Network steering committee with support and guidance from the Skokie Health and Human Services Department. Utilizing data on health status, quality of life, and risk factors, along with insights from a community-wide health survey, we identified three key priority health issues. Based on these findings, we formulated measurable and actionable objectives to drive meaningful health improvement. The implementation efforts are already in progress and will continue over the next five years. Skokie’s CHIP is a call to action, and its success depends on the active involvement of our community members, partners, and stakeholders. Everyone has a role to play, whether it's understanding the community's priorities and raising awareness or actively participating in action teams to implement strategies. We aim to look beyond individual organizational efforts and focus on the collective impact of multiple organizations and community members in improving our overall health. The Board of Health reviewed the organizational self-assessment plan and officially approved the 2022-2027 Skokie CHIP on August 2, 2023. Join us in creating a healthier and more equitable Skokie for all, because together we can go further. Thank you for your support and dedication to this important endeavor. _________________________________________________ _______________________________________ Mike Charley Dr. Edward Linn Director of Health and Human Services Chair of the Board of Health 6  Return to Page 1 of Plan Purpose Statement The Village of Skokie – Health and Human Services Department (HHS) conducted a comprehensive Community Health Assessment (CHA) process that collected data from various health areas, domains and social determinants to then identify priority problems to focus on over a five-year period to improve the Village of Skokie’s health. The completion of the CHA process was achieved through a fair, inclusive and equitable approach that prioritized equity for all residents. The Community Health Improvement (CHIP) priority issues will be improved through the Skokie Health Equity Network using the collective impact community organizing model. Collective impact is centered by equity and data driven decisions and involves community members with close proximity to the issues. IPLAN Requirements Every five years, Illinois state law requires each certified local health department to complete an Illinois Project for Local Assessment of Needs (IPLAN), which is a community health assessment and health improvement process. This fulfills the requirements of the Illinois Administrative Code, Title 77, Subsection 600.210 for certification for local public health departments by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The essential elements of IPLAN are: 1. An organizational capacity assessment; 2. A community health needs assessment; and 3. A community health plan, focusing on a minimum of three priority health problems. The essential elements were fulfilled by using the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) framework. Executive Summary The Village of Skokie has a population of 67,822 (2020 Census), comprised of several ethnic minorities and a large percentage of foreign-born residents. The Village has a rich public health history with the first Board of Health established in 1907 and the Health Department obtaining State of Illinois local health department certification in 1968. The Health and Human Services Department (HHS), community stakeholders, and the residents of the Village are committed to ensuring that the policies, programs, and strategies laid out in the 2022 Skokie Community Health Plan are accomplished and actionable. To complete this planning process, HHS used the nationally recognized Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) framework, because it emphasizes the importance of both community input and partnership with a variety of stakeholders to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the population. Developed by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MAPP is a planning process approved to be used for the IPLAN process. MAPP is a community-driven strategic planning process that helps communities prioritize public health issues, identify resources for addressing them, and take action to improve conditions that support healthy living. MAPP is generally led by one or more organizations and is completed with the input and participation of many organizations and individuals who work, learn, live, and play in the community. This MAPP Roadmap (Figure 1) illustrates the six phases of the MAPP process. 7  Return to Page 1 of Plan 1. In Phase One, Organize for Success/Partnership Development, community members and agencies form a partnership and learn about the MAPP process. Skokie HHS worked collaboratively with many of our key public health/healthcare stakeholders to create the “Skokie Health Equity Network” steering committee. The steering committee was formed to provide guidance, oversight, and strategic direction to improve and promote the health and well-being initiatives developed as part of this community health assessment process. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the Skokie Health Equity Network steering committee helped shape health strategies, foster collaboration, and will ensure effective implementation of the Skokie Community Health Improvement Plan. 2. During Phase Two, Visioning, those who work, learn, live, and play in the Skokie community create a common understanding of what it would like to achieve. In the MAPP Roadmap, the vision is “A Healthier Community.” The community decides the vision, which is the focus of the MAPP process. 3. During Phase Three, we utilized three MAPP Assessments where qualitative and quantitative data are gathered to provide a comprehensive picture of health in the community. Three MAPP Assessments: 1) Community Health Status Assessment (CHSA): The CHSA collects quantitative information on health status, quality of life, and risk factors. Before starting this assessment, the Steering Committee members brainstormed existing sources of CHSA data. Many local public health system partners collect health status data, and some of that data is available to the Skokie HHS. The steering committee then researched what data the local public health system partners were willing to share. This assessment includes demographic information, communicable disease information, socioeconomic information, and sentinel events. It must then be determined if the data represents the status of the entire Skokie community and the data is inclusive of the entire local public health system. This step includes discussion of whether the data can be used strategically to inform improvements. This discussion then informed how the steering committee would design this assessment. 2) Community Themes and Strengths Assessment: Identifies assets in the community and issues that are important to community members. This assessment included a breakdown of the data from the community health survey, environment and climate change and physical environment findings. 3) The Local Public Health System Assessment: Measured how well the Skokie HHS delivers the essential Public Health Services. This assessment was done internally 8  Return to Page 1 of Plan and focused on the services provided by the Village’s Health and Human Services Department. 4. In Phase Four, Identify Strategic Issues, the data sets are analyzed to uncover the underlying themes that need to be addressed in order for a community to achieve its vision. In November of 2022, a community stakeholder symposium named “Toward Health Equity in Skokie”, was organized by HHS with collaboration with the Skokie Community Foundation and the Skokie Public Library. There were several outcomes of the meeting:  First, it was decided that a “Collective Impact” approach of community organizing would be utilized. The collective impact approach calls for multiple organizations or entities to abandon individual agendas in favor of a single common agenda. This requires all participants to have a common understanding of the problem, and a mutual agreement on how to solve it. Collective impact also is grounded in data driven decisions and centered on equity…  Second, three prioritized issues were chosen to focus on over the next five years. Priority 1: Access to Healthcare Priority 2: Access to Behavioral Health Priority 3: Affordable Housing In order to identify the three priorities, symposium participants (community stakeholders/ organizations) participated in a data walk of collected CHA data, processed and discussed the data in small group discussions, and then voted on the top three priority issues to address over the next five years. 5. In Phase Five, Formulate Goals and Strategies, the community identifies goals it wants to achieve and strategies it wants to implement related to strategic issues. Following the Toward Health Equity in Skokie symposium the Skokie Health Equity Network was created and formalized. This network is an ongoing collaboration among various organizations and stakeholders involved in public health that worked together to identify measurable objectives, research and select strategies for each objective and developed the Community Health Improvement Plan. 6. During Phase Six, Action Cycle, the community implements and evaluates action plans to meet goals, address strategic issues, and achieve the community’s vision. Community Engagement and Stakeholders/Community Partnership Acknowledgements Skokie’s IPLAN could not have been developed without the many partner organizations that participated throughout the process. Community and stakeholder engagement began with planning a symposium for stakeholders to review highlights of the data collected during the assessment, choose priority issues. The community stakeholder symposium was a collaboration of the Skokie Community Foundation, Skokie Public Library and HHS called Toward Health Equity in Skokie. Through the planning process discussions about what the next steps will be once the priority issues are chosen began and HHS proposed using the collective impact model of community organizing to structure developing a coalition. Collective impact is grounded in data driven decisions, centered on equity and shared accountability for action plans so this appealed to community stakeholders. 9  Return to Page 1 of Plan During the Toward Health Equity in Skokie symposium, community stakeholders participated in a data walk of highlights of the CHA data, processed the data in small group discussions, and then voted on the top three priority issues to address over the next five years. Skokie HHS would like to thank the following partners for their time, commitment and thoughtful input during this development process, and for their continued engagement and collaboration on implementation of Skokie’s IPLAN. Ascension St. Francis Hospital Advocate Health (Healthcare) AHS Family Health Center (Healthcare) (Healthcare) Carter-Westminster United The Chicago Lighthouse Connections for the Homeless Presbyterian Church (Faith) (Abilities) (Housing) The Douglas Center (Abilities) Erie Family Health Center Fairview District 72 (Healthcare) (Education) Impact Behavioral Health Muslim Community Center Niles Township (Local Partners (Behavioral (Faith) Government) Health/Housing) Niles Township High School NorthShore University Health Northwestern University District 219 (Education) Systems (Healthcare) (Education/Research) Oakton Community College Open Communities (Housing) Orchard Village (Education) (Abilities/Behavioral Health) Peer Services (Behavioral Skokie Chamber of Commerce Skokie Community Health) and Industry (Business) Foundation (Philanthropy) Skokie-Morton Grove School Skokie Park District (Parks) Skokie Public Library District 69 (Education) (Library) Skokie School District 68 Skokie School District 73.5 Tapestry 360 Health (Education) (Education) (Healthcare) Village of Skokie – Board of Village of Skokie – Community Village of Skokie – Residents Health (Healthcare/Local Development (Housing) Government) Community Health Needs Assessment Timeline May – June 2022 Review IPLAN requirements, MAPP process and data sources July – September 2022 Conduct Community Health Status Assessment, Community Themes and Strengths Assessment, and Local Public Health System Assessment July – October 2022 Plan Toward Health Equity in Skokie event and develop data visualizations for data walk November 2022 Toward Health Equity in Skokie event 10  Return to Page 1 of Plan December 2022-January Develop structure for Skokie Health Equity Network, plan and invite 2023 stakeholders to steering committee and to be action team co-chairs; hold first steering committee meeting and schedule action team meetings February -June 2023 Collect and analyze additional data on risk factors, develop objectives, research and select strategies and develop action plans July 2023 Finalize draft IPLAN report August 2023 Present IPLAN to Board of Health and Village Board September 2023 Submit IPLAN to IDPH and prepare for action plan implementation October 2023 – Implement action plans and continuously evaluate September 2027 Vision Statement Our vision is to systematically assess disparities and remove obstacles to health in opportunities, outcomes, and representation by addressing them through building bridges and targeted actions. Land Acknowledgement HHS acknowledges that the Village of Skokie as we know it today exists on traditional Potawatomi and Mascouten land. We acknowledge that the Village of Skokie has a long history that predates European settlement and that the original residents of this community, the Potawatomi and Mascouten Native Tribes, were removed by the federal government through the Treaty of 1833 to ensure westward expansion of the European settlers. Skokie, formerly referred to as ‘skokey’ is a Potawatomi/Mascouten word that means marsh. These Native populations were both part of the Algonquin-speaking Native American nations that populated the Great Lakes region. By making this land acknowledgement, we recognize that Indigenous peoples are the traditional stewards of the land that we now occupy, living here long before Skokie was a settled Village. As we work, live, and play on these territories the Department and Village community must work towards righting the historic wrongs of colonization and state violence to support Indigenous communities and uplift them in their lives and health. Village of Skokie History Following the 1840’s, westward expansion pushed European settlement towards the Midwest and inland United States. Germanic settlers were most of the Skokie population until the 1950’s. Skokie, initially referred to as Niles Centre until the 1940’s, was a farming community that existed between two railroad lines in Evanston and Morton Grove. Following World War 2, an influx of migration from larger cities to suburban areas began which led Skokie to see several ethnic and religious immigrant groups including; Jewish migrants, Filipinos, Pakistanis, Indians, and many other Indo- Asian groups. The first nonnative settlers of Skokie were Nicholas and Elisabeth Busch Meyer who in the 1840’s build a log cabin originally located at 5406 Lincoln Ave but moved to its current location at the Skokie Heritage Museum at 8031 Floral Ave. Skokie, post European settlement, was a farming community where the settlers farmed acres of their own land. Henry Harms is cited as a founding father of the original Skokie community. Harms 11  Return to Page 1 of Plan opened the first store in the community, later transforming the building into a general store, tavern, and post office. He also aided the community in draining most of the swampy lands to make it more suitable for farming, rented out land to farmers, and built a plank toll road. Harms also worked as the township constable, supervisor/ commissioner of highways and the Cook County drainage commissioner. Several of the early Skokie residents contributed greatly to the building and success of the farming community allowing the transformation of the village to what we know today. 12 Return to Page 1 of Plan 13  Return to Page 1 of Plan Skokie Health and Human Services Department Skokie Health and Human Services (HHS) is part of the municipal government structure. The Village of Skokie operates under the Council Manager form of government, in which an elected legislative body, consisting of the Mayor and a Board comprised of six Trustees, hires a professional manager to oversee the day-to-day operation of government services and programs, and to carry out the policy directives set out by the elected officials. The Skokie Board of Health is composed of up to 20 members, including a chair and vice-chair, all appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the Village Board. The Board of Health meets monthly, except for July and August. The Board of Health serves as an advisory body to HHS and the Board of Trustees, and as such has the authority to make recommendations as to such rules, regulations and orders as it may deem necessary for the preservation and improvement of public health and the prevention of disease. As a certified health department in Illinois, the Village of Skokie HHS provides Local Health Protection services (communicable disease control and food protection), as well as an array of additional public health programs and services. The Public Health Department currently has 16.5 FTE on staff. The Department houses three separate direct service divisions: Community Health Services, Environmental Health, and Human Services. The Health and Human Services Department Administration includes the Director, an Administrative Assistant and a Public Health Program Coordinator/Analyst. Medical Consultation is provided, through a contractual agreement with Dr. William Werner. The following public health programs are administered by each of the divisions: Administration: • IPLAN; • Budget; • Birth and Death Records; • Child Safety Seat Program; • Grants Administration; and • Village Public Records Management and Disposal Community Health Services: • Communicable Disease Control, including STD and HIV/AIDS; • Immunizations, including seasonal flu vaccinations; • HIV/AIDS surveillance, counseling and referral for testing for at-risk individuals; • Screenings (blood pressure, Diabetes, TB) • Vision and Hearing screening; • Childhood Lead Program; • Emergency Preparedness and Response; and • Medical Reserve Corps Environmental Health Services: • Food protection; • Rodent control; • Nuisance investigations; • EPA Community Water sampling; • Beekeeping permitting; • Swimming Pool inspections; 14  Return to Page 1 of Plan • Clean Indoor Air Act enforcement; • Child care environmental inspections; • Tanning facility inspection; • Body art facilities inspection; and • West Nile Virus prevention; Human Services • Assist a Family program; • Benefit Access Application Assistance; • Co-Responder program; • Emergency Financial Assistance; • Social Service Short-Term Case Management; • Federal Income Tax Aid; • Mobility Equipment Lending Closet; • Neighborhood Mediation; • Reserved Residential Disability Parking; • TeenLink Youth program; and • Youth Outreach program 15  Return to Page 1 of Plan Skokie Community Health Status Assessment Demographic and Socioeconomic Characteristics The Village of Skokie, just north of the city Race Distribution of Skokie Native of Chicago, has a American Two or more: Other: 1401, 2% Hawaiian/Pacific Indian/Alaska population of 3532, 6.5% Native: 112, 0.3% Islander: 132, approximately 0.1% 67,824 according to Black: 6380, 8.8% the 2020 U.S. Census1. About 29% of the Skokie White: 34854, 55.6% population is between the ages of Asian: 16889, 0-24, while about 25.7% 20% of the population is 65 or older. Skokie is a very diverse community as it has historically been a hub for recent immigrants. A sustained trend of a decreasing White race population has been seen in the past few years. Between 2010 and 2020, there was a 11% decrease in the White population in Skokie. All other racial groups saw an increase, most notably, the American Indian/Alaska Native race population saw a 171% increase, the Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone race saw a 146% increase, and individuals who identify as two or more races saw a 123% increase since the 2010 census. More than 90 languages and dialects are spoken in the Village with the most common being Urdu, Spanish, Tagalog and Farsi/Persian. (From Niles Township High School District 219 website) Skokie Age Ranges Source: U.S. Census Bureau Age 2014 % 2020 % Under 5 Years 3,582 6% 4,438 7% 5 to 14 7,880 12% 7,896 12% 15 to 24 7,359 11% 6,699 11% 25 to 44 17,910 28% 14,065 22% 45 to 64 18,040 28% 17,515 28% 65 to 84 9,053 14% 10,915 17% 85 and Older 1,368 2% 1,772 3% Total 65,193 100% 63,300 100% 1 Breakdowns of the 2020 census data was not widely available when this report was written, thus in many sections of this report the population total of 63,300 from the 2020 American Community Survey estimate is used. 16  Return to Page 1 of Plan Age Distribution of Skokie Population in 2020 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 5000 4500 4000 3500 Frequency 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Under 5-14 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75-84 85 and 5 years years years years years years years years older Age (Years) and Sex Men Women Country of Origin An interesting factor in relation to the population of Country of Origin the Village of Skokie is that Source: U.S. Census Bureau 38% of the population is foreign born. About 62% of China, 3% Philippines the foreign-born residents in Romania, 4% India Skokie are from Asia, Syria, 5% including the Middle East, Iraq Philippines, 20% of the foreign-born Pakistan 15% residents are from Europe, Mexico, 5% Korea and 11% are from Latin India, 11% Mexico America. The top nine Korea, 4% countries of origin in order Syria are; the Philippines, India, China Iraq, Pakistan, Mexico, Syria, Iraq, 8% Pakistan, 7% Romania Korea, Romania, and China. Since 2010, there have been slight increases in populations from the Philippines, Pakistan, Syria, Ukraine, and Mexico. Notably, there have been decreases in populations from Korea and Iraq in the same time period. Ethnicity Ethnicity is also important within the Skokie community. The Middle Eastern identity is often primarily based on ethnic divisions rather than race or country of origin, which can cause a skew in those data categories. There has also been an increase in the Hispanic/Latino Population in Skokie, where in 2010 the population was at 8.3% and in 2020 was measured at 11.5%. 17  Return to Page 1 of Plan Languages Skokie is home to many residents from different countries who speak their native languages. According to the American Community Survey, 48.9% of Skokie residents speak a language other than English at home. According to the local school districts, the top languages spoken in the home are English, Urdu, Spanish, Tagalog, Farsi/Persian, Russian, Gujarati, Arabic, Romanian, Vietnamese and Bosnian. Income The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) serves as a benchmark to determine the minimum annual income required by a household or individual to meet essential needs. In Skokie, for the year 2022, the FPL stands at $13,590 for an individual and Percent of $27,750 for an average household of Residents by four (4) people. Census Tract Living Below Around 14% of Skokie households have 185% of an annual income of $25,000 or less, Federal which places a household of four below Poverty Level the poverty line, depending on their specific circumstances. It's worth noting Source: 2020 U.S. Census that the median household income in Skokie is $74,725, significantly higher than the median income across Cook County. Over the past decade, Skokie's poverty levels have remained relatively stable at about 9% of the population. However, there are significant disparities between different areas, with some census tracts on the west side of the village experiencing rates as high as 30% of residents living below the poverty level. Despite the disparities in poverty rates across Unemployment Rate in Skokie, 2016-2022 different regions, the FPL Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security remains a critical tool for 12.0% gauging economic well- 10.0% being and guiding efforts to address poverty-related 8.0% challenges in Skokie. 6.0% Skokie, along with its 4.0% neighboring towns 2.0% Evanston and Oak Park, 0.0% experienced a period of 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 relative stability in unemployment rates, Skokie Evanston Oak Park hovering around 4%. 18  Return to Page 1 of Plan However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant surge in unemployment, reaching a peak of 10% in the area. Fortunately, in the aftermath of the pandemic, the unemployment rate has gradually stabilized, providing some relief to the local communities. Education Since 2010, Skokie has seen significant improvements in educational attainment levels among its residents aged 25 and older. The high school graduation rate stands at an impressive 90.8%, while 49.8% of individuals in the same age group hold a bachelor's degree or higher. However, disparities persist within the community. Among the Hispanic/Latino population, 10% lack a high school diploma or equivalent, highlighting the need for targeted support and resources. The foreign-born population also faces challenges, with 15.5% lacking a high school diploma or equivalent. Comparing across racial and ethnic lines, the data reveals distinct gaps. For instance, only 7.2% of White residents lack a high school diploma or equivalent, and the figure drops even further to 6.7% for Asian residents. Moreover, Hispanics/Latinos represent only 11.5% of those with a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a discrepancy in educational opportunities. Understanding these disparities is crucial because educational attainment directly influences various aspects of individuals' lives, including their health, income level, and insurance status. Educational attainment is closely tied to socioeconomic status (SES), with higher education levels associated with improved employment prospects, higher incomes, and better living conditions. Socioeconomic status also impacts healthcare access, as those with higher SES tend to have better access to health insurance, preventive services, and quality healthcare providers. By addressing these disparities in educational attainment, we can work towards building a more equitable and prosperous community in Skokie. Educational Attainment Differences by Nativity Source: U.S. Census Bureau Education Level Foreign Born Native Born Less than High School 15.5% 3.3% High School Diploma/Equivalent 21.1% 15.0% Some College/Associates 21.6% 24.5% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 41.7% 57.1% Skokie Educational Attainment Differences by Race/Ethnicity Source: 2020 U.S. Census High School Grad or Higher Bachelor’s Degree or Higher White 94.5% 54.6% Black 91.5% 33.6% Asian 91% 58.8% Hispanic 87% 25.7% Other 95.1% 27.4% 19  Return to Page 1 of Plan Insurance Status The In 2014, Skokie had 9.5% of its residents uninsured, which decreased slightly to 8.5% in 2020. This decline may be attributed to the Village's decrease in unemployment rates during that period. Notably, there was a significant drop in the percentage of uninsured individuals aged 18 to 65, which fell from 13.9% in the past to just 6% in 2020. Analyzing the data by census tracts, it was found that tract 8074 had the highest percentage of uninsured individuals at 13.2%, while tract 8067 had the lowest percentage at 9.1%. The American Community Survey estimates indicate that approximately 18% of Skokie residents are considered to be living in poverty, amounting to about 12,266 people. However, there have been positive developments in healthcare access in the past decade, with the opening of three Federally Qualified Health Centers in Skokie and neighboring communities. These centers aim to provide care to the uninsured or underinsured population. Moreover, Turning Point Behavioral Health, an outpatient mental health center located in Skokie, plays a crucial role in addressing mental health needs in the community. They readily accept Medicaid and offer a sliding fee scale for those with limited income. Recently, they expanded their services by opening a drop-in center, catering to individuals with mental illness or those in need of crisis intervention. Overall, while there is progress in reducing uninsured rates and addressing healthcare needs, the community still faces challenges in providing adequate care to those living in poverty. The efforts of healthcare centers like the Federally Qualified Health Centers and Turning Point Behavioral Health are vital in ensuring access to healthcare services for all residents. Change in Percent of Resident Uninsured Source: U.S. Census Bureau Ages 2014 2020 Total 9.5% 7.11% Under 18 years old 1.5% 0.8% 18 to 64 years old 13.9% 6.0% 65 years and older 3.4% 0.31% Compared to the average cities in the City Health Dashboard, Skokie shows a significant disparity in health insurance coverage among its Asian residents. With approximately 27% of Skokie's population being Asian, a concerning 13.2% of this community remains uninsured, accounting for roughly 2,230 individuals. Remarkably, this places Skokie's Asian population at the highest rate of uninsured individuals across all ethnicities and race categories in Skokie. 20  Return to Page 1 of Plan Health Insurance Type by Educational Attainment Level Among Ages 26-64 Source: U.S. Census Bureau Education Level Uninsured Public Insurance Private Insurance Less than High School 24% 29% 54% High School Diploma/Equivalent 20% 15% 67% Some College/Associates 7% 19% 77% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 7% 7% 87% Percent of Uninsured Skokie Residents by Race/Ethnicity Skokie City Health Dashboard Average Asian 13.2% 8.7% Black 8.7% 9.8% Hispanic 8.9% 16.6% White 5.7% 7.1% Other 4.1% 14.4% Health Related Data Current Health Status When surveyed about their overall health, respondents generally rated it as good or better. However, when the data was analyzed by race, it was observed that 25% of Native American and Alaskan Native participants selected "fair" as their health rating. This percentage was the highest among all other racial categories for the "fair" response. Health Rating by Age Source: 2022 Skokie Community Health Survey 100% 90% 80% Percent of Respondants 70% 60% Excellent 50% Good 40% Fair 30% Poor 20% 10% 0% 20-34 35-49 50-64 65-74 75-84 85 or older Age Range 21  Return to Page 1 of Plan Health Rating by Race Group Source: 2022 Skokie Community Health Survey 1% 100% 13% 11% 13% 90% 18% Percent of Respondants 80% 25% 70% 60% 50% 40% 54% 53% 50% 61% 30% 59% 20% 10% 25% 33% 24% 27% 34% 0% NA/AN Asian Black/AA White 2 or more Races Race Excellent Good Fair Poor Health Concerns When questioned about their current health concerns, respondents exhibited a diverse array of responses, choosing from a wide range of options. They were presented with an extensive list and were asked to select the three most relevant health concerns. These responses were then analyzed based on age groups to generate a comprehensive list of general health concerns prevalent within the community. What are your 3 most important health concerns? Source: 2022 Skokie Community Health Survey 19 to 49 years 50 to 74 years 75 and older Affordable and Aging Aging and Falls Healthy Foods Mental Health Heart Disease Heart Disease Problems and Stroke and Stroke Environmental Cancers Cancers Problems *The list of options for this question included; Affordable healthy foods, Aging (arthritis, hearing/vision loss), Cancers, Child abuse/neglect, Dental problems, Diabetes, Domestic violence, Environmental problems, Falls, Heart disease/stroke, Hearing, Infectious diseases, Mental health problems, Not having health insurance, Safe and affordable housing, Sexual assault, Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Substance abuse, Tobacco use/vaping, Vision. Other was an option for this question, which allowed for survey respondents to fill in their health concern if it was not listed in the above categories. 22  Return to Page 1 of Plan Availability of Care This report presents the findings derived from a represented sample of 497 residents from the Village of Skokie, gathered between September 29, 2021, and November 17, 2021. The margin of error for all respondents was 4%, with a response rate of 19%. To ensure the accuracy of the results, the survey data were weighted to align with the demographic profile of adults in Skokie. Among the notable results, the majority of participants expressed satisfaction with healthcare services, highlighting their affordability and availability. Mortality Data Top Causes Skokie, like the general United States population, experienced similar leading causes of death in 2020, with cancer, heart diseases, and COVID-19 being the primary culprits. The crude death rate in Skokie for 2020 was 1,018.96 per 100,000 people, which closely mirrored the rates reported for Cook County and the state of Illinois. However, it's important to note that this crude death rate showed an increase from 2018, likely attributed to the emergence of the novel COVID-19 virus. According to the City Health Dashboard, the average life expectancy in Skokie stands at 81.7 years, which is approximately three years longer than the average life expectancy of 78.6 years for Cook County. This suggests that Skokie's overall health outcomes are comparatively better. When analyzing Emergency Medical Services data from the Skokie Fire Department, national trends of disparities among potentially life-threatening illnesses were observed, particularly among younger individuals from Black and Hispanic populations compared to White populations. The presence of a higher percentage of older White and Asian populations in Skokie might also indicate some disparities in life expectancy among Black and Hispanic populations, as these groups have a lower average age. In summary, Skokie's leading causes of death align with the national trend, but its crude death rate has increased due to the impact of COVID-19. Nonetheless, the city boasts a relatively higher average life expectancy compared to Cook County, though disparities in health outcomes persist among different racial and ethnic groups Years of Potential Life Lost - YPLL Skokie's overall years of potential life lost (YPLL) per 100,000 individuals in the population is 4,200. YPLL represents the estimated average years a person would have lived if they hadn't died prematurely or before the age of 75. This personal measure helps to understand individual mortality information and life expectancy. In comparison to the City Health Dashboard, which 23  Return to Page 1 of Plan consolidates data from nearly 900 cities of various sizes, the reported YPLL is 7,759.4 per 100,000 individuals. It is an aspirational target for each community to approach or surpass this value, as having a YPLL above this average would indicate higher years of potential life lost among residents. When examining YPLL by race, the data shows that Black and Hispanic Skokie residents have YPLL values above the dashboard average. Black residents have a YPLL of 15,000 per 100,000 individuals, while Hispanic residents have a YPLL of 5,800 per 100,000 individuals. In contrast, the dashboard average of 7,759.4 per 100,000 individuals signifies better life expectancy outcomes compared to the average. A plausible reason for the difference in YPLL between Black Skokie residents and others is the higher incidence of cardiovascular disease deaths, colorectal cancer deaths, and breast cancer deaths within this racial group. Despite making up only about 10% of the population, Black residents experience disproportionately negative outcomes in certain illnesses that lead to premature or general death compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Addressing this health disparity should be a focal point for improvement in the future. Shifting the focus to specific diseases, in 2020, Skokie recorded 120 deaths due to heart disease, 46 deaths due to cerebrovascular disease, and 125 deaths due to cancer. Additionally, in 2016, there were 24 deaths caused by accidents. In both 2018 and 2020, 21 and 19 deaths among Skokie residents, respectively, were attributed to accidents. In summary, Skokie's YPLL indicates an area for potential improvement in overall life expectancy, particularly concerning the health outcomes of Black and Hispanic residents. Addressing disparities in cardiovascular disease and cancer-related deaths could help enhance life expectancy in the community. Additionally, continued efforts to reduce accidental deaths are essential for promoting overall well-being and longevity in Skokie. Crude Mortality Rate per 100,000 People Source: IDPH Vital Records 1200 1,019 1,018.7 1,054.2 1000 883.3 836.2 846.3 863.4 785.8 793.3 800 600 400 200 0 2016 2018 2020 Skokie Cook County Illinois Heart Disease Deaths per 100,000 2016 2018 2020 Skokie 165.1 209.6 180.7 Illinois 195.4 201.3 218 24  Return to Page 1 of Plan Cerebrovascular Disease Deaths per 100,000 2016 2018 2020 Skokie 49.3 52.8 69.2 Illinois 44.2 45.9 53.7 Cancer Deaths per 100,000 2016 2018 2020 Skokie 363.4 183.2 188.2 Illinois 190.6 186.7 190.6 Providers Mental Health Providers The Village boasts an impressive ratio of mental health providers to residents served, standing at 1 provider for every 245.6 residents served, surpassing the national average of 1:350. This indicates that the Village enjoys a relatively higher number of providers serving residents per capita compared to most areas in the U.S. However, it is crucial to note that this data alone does not guarantee better access to mental health care for Skokie residents. Access to mental health care depends on various factors, including the availability of appointments. For a more comprehensive understanding, we need to consider the number of available appointments for Skokie residents, which the current data does not include. Although the zip code 60077 boasts the highest provider-to-residents served ratio at 1:77, and 60203 has the lowest at 1:452, it's essential to keep in mind that these figures only account for providers serving Skokie. The data does not encompass online or temporary providers. To gauge the true accessibility of mental health care in Skokie, a more detailed analysis of appointment availability and distribution of mental health resources would be necessary. This information would offer a more complete picture of the mental health support available to the residents of the Village and help determine the overall quality of care. Primary Care Providers In the Village, there is an average ratio of one primary care provider for every 115.4 residents, which indicates that the Village is surpassing the national average of 1:1310 by a significant margin. Comparatively, the highest ratio is found in zip code 60203, with 1:41.2, while the lowest ratio can be seen in zip code 60076, with 1:161.9. It is essential to note that this data only accounts for providers serving Skokie and does not include online providers, federal physicians, or physicians over 75 years old. However, hospital residents are considered in this data analysis. This exceptional performance in primary care availability highlights the Village's commitment to the well-being of its citizens. 25  Return to Page 1 of Plan Food Security and Access Skokie residents, including those who are unhoused, can access food resources through the Niles Township Food Pantry. This pantry keeps a comprehensive record of its service users, encompassing the total number of individuals and households benefitting from its assistance. Additionally, it tracks the number of households that have been receiving SNAP and have relied on the food pantry's services for the past five years. Recently, the food pantry has taken steps to gather more detailed information from the individuals it serves. This data collection aims to provide a better understanding of the recipients and their needs. The information shared here is just a glimpse of the critical data being collected through surveys conducted by the pantry. While some income information is being gathered, it's worth noting that slightly over half of the respondents answered "unknown" when asked about their income. Despite this limitation, it remains valuable for the pantry to assess the demographics and trends to improve its outreach and support. As of 2022, the food pantry has been instrumental in supporting the community, with 27.2% of households benefiting from public food assistance or SNAP services. Food Pantry Usage by Type of Household and Year Source: Niles Township Food Pantry Individuals Households SNAP Households 2018 68,145 22,774 12,473 2019 75,093 23,455 12,814 2020 61,481 19,131 9,725 2021 59,272 19,028 8,294 2022 68,192 26,627 4,937 Type of Income Source: Niles Township Food Pantry Unknown 1,868 No Income 616 Undisclosed 297 Social Security (SSA) 239 Employment Income 221 Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI) 153 Part-time Employment 72 Pension or Retirement Fund 31 Other 14 Unemployment Compensation 14 Don’t Know 8 Didn’t Ask 7 Money from Relatives 4 Child Support 3 Alimony 1 Total 3,581 26  Return to Page 1 of Plan Maternal and Child Health Births Births by Skokie residents experienced Skokie Live Births an 11% decline from Source: IDPH Vital Statistics 2015 to 2019, mirroring 750 689 the decrease observed 666 Number of Births 700 646 629 612 in both Cook County and 650 575 Illinois during the same 600 period. All three regions 550 witnessed a reduction in 500 live births between 450 2015 and 2019. 400 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 According to the Illinois Skokie Department of Public Health's report for 2020, 575 women gave birth in Skokie. Among them, 15 were aged 15 to 19, 317 were aged 20 to 34, and 256 were aged 35 to 50. Total Births in Skokie, Cook County, and Illinois Source: Illinois Department of Public Health 2015 2017 2019 Percent Change 2015-2019 Skokie 689 646 612 -11.2% Cook County 68,793 64,358 59,027 -14.2% Illinois 158,101 149,390 140,145 -11.4% Low Birth Weight Skokie compiled statistics on Low Low Birth Weight Rates Birth Weight (LBW) Source: Illinois Department of Public Health and Very Low Birth 10.00% Weight (VLBW) 9.00% infants. LBW is 8.00% Percent of Births 6.60% 7.00% 5.90% defined as infants 6.00% 5.21% 5.60% weighing less than 4.59%4.90% 5.00% 2,500 grams at birth 4.00% 2017 and is associated 3.00% 2020 2.00% with a higher 1.00% likelihood of 0.00% experiencing delayed Skokie Evanston Oak Park motor and social Municipality development compared to normal weight infants. Moreover, it increases the risk of school-age learning disabilities. Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants, on the other hand, weigh less than 1,500 grams 27  Return to Page 1 of Plan at birth and face a 24% higher chance of mortality within their first year compared to heavier infants. In alignment with Healthy People 2030, a key goal was set to reduce the occurrence of LBW infants to no more than 7.8% of all births and VLBW infants to no more than 1.4% of all births. In 2019, there were 21 instances of live births in Skokie where infants had a low birth weight, resulting in an incidence rate of 3.4%. This rate is lower than the Healthy People 2020 threshold goal of 7.8%, indicating positive progress in addressing LBW births. However, in the same year, there were 15 instances of live births in Skokie where infants had a very low birth weight, leading to an incidence rate of 2.5%. This rate surpasses the Healthy People 2020 goal of 1.4%, highlighting an area for improvement in the future. The elevated incidence of VLBW births in Skokie underscores the importance of maternal health, making it a focal point in the Access to Healthcare priority item. Addressing maternal health and implementing strategies to reduce VLBW births are crucial steps to achieving healthier birth outcomes in the community. Prenatal Care Ensuring a healthy baby begins with early prenatal Late/No Prenatal Care Rates care—an essential focus Source: Illinois Department of Public Health of Healthy People 2030. 50.00% The primary objective is Percentage of Pregnancies 45.00% to elevate the percentage 40.00% of pregnant women 35.00% 28.53% 29.23% receiving timely and 30.00% 23.80% sufficient prenatal care. 25.00% 19.48% 2017 While Skokie has made 20.00% 17.54% 17.54% progress since 2017, the 15.00% 2020 latest data reveals that 10.00% one out of every five 5.00% expectant women still 0.00% faces delayed or Skokie Evanston Oak Park nonexistent access to Municipality these crucial prenatal services. Closing this gap is crucial to promoting the well-being of both mothers and babies in our community. 28  Return to Page 1 of Plan WIC and SNAP Skokie currently has 812 residents enrolled Groups Who Use WIC Benefits in 2019 and in the WIC (Women, 2022 Infants, and Children Source: Illinois Department of Human Serivices Special Supplemental 600 487 Number of Individuals Nutrition Program), 500 426 encompassing various 400 races, ethnicities, and 300 age groups. The 163 162 200 distribution among 87 88 48 54 100 22 21 these groups is as 0 follows: 33% are Asian, Breastfeeding Children Infant Post Partum Pregnant 20% are Black, 45% are White, less than 3% are 2019 of two or more races, and 13% are Hispanic/Latino. The majority of WIC participants, amounting to 60% in 2022, are households with children aged between 1 and 4. It's worth noting that the ethnic and racial categories and their distributions have remained relatively stable between 2019 and 2022. Unfortunately, due to a system change in data collection, these two years are the most recent accessible data. Presently, there are four locations in Skokie where residents can receive their WIC benefits. These locations include CEDA in Albany Park, Morton Grove, and Howard, as well as the Asian Human Services Family Care Center. However, it's important to mention that the Evanston location at CEDA, which was operational in 2019, is no longer active. Emergency Medical Services The Skokie Fire Department furnished the data on emergency medical services (EMS), which they diligently offer round the clock throughout the entire year. Their duties encompass responding to 911 calls for service and administering pre-hospital emergency medical care to individuals, ensuring they are safely transported to the nearest hospital whenever required. While Skokie Hospital serves as the primary receiving hospital, Skokie EMS holds the authority to transport patients to St. Francis, Evanston Hospital, and Lutheran General Hospital in specific cases 29  Return to Page 1 of Plan Total EMS Calls Between 2019-2021 Source: Skokie Fire Department Chronic Illness 10 Obstetric 83 Gastrointestinal 470 Nature of Call Substance Use/Abuse 550 Cardiac 1,417 Mental Health 1,444 Respiratory 1,850 Injury 2,328 No Injury/Illness Found 2,881 Acute Pain or Illness 3,518 Other Acute Illness/Pain/Condition 3,810 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 4,500 Frequency From January 2019 to December 2021, we have access to a dataset containing EMS incident descriptions, emergency date and time, incident location, race, and age information. The data is organized into 11 categories, which include acute pain/illness, cardiac issues, chronic illness, gastrointestinal problems, injuries, mental health cases, instances with no injury/illness found, obstetric emergencies, other acute illness/pain/conditions, respiratory issues, and substance use/abuse incidents. Throughout this period, a total of 18,361 EMS calls were recorded. Notably, the most frequently reported reason for these calls was "other acute illness/pain/condition." Category Reason for Call 2019 2020 2021 Acute Pain or Acute pain 450 382 557 Illness Back Pain 145 115 126 Cardiac Chronic pain 36 29 55 Eye Pain 10 14 12 Generalized abdominal pain 148 129 177 Headache 64 57 36 Seizures with status 52 36 34 epilepticus Seizures without status 86 77 84 epilepticus Stroke (CVA/TIA) 60 54 76 Syncope and collapse 144 114 150 TIA 3 4 2 Cardiac Arrest 96 129 120 Cardiac 46 41 53 arrhythmia/dysrhythmia Chest Pain/Angina 217 186 266 Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) 2 6 1 Hypertension 41 48 67 Hypotension 22 30 32 STEMI 3 3 2 STEMI, Inferior Wall 2 1 3 Chronic Illness Cancer 7 1 1 Sickle Cell Crisis 0 0 1 30  Return to Page 1 of Plan Gastrointestinal Constipation 10 14 10 Illness Diarrhea 22 12 14 GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux 1 1 4 disease) Melena/Bloody Stool 6 9 11 Nausea 23 29 27 Nausea with vomiting 84 65 95 Vomiting Blood (Hematemesis) 6 15 12 Injury Burn 5 4 11 Foreign body on external eye 1 0 0 Head bleed 59 43 36 Head injury 4 0 0 Hemothorax, traumatic 1 0 0 Injury of abdomen 15 11 12 Injury of ankle 2 0 0 Injury of eye and orbit 1 0 0 Injury of face 105 104 105 Injury of foot 4 0 0 Injury of forearm 3 0 0 Injury of head 152 135 134 Injury of hip 58 50 62 Injury of lower back 38 25 28 Injury of lower leg 115 96 120 Injury of neck 30 19 48 Injury of nose 1 0 0 Injury of pelvis 8 2 2 Injury of upper arm 104 99 130 Injury of upper leg 27 28 14 Injury, unspecified 2 83 90 Injury of wrist, hand, or fingers 102 0 0 Mental Health Altered mental status 173 232 222 Behavioral / psychiatric 276 254 287 disorder No Injury No injury/illness found 793 1,032 1,056 Obstetrics & Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding 10 6 14 Gynecology Child Birth, no complications 1 1 2 Child Birth, With 0 1 0 Complications Labor/False labor 2 2 3 Obstetric trauma, unspecified 1 0 0 Other birth injuries to the 1 0 0 newborn Pelvic and perineal pain 10 3 7 Pre-eclampsia 1 0 1 Pregnancy with contractions 6 3 7 Respiratory distress of 1 0 0 newborn Other Acute Allergic Reaction 40 32 48 Illness/Pain/Condi Anaphylactic shock 0 0 3 tion Common cold 1 0 Dehydration 3 3 6 Dizziness 236 210 198 Fever 49 82 71 31  Return to Page 1 of Plan Frostbite (Superficial) 2 0 2 Frostbite (With Necrosis) 0 0 1 General Illness 461 472 487 Heat exhaustion 0 3 4 Heatstroke 1 1 1 Hemiplegia 0 0 1 Hyperglycemia 45 24 36 Hypoglycemia 30 28 29 Hypothermia 4 0 2 Malaise 11 5 7 Migraine 4 4 2 Nose Bleed 38 47 42 Sepsis 1 1 11 Suspected exposure/Health 4 3 2 hazard contact Unspecified infectious disease 13 14 2 Visual Disturbances 3 5 2 Weakness 352 283 338 Substance Use/ Alcohol use 104 99 111 Abuse Alcohol dependence with 18 9 23 withdrawal Opioid related disorders 5 0 4 Overdose 38 49 47 Psychoactive substance related 21 8 14 disorders, other Respiratory Acute bronchospasm 3 0 0 Airway obstruction 16 14 19 Asthma 12 5 7 COPD with exacerbation 3 5 1 Croup 1 1 3 Non-Cardiac Chest Pain 32 33 20 Pneumonia 3 0 0 Pulmonary edema, acute 1 1 0 Pulmonary embolism 1 0 0 Respiratory distress 38 12 4 Respiratory failure 4 1 3 Shortness of Breath/Difficulty 423 615 566 Breathing Suffocation/Asphyxia 2 0 1 32  Return to Page 1 of Plan Mental Health Calls The Skokie Fire Department collected data on the mental health aspects of each service call, including whether the incidents involved individuals with altered mental states and behavioral/psychiatric disorders. Over the period of 2019-2021, they recorded a total of 627 cases involving calls related to altered mental status. Upon analyzing the data and graphing the findings by age group, a notable trend emerged. The data demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of altered mental states among individuals aged 55 and above. Mental Health Distress Mental distress, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) through the 500 Cities Project, refers to a state where mental health is not good for 14 days out of 30 among adults aged 18 years or older. In the latest data available for 2019, approximately 11.5% of individuals in Skokie reported experiencing such mental distress. When examining the data on a more granular level by census tract, tract 8067 had the lowest reported percentage at 9.1%, while tract 8074 had the highest reported percentage at 13.2%. Comparatively, the average mental health distress rate for cities in the CDC's 500 Cities Project stands at 14.8%. This data indicates that Skokie's overall mental health distress rate has increased from 9.9% in 2018 to the most recent recorded rate of 11.5% in 2019. 33  Return to Page 1 of Plan Communicable Diseases The Skokie Health and Human Services Department plays a vital role in managing a comprehensive communicable disease program, encompassing disease surveillance, analysis, immunization, and education. The state of Illinois utilizes the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (I-NEDSS) to report infectious diseases, and as a certified local health department, Skokie HHS can access Skokie-specific communicable disease data through this system. Analyzing trends for each communicable disease presents challenges due to the relatively low annual incidence of most infectious diseases among Skokie residents, except for COVID-19 data, which stands as an exception. Nevertheless, even for less common infectious diseases, available data can still be examined to identify trends within the community. In the data, some diseases have two distinct case statuses: "confirmed" and "probable." A "confirmed case" indicates verification through a lab test, whereas a "probable case" means signs are present consistent with a confirmed case, but a diagnostic test has not been completed or is unavailable. Communicable Diseases, 2017-2021 Source: IDPH Confirmed Case Probable Case Total Cases Campylobacteriosis 27 43 70 Candida Auris, clinical 2 - 2 Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae 1 - 1 Carbapenem Resistant Pseudomonas 1 - 1 Aeruginosa COVID-19 10,628 - 10,628 Cryptosporidiosis 2 - 2 Cyclophorias 9 4 13 Dengue 1 1 2 Hemophilus Influenzae Invasive Disease 1 - 1 Hepatitis A 2 - 2 Hepatitis B Acute 2 - 2 Hepatitis B Chronic 77 40 117 Hepatitis C Virus Acute Infection 2 - 2 Hepatitis C Virus Chronic Infection 60 31 91 Histoplasmosis 1 - 1 Influenza with ICU Hospitalization 53 3 56 Legionellosis 9 - 9 Listeria Invasive Disease 3 - 3 Lyme Disease 14 2 16 Malaria 1 - 1 Measles 1 - 1 Meningococcal (Neisseria Meningitidis) 1 - 1 Invasive Disease Monkeypox 2 1 3 MRSA in Infants less than 61 days 1 - 1 Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome 1 - 1 Mumps - 2 2 Paratyphi A 1 - 1 Pertussis 26 - 26 Salmonellosis 33 - 33 34  Return to Page 1 of Plan Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)- Shiga 3 6 9 toxin positive, non-O157 serotype Shigellosis 11 5 16 Spotted Fever Rickettsioses - 1 1 Streptococcal Disease Invasive Group A 6 - 6 Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome 1 - 1 TB Disease 1 - 1 Typhoid Fever 4 - 4 Varicella (Chickenpox) 4 5 9 Vibriosis 1 1 2 West Nile Virus Neuroinvasive Disease 1 1 2 Zika Virus Infection, Non-Congenital 1 - 1 Mosquitoes The Northshore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD) is a local government agency dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of 13 communities, including the Village of Skokie, by providing services to control mosquitoes and to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses. Employing the principles of integrated pest management, NSMAD's comprehensive mosquito abatement program encompasses diverse services such as mosquito surveillance (utilizing mosquito trapping and batch testing for viruses), source reduction, larval control, adult mosquito control, and public outreach and education initiatives. One of NSMAD's crucial functions involves providing valuable data on mosquito testing in Skokie, including the number of batches tested each year and the percentage of positive batches. Additionally, the agency tracks and reports data on human West Nile Virus cases and related fatalities through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), allowing for meaningful comparisons across various counties and localities. For Skokie residents, the reported number of human West Nile Virus cases remained at a reassuring 0 cases between 2019 and 2021. Batch Testing of Mosquitoes for West Nile Virus Source: North Shore Mosquito Abatement District & Cook County DPH WNV Surveillance Reports # of Positive # Batches Location Year Mosquito % Positive Tested Batches Skokie 102 379 26.9% 2019 Cook County 374 5,340 7.0% Skokie 133 404 32.9% 2020 Cook County 1,899 7,158 26.5% Skokie 123 347 35.4% 2021 Cook County 1,878 7,470 25.1% Skokie 1 86 1.2% 2022 Cook County 1 1,139 0.1% 35  Return to Page 1 of Plan Sexually Transmitted Infections Sexually transmitted disease statistics were gathered from the Illinois Department of Public Health. For the purposes of this assessment, STIs include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HIV. *Note that Syphilis cases are not reported because case data was not available. Chlamydia & Gonorrhea In Skokie, Chlamydia remains the Cases of Sexually Transmitted Infections predominant STI, with Source: Illinois Deaprtment of Public Health 770 cases reported 160 144 149 during the period from 135 135 133 140 Number of Case 2017 to 2021. This 120 prevalence is consistent 100 with historical data 80 60 42 43 from 2010 to 2014 28 35 30 40 when 145 cases of 20 Chlamydia were 0 reported, significantly Chlamydia Gonorrhea surpassing the 22 Type of Sexually Transmitted Infection reported cases of Gonorrhea during the 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 same timeframe. HIV Skokie has a low prevalence of HIV cases, with only 33 individuals living with HIV and 43 with AIDS as of December 2020. Over the period of 2013 to 2020, there were 24 new HIV diagnoses and 18 new AIDS diagnoses in the Village. In comparison to neighboring areas, Skokie stands out for its significantly lower rate of HIV and AIDS cases per 100,000 people. Cumulative Diagnosis Rates per 100,000 of HIV or AIDS (Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, 2013-2022) Location HIV Cases Diagnosed AIDS Cases Diagnosed Skokie 36 27 Evanston 79 46 Oak Park 83 38 36  Return to Page 1 of Plan Environmental Sustainability The Village of Skokie has been actively pursuing environmental sustainability through its 2016-2021 Environmental Sustainability Plan, aimed at guiding both municipal and community efforts in this direction. Building upon the success of this previous plan, the Village took a step further by enlisting the expertise of an external consultant in April 2022. The objective was to develop an updated Environmental Sustainability Plan, extending its scope and impact until 2030. This new plan sought to incorporate strategies and actions to address environmental sustainability and bolster climate resilience in the community. To ensure a comprehensive approach, the updated Sustainability Plan involved various assessments, including a greenhouse gas inventory, a climate vulnerability assessment, a study on ground cover, heat island, and carbon sequestration, as well as a sustainability baseline assessment. These assessments were instrumental in gathering essential data to support the formulation of effective strategies. In this report, we will present noteworthy findings from the Sustainability Plan's Climate Change category. Additionally, pertinent information related to the physical environment will be detailed under the heading "Physical Environment." By implementing the updated plan, the Village of Skokie aimed to fortify its commitment to sustainability and tackle the challenges posed by climate change head-on, fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious community. Greenhouse Gas Inventory In Fall 2021, the Delta Institute was commissioned to conduct a baseline greenhouse gas inventory for the Village of Skokie. The inventory revealed that community activities were responsible for emitting 673,993 Metric Tons of CO2 equivalent (MTCO2e), while Village operations contributed an additional 7,226 MTCO2e. This report marked the first comprehensive year of inventoried emissions, making it challenging to establish a clear trend. The importance of addressing climate change is well-recognized, as evidenced by the United States and numerous other countries signing a legally binding international treaty on climate change on December 12, 2015. This treaty aims to limit the global average temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to restrict it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. To align with these ambitious global goals, the Village of Skokie has taken the initiative to reduce global temperature increases. It has outlined various strategies in the Villages 2022 Environmental Sustainability Plan, demonstrating a commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and combating climate change. Term Target Reduction Target Year Short (5 years) 21% 2027 Medium (10 years) 42% 2032 Long (15 years) 63% 2037 37  Return to Page 1 of Plan This table represents the benchmarks to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of the Village aiming for a 4.2% annual linear reduction. The Inventory presented several effective strategies that the Village could adopt to significantly reduce community emissions. The primary approach involves implementing an EnergyStar Portfolio Manager for all Village-owned properties, enabling the tracking of natural gas, electricity, water consumption, and waste production. Another crucial step is to collaborate with Nicor Gas and ComEd to capitalize on energy efficiency program incentives. This initiative encompasses assessments, rebates, and educational opportunities for the Village, helping to optimize energy usage and lower emissions. Once energy efficiency efforts have been maximized, the Village could explore investing in solar photovoltaic installations for renewable energy. This option is best considered for municipal facilities, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly energy mix. Additionally, the Village can explore reducing natural gas consumption by promoting electrification. This involves transitioning to electric vehicles and electric-based heating or cooling systems. By shifting away from natural gas usage, the Village can further enhance its commitment to a greener and cleaner future Climate Vulnerability Assessment The Assessment took a distinct approach by focusing primarily on climate change adaptation rather than mitigation. By adopting an adaptation lens, the aim was to prepare for and respond effectively to the current and anticipated climate changes. This assessment is a vital component of the broader Village of Skokie Sustainability Plan, with a specific focus on understanding how climate change may disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of the community. Through this comprehensive analysis, critical vulnerabilities are identified, and strategic goals and actions are proposed. Based on the current trajectory of emissions, the assessment reveals concerning projections for the future. The analysis indicates that if no action is taken to address the issue, the region can expect hotter days, increased precipitation, and more frequent droughts. Additionally, the findings highlight the likelihood of heightened occurrences of severe weather patterns, greater allergen levels, and a rise in vector-borne illnesses. In summary, the Assessment provides invaluable insights into the potential impacts of climate change on the Village of Skokie and offers a roadmap for enhancing resilience and minimizing risks faced by the most susceptible segments of the community. By addressing these issues proactively, the 38  Return to Page 1 of Plan Village can take crucial steps towards safeguarding its residents and fostering a sustainable future. According to the assessment, people or communities have a greater or lesser vulnerability to health risks in relation to climate change based on age, social, political, and economic factors, which are better known as the social determinants of health. The most vulnerable populations include; children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, individuals with economic stress, people of color, food insecure individuals, and individuals without access to a vehicle. The different vulnerabilities of these populations are tabulated below, as outlined by the assessment. Ground Cover, Heat Island, and Carbon Sequestration Study This study aimed to enhance our comprehension of the significance and consequences of tree canopy, grass, and impervious surface coverage concerning environmental impacts and future climate change strategies. The findings underscore the pivotal role of trees in promoting community health, enhancing air and water quality, reducing building energy consumption, and supporting efforts in combating heat island effects and climate change. 39  Return to Page 1 of Plan The study highlights several priority areas for improvement in the Skokie community, with one notable suggestion being turf reduction. Currently, 97.7% of Skokie's grass lands consist of manicured lawns, presenting a significant opportunity for enhancement and reduction. By decreasing this percentage, the community can experience benefits such as increased stormwater uptake, reduced usage of potable water, and enhanced soil carbon levels. Additionally, a Tree Stock Value has been calculated for Skokie, which takes into account the existing tree canopy and lawn/shrub areas. This measure serves as a valuable guideline for the Village to fairly enhance tree canopy coverage throughout the entire community. Based on this score, a comprehensive annual plan to achieve the 2040 Tree Canopy Coverage Goal has been developed. As a recommendation, the Skokie community should aim to increase its canopy coverage, especially in priority areas, to approximately 31% by the year 2040. 40  Return to Page 1 of Plan Sustainability Baseline Assessment The Village of Skokie developed the 2016-2021 Environmental Sustainability Plan to provide comprehensive guidance for municipal and community efforts in advancing sustainability. This action plan covers various sectors crucial to achieving sustainability goals, including transportation, equipment, and mobility; land use and housing; building and energy; waste management; waste and wastewater; food systems; open space and ecosystems; public health and wellness; and sustainable economy. Notably, the plan takes into account interconnections between these sectors, recognizing that certain considerations, such as air quality, equity, climate adaptation, and climate mitigation, have cross-sector impacts and are addressed holistically rather than in isolation. The study revealed that approximately 8% of workers in Skokie enjoy a commute time of less than 10 minutes, presenting an opportunity for these individuals to consider alternative and more sustainable transportation options like biking or walking, instead of relying solely on single commuter vehicles. The pedestrian-friendly nature of the Skokie community, with a high walkability score of 86 (classified as "very walkable"), and a good score in bike-ability, further support the promotion of these sustainable travel choices. However, there is room for improvement in Skokie's public transit, which received a significantly lower score of 46. Skokie faces energy efficiency challenges, particularly in its older commercial and residential buildings aged over 10 years. To address this issue, both sectors could benefit from energy efficiency upgrades and renovations. Implementing the strategic goals 41  Return to Page 1 of Plan outlined in this study would enable the community to achieve the emission reductions outlined in the adjacent chart. By following the guidelines and recommendations set forth in the Environmental Sustainability Plan, Skokie can make significant strides toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. The plan's holistic approach, considering various sectors and interconnections, ensures a comprehensive and effective strategy in advancing sustainability within the community. Lead Exposure to lead may increase an individual’s blood lead levels 8069 8068.01 which are associated with a Lead Exposure range of adverse health effects, Risk Index by including behavioral problems, Census Tract 6 6 (Lower values impaired brain and nervous indicate better 6 system function, slowed outcomes; Source: 8067 development, and poor school Department of 8070 8068.02 Population Health, performance. To assess overall NYU Langone 8 8 6 lead exposure risk, the lead Health. City Health 8071 exposure risk index combines Dashboard. https://www.cityhe factors such as housing althdashboard.com) 7 conditions and poverty levels in 6 8072 a city or census tract. Skokie 8074 8075 has scored 8 on this index, 8073 7 6 while Chicago scored 5.5 and with this metric a lower score 8077 7 indicates better outcomes. The 7 higher index score in Skokie might be explained by the fact that the Village of Skokie is 6 8076 considered to have an older housing stock, with each of its three zip codes considered 8078 “high-risk” according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Recognizing the potential dangers of lead exposure, the IDPH and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified testing for lead in children's blood as a crucial preventive measure. In June 2023, IDPH designated all three of Skokie's Zip Codes (60076, 60077, and 60203) as high-risk areas for lead exposure due to the age of housing stock. Consequently, it is now mandatory for all children aged 6 or younger in Skokie to be 42  Return to Page 1 of Plan evaluated and tested for lead exposure before enrolling in daycare, preschool, or kindergarten. This requirement was not in place before June 2023. As a result of this change, more children will undergo lead testing, leading to an increase in the number of children qualifying for Nursing Case Management through the Skokie Health and Human Services (HHS) Department. HHS serves as the IDPH delegate agency for managing cases of children with confirmed Elevated Blood Lead Levels (EBLLs). When a child's blood lead level is confirmed to be 5 μg/dL or higher, HHS nursing staff engage in case management. They work closely with the child's parents/guardians to connect them with social services, conduct home visits, refer cases for environmental investigation, and provide education and outreach for each case. This comprehensive approach aims to mitigate the adverse effects of lead exposure on children's health and well-being. Park Access Park access is the percent of the population that lives within a 10-minute walk of green space. Green space includes public, local, state owned parks, national parks, school parks, and private parks allowed for public use. On average, the City Health Dashboard reports that around 60% of the population lives within a 10-minute walk to green space. According to the dashboard, 95.2% of Skokie residents have park access within a 10-minute walk. This value is much higher than the average in other cities that participate in the dashboard. This value was broken down by race and ethnicity within the Skokie community as well. Amongst the Asian population in Skokie, which is about 27% of the entire community population, 94.8% have park access. This is about 40% more than other dashboard communities. Not only does the Asian community in Skokie have elevated park access, but Black, Hispanic and White populations also have much higher park access in the Skokie community than other dashboard cities. Walkability Walkability is a crucial metric designed to underscore a city's urban planning and its support for walking and physical activity. The City Dashboard reveals that residents in neighborhoods with a high walkability rating are notably more active, potentially leading to improved health outcomes such as reduced rates of diabetes and obesity. Skokie stands out with an impressive walkability score of 65.7, significantly surpassing the dashboard's average of 41.3 for all represented cities. 43  Return to Page 1 of Plan Sentinel Events The Village of Skokie’s first case of COVID-19 was reported in March 2020. Since then there have been a total of 22,648 cases, 831 hospitalizations and 220 deaths through October 2022. The Skokie Health and Human Services Department swiftly commenced administering COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as they became available. Initially, the Department set up a large mass vaccination clinic, which later transitioned to an appointment-only system at the HHS clinic within Skokie Village Hall. The Department started by offering both Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines until July 1, 2022, when they decided to exclusively provide the Moderna vaccine on-site. In response to the recommendations and guidelines issued by the CDC, the Department began offering vaccinations for children aged 6 months through 5 years old in mid- Percent of COVID-19 Cases by Race Source: Skokie Health and Human Services Department June 2022. Simultaneously, they continued to serve all other residents in need of vaccination. It's worth 6% White noting that the Department 10% No response given 30% remains proactive in updating its policies in Other 15% accordance with the latest Asian guidance from the Illinois Unknown Department of Public Black 16% 22% Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 by Month Source: Skokie Health and Human Serivces Department 2548 3000 2500 Number of Cases 2000 1431 1063 1500 1000 649 418 501 473 338 298 362 370 384 279 324 500 126 136 160 219 178 214 49 106 1 1 0 Feb-20 Mar-20 May-20 Nov-20 Feb-21 May-21 Nov-21 Jan-20 Apr-20 Jun-20 Jul-20 Aug-20 Sep-20 Oct-20 Dec-20 Jan-21 Mar-21 Apr-21 Jun-21 Jul-21 Aug-21 Sep-21 Oct-21 Dec-21 Month COVID-19 Cases 44  Return to Page 1 of Plan COVID-19 Deaths per Month 2020-2021 Source: Skokie Health and Human Services Department 35 32 30 30 Number of Deaths 25 20 15 15 13 12 9 9 10 9 10 5 6 6 6 4 3 3 5 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 Jan-20 Feb-20 Mar-20 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 Jul-20 Aug-20 Sep-20 Oct-20 Nov-20 Dec-20 Jan-21 Feb-21 Mar-21 Apr-21 May-21 Jun-21 Jul-21 Aug-21 Sep-21 Oct-21 Nov-21 Dec-21 Months COVID-19 Deaths Number of Vaccinated Skokie Residents Source: Skokie Health & Human Services Dept. 2021 2022 < 5 years old 2 275 5 to 9 years 1,043 1,329 10 to 14 years 1,443 1,601 15 to 19 years 2,110 1,378 20 to 24 years 2,190 885 25 to 29 years 2,249 733 30 to 34 years 2,441 777 35 to 39 years 2,665 820 40 to 44 years 2,908 750 45 to 49 years 2,735 811 50 to 54 years 2,304 1,483 55 to 59 years 2,262 1,591 60 to 64 years 2,186 1,905 65 to 69 years 2,000 2,211 70 to 74 years 1,575 1,925 75 to 79 years 960 1,362 80 to 84 years 670 800 ≥ 85 years 811 820 Total Number Vaccinated 32,554 21,456 Total= 54,010 Percent Vaccinated 51% 34% Total= 85% 45  Return to Page 1 of Plan Community Themes & Strengths Assessment In order to gain insight into the prevailing themes and strengths of the Skokie community, a community health survey was conducted. To ensure inclusivity and accessibility, the survey was made available to the public for a duration of one month and thoughtfully translated into six languages commonly spoken in the Skokie community: English, Spanish, Tagalog, Russian, Farsi, and Arabic. Out of an estimated 67,824 residents in Skokie, an encouraging total of 1,164 residents actively participated in the survey, representing approximately 2% of the population. While this response rate may seem modest, the gathered data holds significant value in assessing specific themes and strengths within the vibrant Skokie community. Data on Survey Respondents Age The responses to the surveys when broken down by age are representative of the age groups in the Skokie community. About the same percent of each age group that is found in Skokie responded respectively to the survey. Survey Respondents by Age 400 350 300 Frequency (No.) 250 200 150 100 50 50 347 272 320 148 26 0 20-34 35-49 50-64 65-74 75-84 85 or older 46  Return to Page 1 of Plan Race The survey results revealed a significant majority of 76% identifying as White respondents. However, it's worth noting that according to the latest data from the United States Census Bureau, only 55% of Skokie residents are White. This disparity in data raises concerns about accurately representing the opinions of community members from other racial backgrounds, who actually constitute a larger percentage of the Skokie community than the survey reflects. Socioeconomic Data Income and Housing The survey aimed to gauge the affordability of housing in Skokie and the financial strain it places on residents in relation to their income. Respondents were asked to estimate the portion of their monthly income allocated to housing expenses, including rent or mortgage payments. It is generally recommended that individuals or households spend 30% or less of their monthly income on housing. The data was further analyzed, considering both race and age groups. The majority of respondents across all racial backgrounds and age groups reported spending less than 25% or between 26-50% of their monthly income on housing. However, concerning figures were observed among specific demographics. For instance, 25% of Native Americans and Alaska Natives, and 19% of Black respondents indicated that they spend more than 50% of their monthly income on housing, suggesting a significant financial burden for some individuals within these communities. This analysis sheds light on the housing affordability disparities in Skokie, emphasizing the need for targeted measures to alleviate the economic strain experienced by certain racial groups and age demographics. Addressing these issues can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable housing 47  Return to Page 1 of Plan situation for all residents. When analyzed by age, most older respondents spend about 25% or less of their monthly income on housing. Among All Races, "What percent of your monthly The 49 or younger income is spent paying for your home or age group is more likely to spend residence?" more of their Less than 25% About 25% 26-50% More than 50% monthly income on housing, spending 100% 4% 11% 90% 13% 19% between 26-50% of 25% 22% 80% their monthly 29% Frequency (%) 70% 31% income on housing. 60% 25% 34% 24% 50% 26% 22% 40% 16% 30% 50% 49% 20% 33% 34% 31% 10% 0% NA/AN Asian Black/AA White 2 or more Races Race Group Rent Costs/Burden Based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median gross rent cost in the Village of Skokie is $1,287 per month. Zip code 60076 has the highest proportion of rentals exceeding $1,000. The report indicates that 54.1% of Skokie residents face rent burden, which means they spend over 30% of their household income on rent. The census tract 8077 exhibits the highest percentage of residents experiencing rent burden at 84.9%, while 8067 has the lowest percentage at 0%. However, it is essential to exercise caution when interpreting these numbers as certain rentals, such as short-term or private rentals, may not have been accurately reported. 48  Return to Page 1 of Plan Housing Occupancy In the Village of Skokie, there are a total of 22,503 housing units, with 93.2% of them currently occupied. The remaining 6.8% are reported as vacant. Among the occupied units, a majority of 72.2% are owned by their residents, while the remaining 27.8% are rented. Household Income Spent on Housing The percentage of income spent on housing varies significantly among different income brackets. Lower-income individuals allocate a higher portion of their income to housing costs. For instance, a considerable number of households earning less than $20,000 spend 30% or more on housing. On the other hand, higher-income individuals, earning $75,000 or more, tend to spend a smaller proportion of their income, with many households in this bracket spending less than 20% on housing. The middle-income bracket, ranging from $50,000 to $74,999, shows a more balanced distribution of housing expenditure. Each group within this bracket allocates Among All Ages, "What percent of your approximately 6% of their income to housing monthly income is spent paying for your costs. home or residence?" Source: Skokie Community Health Assessment Less than 25% About 25% 26-50% More than 50% 4% 2% 100% 8% 9% 9% 12% 12% 13% 12% 80% Frequency (%) 25% 20% 35% 24% 60% 49% 20% 40% 31% 24% 20% 20% 25% 46% 60% 65% 76% 0% 20-34 35-49 50-64 65-74 75-84 85 or older Age Group (Years) 49  Return to Page 1 of Plan Housing Burden Upon analyzing specific census tracts, it becomes evident that 8077 exhibits the highest percentage of individuals allocating 30% or more of their income towards housing expenses. On the contrary, census tract 8067 displays the lowest percentage of such individuals. Overall, within the Village, approximately 35% of households spend 30% or more of their income on housing, aligning closely with the national average of 34.2%. Transportation Data Out of the 1,200 people surveyed, 93.6% reported experiencing no transportation Transportation Barrier by Age Source: Skokie Community Health Assessment barriers in the last 12 months. However, for those who did face obstacles, the age group 25% 19.6% Percent of Age Group between 20 and 34 reported the highest 20% transportation barriers at 19.6%, while seniors 15% aged 65 and above reported the lowest 10% 6.3% 7.0% transportation barriers at only 3.8%. 3.8% 5% 0% Transportation barrier 20-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Discrimination Data Participants were requested to indicate any locations in the Village where they might have experienced discrimination. This data was then analyzed both by race and in a broader context to shed light on the prevalence of discrimination within the community. The findings revealed that the most commonly reported locations where individuals felt discrimination occurred were in street/public settings, workplaces, schools, and during the job application process. However, it is noteworthy that the proportion of respondents affirming experiencing discrimination in these places accounted for only about 33% or less of the total responses received. 50  Return to Page 1 of Plan This question was also analyzed by races. For this analysis, respondents who self-identified as White were excluded to analyze the discrimination experienced by the respondents of color. This is important as the survey respondents were skewed, and the White population was overrepresented in survey responses when compared to its percentage in the general population. This table shows the number of respondents who answered in the affirmative, that they did experience discrimination, and in which places they identified as feeling discriminated against in. Among POC, “Have you ever experienced discrimination in any of the following areas?” Asian (n=125) Black (n=34) ≥ 2 Races (n=39) AI/AN and PI (n=5) 1 2 2 1 2 3 2 100% 2 2 Frequency (%) Answered Yes 90% 28 21 21 11 20 23 15 10 10 80% 70% 21 21 13 19 12 60% 17 16 12 14 50% 58 40% 46 42 39 34 30% 16 17 13 16 20% 10% 0% School Getting Work Housing Medical Customer Credit, Street or Police or hired or Care Service bank loans, Public Court job mortgage Setting System Setting of Discrimination Have you ever experienced discrimination in any of the following areas? (All Races) 1400 Frequency of Yes or No 1200 1000 800 784 778 800 840 940 1002 1034 1033 1032 600 400 200 389 384 340 322 234 170 138 137 131 0 No Yes Setting of Discrimination 51  Return to Page 1 of Plan Local Public Health Assessment Scoring and Notes This Local Public Health Assessment was completed looking at the competencies and essential services provided by the Skokie Health and Human Services Department. This was an internal assessment completed with input from the Director of Health and Human Services, the Community Health Services Supervisor, a long-standing employee of the department, the Environmental Health Supervisor, and the Public Health Coordinator. This assessment only assessed the Skokie HHS system; therefore, it must be noted that there are certain areas that are not possible to be fully represented, due to exclusions of the other systems. The Skokie HHS is a state-certified municipal public health department. In addition to the HHS, there are several other public health stakeholders and services that play a crucial role in ensuring public health in Skokie. These include, but are not limited to, the Northshore University Healthcare system, three local Federally Qualified Health Centers, local medical providers, pharmacies, and schools. These entities collectively address a wide range of competencies that may not be fully addressed by the HHS alone. In future assessments, HHS will consider including the other public health stakeholders in this assessment, rather than attempting to improve or expand the responsibilities of the HHS and HHS’s duties in the public health sector. A focus on improving competencies that scored the lowest, will be the priority of this IPLAN cycle. The following scale was used to score each essential service. - 0%: No Activity - 25%: Minimal Activity - 50%: Moderate Activity - 75%: Significant Activity - 100%: Optimal Activity Essential Service 1: Monitor Health Status to Identify Community Health Problems Average Score: 81.25 The Skokie Health and Human Services (HHS) has demonstrated commendable efforts in maintaining population health registries. These registries serve as valuable repositories of health data, enabling comprehensive assessments of the community's well-being and other related analyses. The HHS adopts state-of-the-art technology and methodologies to monitor, analyze, present, and visualize data. However, as with any system, there is always scope for improvement. Given the size of the HHS staff, conducting in-depth geographic analyses to identify priority problem areas across the community can be challenging. Nonetheless, the HHS has managed to provide a satisfactory level of service in fulfilling this critical function. To enhance their services further, the HHS could focus on two key areas. Firstly, investing in technological advancements would facilitate more in-depth and efficient analyses of health data. This could involve leveraging emerging data analytics tools and artificial intelligence to gain deeper insights into the health concerns of the community. Secondly, promoting greater community involvement in the process of community health assessments would be beneficial. Engaging with the residents, local organizations, and healthcare providers can yield valuable perspectives on prevalent health issues and potential solutions. This 52  Return to Page 1 of Plan approach fosters a collaborative effort to address health challenges and ensures that the assessments accurately reflect the needs and concerns of the people they serve. In conclusion, while the Skokie HHS does an admirable job in maintaining population health registries and conducting community health assessments, there are opportunities for improvement. By embracing technological advancements and fostering community involvement, the HHS can enhance its ability to address the evolving health needs of the community effectively. Essential Service 2: Diagnose and Investigate Health Problems and Health Hazards Average Score: 92.5 The HHS proactively engages with licensed laboratories to address public health needs consistently, even in challenging times like pandemics and emergencies. Additionally, it actively participates in comprehensive surveillance systems at all levels while keeping essential resources and information up-to-date, ensuring their readiness for emergencies. However, there are areas where the HHS could further enhance its effectiveness. One crucial aspect is the development and continuous updating of written materials to expedite the investigation of public health threats and emergencies. By doing so, they can respond promptly and efficiently in critical situations. Moreover, the HHS should also focus on evaluating the effectiveness of current practices regularly. This evaluation will not only help in addressing immediate concerns but also reveal opportunities for future improvements, allowing the agency to stay at the forefront of public health management and response. Essential Service 3: Inform, Educate, and Empower People about Health Issues Average Score: 75 The HHS demonstrates commendable competence in risk communication, encompassing comprehensive employee training, resource accessibility during emergencies, and the formulation of emergency communication plans for all stages of crises. However, there are several areas that could be enhanced to improve their overall effectiveness. One crucial aspect for enhancement is the development of health communications plans concerning media and public dissemination of pertinent information. By establishing a robust strategy for engaging with media outlets and effectively sharing crucial updates with the public, the HHS can ensure accurate and timely information reaches the masses. Additionally, the HHS should strive to enhance its community engagement efforts, particularly through health promotional events and health education initiatives at all levels. Collaborating with the community will foster a stronger understanding of their needs and enable the development of public health priorities that resonate with the population. To achieve these objectives, the HHS should focus on strengthening connections between policymakers, stakeholders, and the public. A key step towards this goal would be to ensure adequate staffing levels and the identification of a well-trained spokesperson. This spokesperson would effectively represent the HHS's messages, fostering trust and transparency with the public and other key stakeholders. 53  Return to Page 1 of Plan By addressing these areas of improvement, the HHS can elevate its risk communication efforts to new heights, solidifying its position as a reliable and effective institution dedicated to safeguarding public health. Essential Service 4: Mobilize Community Partnerships to Identify and Solve Health Problems Average Score: 67.9 The Skokie Health and Human Services (HHS) plays a vital role in enhancing the well-being of our community members. Our primary objective is to foster strong community partnerships and alliances, constantly striving to improve the overall health of our residents. We firmly believe that active participation and collaboration from constituents are essential for achieving this goal. To facilitate better communication and engagement on public health issues, we are committed to enhancing our existing communication forums. This includes utilizing various platforms and channels to effectively reach out to the community and encourage their active involvement in health-related activities and strategies. Moreover, we recognize the importance of diverse perspectives and representation in shaping community health initiatives. To ensure a well-rounded approach, we are actively working towards establishing a comprehensive community health improvement committee. This committee will include representatives from all sectors of our community, promoting inclusivity and avoiding over-concentration in any specific field or sector. Our dedication to continuous improvement extends to evaluating our partnerships regularly. By doing so, we can nurture existing relationships and explore opportunities for creating new ones. This will enable us to adapt and respond effectively to the changing needs of our community. Together, with the active engagement of community members and the establishment of a diverse and inclusive health improvement committee, we will continue striving for a healthier and stronger Skokie community. Your active participation is crucial in this journey, and we encourage you to join hands with us to shape a healthier future for all. Essential Service 5: Develop Policies and Plans that Support Individual and Community Health Efforts Average Score: 56.25 Enhancing the performance of this essential service is a crucial area that requires some improvement from the HHS. One primary focus should be on strengthening their relationships with policymakers in the community to better address the public health implications of existing and proposed policies. To achieve this, the HHS should actively engage with community partners, aiming for sustained participation, and collaboratively develop a standardized and strategic community health improvement plan. Such a plan must take into account the valuable input from community members, stakeholders, and organizations. In the pursuit of these goals, the HHS could benefit from evaluating and learning from other successful public health organizations. By benchmarking against best practices, the HHS can identify areas of opportunity and refine their approach. The main challenges hindering progress in this essential service are limited resources, personnel constraints, and community outreach limitations. 54  Return to Page 1 of Plan To summarize, by prioritizing stronger collaborations with policymakers, fostering ongoing engagement with community partners, and adopting a data-driven approach through lessons learned from successful organizations, the HHS can significantly enhance their ability to execute key competencies within this critical service. It is imperative that they address the challenges head- on to make a more meaningful and lasting impact on public health in the community. Essential Service 6: Enforce Laws and Regulations that Protect Health and Ensure Safety Average Score: 100 The HHS completed to the fullest of its capabilities, all the competencies that fall under this essential service. The HHS will continue to work to fulfill this essential service. Essential Service 7: Link People to Needed Personal Health Services and Assure the Provision of Health Care when Otherwise Unavailable Average Score: 96.9 The HHS nearly fulfills all the competencies within this essential service. One area for improvement would be to better identify all personal health service needs and unmet needs throughout the community. This competency could be fulfilled with more collaboration between community partners and greater access to data from sources outside of the HHS Department. Essential Service 8: Assure a Competent Public and Personal Health Care Workforce Average Score: 76.7 The HHS has made significant efforts in maintaining public health workforce standards by focusing on education, training, mentoring, and leadership development. However, there are several potential areas for improvement within these competencies. One key area that could benefit from enhancement is informal leadership training and development. While the HHS has been effective in its formal leadership programs, incorporating informal leadership training can provide additional opportunities for staff to develop leadership skills in everyday situations, leading to a more empowered and capable workforce. Another aspect that requires attention is the tracking of current public and personal health care workforce jobs and the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for local public health positions. By regularly updating and analyzing this information, the HHS can better align training and educational programs to meet the specific needs of the community and ensure a competent workforce. Furthermore, the findings from workforce assessments should be made readily available to community organizations and groups. This transparency can foster collaboration and enable relevant stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and collectively address gaps in the local public health workforce. Currently, there seems to be a disconnect between the workforce assessment and its practical application to address gaps in the local public health workforce. The HHS should actively use the assessment results to develop targeted interventions, training programs, and recruitment strategies to fill those gaps effectively. 55  Return to Page 1 of Plan While these areas hold promise for improvement, the HHS faces resource limitations. It's evident that community support can play a crucial role in assisting the HHS to meet these competencies fully. Engaging community stakeholders and organizations can not only provide valuable input and resources but also foster a sense of ownership and collaboration in addressing public health challenges. In summary, the HHS has achieved success in several aspects of maintaining public health workforce standards, but there is room for improvement. By implementing informal leadership training, tracking workforce data, sharing assessment findings, and collaborating with community stakeholders, the HHS can further strengthen its efforts and ensure a more resilient and capable public health workforce. Essential Service 9: Evaluate Effectiveness, Accessibility, and Quality of Personal and Population-Based Health Services Average Score: 88.5 The HHS demonstrates a strong commitment to fulfilling the competencies within this essential service. They actively evaluate the effectiveness of population-based health services, identifying and addressing gaps in their provision while ensuring accessibility to these services. However, there are opportunities for improvement. To enhance their performance, the HHS should establish a systematic method to compare the quality of community health services against established guidelines. This would enable them to measure the effectiveness of these services more accurately and identify areas that require attention. Recognizing the significance of collaboration with external public health providers, the HHS will maintain constant communication with stakeholders to ensure community access to available services. Strengthening these partnerships will lead to better coordination and more efficient service delivery. Furthermore, a more comprehensive evaluation of population-based services, personal health services, and local public health services is necessary. This data-driven approach will provide valuable insights to make informed decisions regarding improvements in accessibility, quality, and effectiveness. To achieve these goals, the HHS must foster better collaboration and communication with organizations that provide personal health services and other local health services. By conducting a thorough evaluation of all existing services and tapping into available resources, they can effectively enhance these areas and deliver higher-quality services to the community. Essential Service 10: Research for New Insights and Innovative Solutions to Health Problems Average Score: 84.1 The HHS plays a crucial role in fulfilling essential services but faces certain limitations in conducting comprehensive research studies that involve community members and key stakeholders. Despite recognizing the importance of research to test innovative public health solutions, HHS has limited staffing resources for such endeavors. To bridge this gap, HHS has built strong partnerships with institutions of higher learning, seeking to leverage their expertise for the community's benefit. 56  Return to Page 1 of Plan One area where improvement is needed is the evaluation of public health systems research efforts at the local level. Due to staffing constraints, HHS is not currently the primary investigator in health-related research studies conducted in Skokie or among Skokie residents. However, HHS remains supportive of community research undertaken by external institutions, contributing to the research process as a partner rather than a primary facilitator. To enhance their impact, HHS could explore ways to expand staffing resources and seek additional collaboration with external partners. This would enable them to take a more active role in evaluating research efforts and actively leading studies. By strengthening their position in health- related research, HHS can better serve the community and drive innovative solutions to public health challenges Summary of Essential Public Health Services Performance Scores ES6 100.0% ES7 96.9% ES2 92.5% ES9 88.5% ES10 84.1% ES1 81.3% ES8 76.7% ES3 75.0% ES4 67.9% ES5 56.3% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Based on the summary chart above, Essential Service 5, Develop Policies and Plans that Support Individual and Community Health Efforts, is a priority area for the Village to prioritize on first. It is possible that if other local public health service providers were included in this assessment, some of the lower scoring essential services would see overall improvement to their scores. 57  Return to Page 1 of Plan Community Health Improvement Plan The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is a result of a collaborative effort among various stakeholders within a community to identify and address the health needs and priorities of the population. This plan was developed with the Skokie Health and Human Services being the lead organization working collaboratively with healthcare organizations, community-based organizations, government agencies, and community members through the MAPP process. The MAPP process has resulted in the identification of three priority health issues that require attention. For each of these prioritized issues, the CHIP outlines specific objectives, strategies and action steps while also creating a plan for implementation the plan and ongoing evaluation. From November 2022 to June 2023, Skokie HHS and its partners held community partner meetings to determine and prioritize three top critical community health improvement priority issues. These priority issues are: 1. Access to Healthcare 2. Access to Behavioral Health 3. Affordable Housing To facilitate this process, the Skokie Health Equity Network steering committee was established, consisting of individuals from diverse backgrounds and various health and support organizations in Skokie. This committee plays a crucial role in overseeing action planning, implementing the plan, and evaluating progress across all priority issues. Additionally, they are responsible for recruiting more participants and securing necessary resources for successful plan implementation. To ensure that data plays a central role in the decision-making process, a data team was formed. Their responsibilities include collecting, reviewing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting available public data, as well as identifying new data sources, extracting relevant information, and using the data to develop SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and objectives for each priority issue. Furthermore, to address each of the identified priority issues, three action teams were established, with one team assigned to each priority issue. Skokie residents and subject matter experts were invited to join these action teams. Between February 2022 and June 2022, these teams collaboratively worked together to identify SMART objectives and create appropriate actions and strategies tailored to the needs of the Skokie community, leveraging the data collected earlier in the process. These action teams also determined which individuals, organizations, and stakeholders should be involved to ensure the successful achievement of the identified objectives. Through the implementation of this comprehensive approach, the Community Health Improvement Plan endeavors to effectively address priority health issues in Skokie while promoting a healthier and more equitable community. Access to Healthcare Description of problem Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services is crucial for promoting social justice. By addressing the health needs of Skokie's diverse population, particularly immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking residents, we can strive towards a more equitable society where everyone has equal opportunities to lead healthy lives. 58  Return to Page 1 of Plan Importance of the need for Access to Healthcare  Improved Health Outcomes: Access to timely and appropriate healthcare plays a vital role in improving health outcomes. When individuals have access to regular preventive care, early intervention, and necessary treatments, they are more likely to experience better health outcomes, lower rates of chronic disease, and improved overall well-being. By addressing the barriers to healthcare access in Skokie, we can positively impact the health outcomes of the community.  Disease Prevention and Control: Accessible healthcare services are essential for disease prevention, early detection, and control. Timely access to screenings, vaccinations, and preventive measures can help identify and address health issues at an early stage, reducing the burden of preventable diseases and promoting community well-being. By ensuring that all residents can access necessary healthcare services, we can enhance disease prevention efforts in Skokie.  Economic Impact: Improving access to healthcare can have positive economic effects on the community. When individuals have access to healthcare services, they are more likely to receive appropriate care for their health conditions, leading to improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, and lower healthcare costs in the long run. A healthier population also contributes to a stronger workforce and economic stability within the community.  Community Resilience: Access to healthcare is an essential component of community resilience. When individuals and families have access to healthcare services, they are better equipped to manage health crises, respond to emergencies, and recover from adverse health events. Strengthening access to healthcare in Skokie will contribute to the overall resilience of the community in the face of health challenges. Summary of data Approximately 19.48% of pregnant individuals in Skokie did not receive timely prenatal care in 2020, which amounts to about 1 in 5 pregnancies. Although this rate is comparatively lower than that in Evanston and Oak Park, it still raises concerns as it represents a significant portion of pregnant individuals lacking essential prenatal care. This finding underscores the importance of identifying and addressing potential barriers that prevent pregnant individuals in Skokie from accessing prenatal care services promptly. By doing so, we can ensure that pregnant individuals receive the necessary and adequate care required for a healthy pregnancy. Taking proactive measures to overcome these obstacles will contribute to improved maternal and child health outcomes in Skokie. Based on a convenience sample survey of Skokie residents, it was found that merely 45.3% of the employed population have access to health insurance benefits from their employers. An even smaller percentage, only 35%, have paid sick leave, which could potentially be a contributing factor to the lower rate of pregnant women seeking prenatal care in Skokie. 59  Return to Page 1 of Plan Relationship to Healthy People 2030  Reduce the proportion of people who are unable to obtain or delay receiving necessary medical care.  Increase the proportion of pregnant women who receive early and adequate prenatal care. Factor analysis In Skokie, a striking 38 percent of its residents are foreign-born, contributing to a vibrant community with over 90 different languages spoken in homes. However, this linguistic diversity also poses significant challenges in accessing healthcare services for many individuals. One of the primary obstacles is the language barrier, which can impede effective communication between healthcare providers and patients. Without proper understanding, patients may struggle to convey their symptoms, medical history, and concerns accurately, hindering the delivery of appropriate care. Moreover, these residents often encounter difficulties due to their unfamiliarity with the healthcare system and cultural differences. Navigating the intricacies of healthcare processes, finding suitable healthcare providers, and comprehending available resources become daunting tasks. Additionally, the lack of health insurance coverage further exacerbates the situation. Many residents may be hesitant to seek medical attention due to financial concerns, leading to delayed or inadequate treatment. Furthermore, access to interpreters and translated healthcare materials is limited, compounding the issues faced by these residents. The scarcity of language support hampers their ability to comprehend medical information and make informed decisions about their health. Addressing these challenges requires targeted efforts to bridge the language and cultural gaps within the healthcare system. Providing better language support, increasing the availability of interpreters, and offering translated materials can significantly improve communication and enhance the overall quality of care for Skokie's diverse population. Additionally, efforts to increase awareness of available healthcare resources and services can empower residents to proactively seek medical assistance when needed, fostering a healthier and more inclusive community. 60  Return to Page 1 of Plan Objectives and strategies Focus Area: Access to Healthcare Strategy: Develop Partnerships for a Formal Referral Network Impact Objective: By 8/31/2028 the Skokie Health Equity Network will decrease the percent of pregnant women who receive late or no prenatal care from 19.5% to 14.5%. Outcome Objective: By 8/31/2028 at least 100 pregnant Skokie residents will have been connected to prenatal care through the Skokie Health Equity Network’s referral program. Resources and Support Action Steps By Whom By When Available/Needed Resources Needed By what date will Resources (financial, human, What needs to be done? Who will take actions? the action be done? Available political, and other) Research and analysis:  Data Team 9/1/23-11/30/23 Human Human Conduct a comprehensive  Access to Healthcare Team Partnerships Partnerships analysis of the current  Niles Township Early Childhood healthcare access and referral Alliance Meeting space Meeting space systems in Skokie. Identify the key barriers and challenges that pregnant women face in accessing timely prenatal care. Explore successful models and best practices from other communities that have improved access to prenatal care. Document Number: 613953 Version: 1  Return to Page 1 of Plan Stakeholder engagement:  Access to Healthcare Team 10/1/23 - Human Human Identify and engage key  Erie Family Health Center 12/31/23 Partnerships Partnerships stakeholders, including  Tapestry 360 Health healthcare providers,  AHS - Family Health Center Meeting space Meeting space community organizations,  Advocate Lutheran General Hospital government agencies, and  Ascension St. Francis Hospital advocacy groups, who can  WIC providers contribute to improving access  Niles Township Early Childhood to prenatal care. Alliance  NorthShore Evanston Hospital Conduct meetings, focus groups, and surveys to gather input and insights from stakeholders regarding their needs, challenges, and potential solutions. Partnership development:  Access to Healthcare Team 1/1/24 - 4/30/24 Partnerships Partnerships Establish partnerships with  Erie Family Health Center Financial Financial healthcare providers, clinics,  Tapestry 360 Health hospitals, and other relevant  AHS - Family Health Center organizations to develop a  Advocate Lutheran General Hospital formal referral network.  Ascension St. Francis Hospital Define the criteria and  WIC providers guidelines for participation in  Niles Township Early Childhood the referral network. Alliance Collaborate with partners to  NorthShore University Health System streamline the referral process and ensure timely access to prenatal care for pregnant women. 62  Return to Page 1 of Plan Develop formal agreements or memoranda of understanding with partner organizations to outline roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Resource allocation: Steering Committee 3/1/24 - 5/31/24 Human Human Assess the resources required to Partnerships Partnerships support the implementation of the referral network. Meeting space Meeting space Secure funding or allocate Financial existing resources to support the development and maintenance of the referral network. Explore potential grants, sponsorships, or partnerships with philanthropic organizations to enhance the available resources. Training and education: Access to Healthcare Team 5/1/24 - 6/30/24 Data expertise Data expertise Provide training on the referral process, guidelines, and tools to ensure efficient and effective coordination within the network. Educate pregnant women and their families about the benefits of early prenatal care and the availability of the referral network. 63  Return to Page 1 of Plan Implementation and  Access to Healthcare Team 7/1/24 - 8/31/28 Human Human monitoring:  Erie Family Health Center Roll out the formal referral Partnerships Partnerships  Tapestry 360 Health network, ensuring all necessary Financial  AHS - Family Health Center systems, processes, and tools are in place.  Advocate Lutheran General Hospital  Ascension St. Francis Hospital Monitor the utilization of the  WIC providers referral network, track the  Niles Township Early Childhood number of pregnant women Alliance referred, and measure the  Data Team percentage receiving timely prenatal care. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the referral network and adjust as needed. Collaboration and Access to Healthcare Team Ongoing Human Human communication: Foster ongoing collaboration and Data Expertise Data Expertise communication among the partner organizations within the referral network. Share success stories, challenges, and lessons learned to promote knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Communicate the availability of the referral network and the importance of prenatal care to the broader community through various channels, such as 64  Return to Page 1 of Plan community events, social media, and local media outlets. Focus Area: Access to Healthcare Strategy: Develop data collection process related to linguistically appropriate care Impact Objective: By 8/31/2024 the Skokie Health Equity Network will establish baseline data of the languages spoken by primary care providers at the three local federally qualified health centers. Outcome Objective: By 8/31/2024 the Skokie Health Equity Network will utilize data collected to create a linguistically appropriate healthcare plan, that includes many languages spoken in Skokie; the plan to be shared with local Federally Qualified Health Centers with recommendations to improve the quality of healthcare services to the community. Resources and Support Action Steps By Whom By When Available/Needed Resources Needed By what date will What needs to be done? Who will take actions? Resources Available (financial, human, the action be done? political, and other) Define the scope and methodology  Erie Family Health Center 9/1/23 - 10/31/23 Human Human: HR staff  Tapestry 360 Health  Determine the specific languages Partnerships Partnerships  AHS - Family Health to be included in the data Center Data expertise collection.  Data Team  Decide on the timeframe for data collection (e.g., number of months or years).  Establish criteria for identifying primary care providers within the health centers. 65  Return to Page 1 of Plan Identify stakeholders and  Erie Family Health Center 11/1/23 - Human Human: HR staff establish partnerships  Tapestry 360 Health 12/31/23 Partnerships Partnerships  Identify and engage key  AHS - Family Health stakeholders such as the Center Data expertise federally qualified health centers,  Data Team local healthcare organizations, language services providers, community members, and advocacy groups.  Seek their support and collaboration for the data collection efforts.  Build partnerships with the federally qualified health centers and other stakeholders.  Secure their commitment to participate in the data collection process. Develop data collection  Skokie Health & Human 1/1/24 – 1/31/24 Partnerships Human: HR staff tools/process Services Dept. Data Team Partnerships  Create appropriate tools, such as  Data Team surveys or questionnaires, to Data expertise collect data on the languages spoken by primary care providers.  Ensure the tools are culturally sensitive and accessible to all providers. Train data collectors Skokie Health & Human 2/1/24 - 2/28/24 Partnerships Human: HR staff  Provide training to individuals Services Dept. Data Team Partnerships who will collect the data. 66  Return to Page 1 of Plan  Educate them on the purpose of Data expertise the project, data collection protocols, and the importance of maintaining confidentiality. Implement data collection Access to Healthcare Team 3/1/24 – 5/31/24 Human Human: HR staff  Reach out to primary care Partnerships Partnerships providers at the federally qualified health centers. Data Team Data expertise  Request their participation in the data collection by providing information on the languages they speak. Compile and analyze data Access to Healthcare Team 6/1/24 – 6/30/24 Data Team Data expertise  Organize and analyze the collected data to establish a Financial baseline of the languages spoken by primary care providers.  Utilize appropriate statistical methods and software for data analysis. Document and report findings and  Skokie Health & Human 7/1/24 - 7/31/24 Data Team Data expertise advocate for change Dept.  Prepare a comprehensive report  Access to Healthcare documenting the findings and Team insights gained from the data  Data Team analysis.  Include recommendations for improving language access in healthcare services based on the identified languages spoken by providers. 67  Return to Page 1 of Plan  Use the report as a basis for advocating policy changes or interventions.  Engage with local policymakers, healthcare organizations, and community members to raise awareness and support for improved language access in healthcare. Evaluation plan: 1. Conduct regular surveys and interviews with Skokie residents, particularly those from immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking backgrounds, to assess their experiences and challenges in accessing healthcare. 2. Monitor and analyze healthcare utilization data to track the proportion of individuals obtaining necessary medical care and prenatal services over time. 3. Collaborate with healthcare providers to collect data on the number of interpreter services utilized and patient satisfaction levels with language access. Communication plan: 1. Develop a targeted marketing campaign using various channels such as social media, local newspapers, and community bulletin boards to disseminate information about available healthcare resources and services. 2. Establish partnerships with local multicultural media outlets to promote healthcare awareness among diverse communities. 3. Organize community forums and town hall meetings to address concerns and gather feedback from residents regarding access to healthcare. 4. Maintain an active online presence through a dedicated website and social media platforms to provide up-to-date information, answer queries, and foster community engagement. 68  Return to Page 1 of Plan Access to Behavioral Health Description and Importance of Need for Access to Behavioral Health Access to behavioral health is a critical priority in Skokie, mirroring its significance throughout the Chicago area. The situation has been further accentuated by the influx of new immigrants, refugees, and asylees arriving in Skokie, many of whom have endured traumatic experiences. Ensuring access to behavioral health services in Skokie, with a special focus on immigrant populations, is indispensable for fostering individual well-being, bolstering community resilience, promoting preventive care, reducing stigma, and enhancing the overall healthcare system. Acknowledging and addressing this pressing health need will enable Skokie's behavioral health providers to collaboratively create a healthier and more inclusive environment for all residents. Summary of data The local behavioral health organizations accepting Medicaid are encountering several workforce challenges, contributing significantly to the presence of lengthy wait lists. A key factor behind this issue is the Medicaid reimbursement rate for Behavioral Health services at the Local Federally Qualified Health Centers, which is less than half of the rate for medical services. Specifically, while the average reimbursement rate for medical services stands at $166.81, the Medicaid behavioral health rate is considerably lower at $69.12. To shed light on the community's perspective, around 1,200 residents completed a health survey. The survey results indicated that accessing mental health services was not easy for 50.6% of respondents, in stark contrast to only 20.8% who faced similar difficulties in accessing medical care. This suggests a significant disparity in the ease of obtaining mental health services for those relying on Medicaid in the region. Relationship to Healthy People 2030 • Increase the proportion of persons with mental health disorders who receive treatment. • Increase the number of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that provide mental health and substance abuse services. Factors analysis Residents of Skokie are placed on wait lists and/or have challenges finding a behavioral health provider that speaks their language. The limited accessibility to behavioral health providers in Skokie is influenced by various factors, including the following:  Language barriers  Workforce challenges  Medicaid reimbursement rates  Limited cultural competency  Stigma and mental health awareness  Fragmented healthcare system 69  Return to Page 1 of Plan Objectives and strategies Focus Area: Access to Behavioral Health Services Strategy: Develop data collection process related to linguistically appropriate care Impact Objective: By 8/31/2024 the Skokie Health Equity Network will establish baseline data of the languages spoken by behavioral health providers at the three local federally qualified health centers and local community-based mental health organizations. Outcome Objective: By 8/31/2024, the Skokie Health Equity Network will utilize data to create a linguistically appropriate behavioral healthcare plan, that includes many languages spoken in Skokie; the plan to be shared with local Federally Qualified Health Centers and community-based mental health organizations, with recommendations to improve the quality of behavioral health services to the community. Resources and Support Action Steps By Whom By When Available/Needed Resources Needed By what date will the Resources What needs to be done? Who will take actions? (financial, human, action be done? Available political, and other) Define the scope and  Access to Behavioral 9/1/23 - 10/31/23 Human Human: HR staff methodology Health Team Partnerships Partnerships  Determine the specific  Turning Point languages to be included in the  Impact Data expertise data collection.  Metro Family Serv.  Decide on the timeframe for  JCFS data collection (e.g., number of  Trilogy months or years).  Ascension/St. Francis  Establish criteria for identifying  Peer Services primary care providers within  Behavioral Health Ctr the health centers.  Erie Family Health Center  Tapestry 360 Health 70  Return to Page 1 of Plan  AHS - Asian Family Health Center  Data Team Identify stakeholders and  Access to Behavioral 11/1/23 - 12/31/23 Human Human: HR staff establish partnerships Health Team Partnerships Partnerships  Identify and engage key  Turning Point stakeholders such as the  Impact Behavioral Health Data expertise federally qualified health Partners centers, local healthcare  Metro Family Serv. organizations, language services  JCFS providers, community  Trilogy members, and advocacy groups.  Ascension/St. Francis  Seek their support and  Peer Services collaboration for the data  Behavioral Health Ctr collection efforts.  Erie Family Health Center  Build partnerships with the  Tapestry 360 Health federally qualified health  AHS - Asian Family Health centers and other stakeholders. Center  Secure their commitment to  Data Team participate in the data collection process. Develop data collection Skokie Health & Human Dept. 1/1/24 – 1/31/24 Partnerships Human: HR staff tools/process Data Team Data Team Partnerships  Create appropriate tools, such as surveys or questionnaires, to Data expertise collect data on the languages spoken by primary care providers.  Ensure the tools are culturally sensitive and accessible to all providers. 71  Return to Page 1 of Plan Train data collectors Access to Behavioral Health 2/1/24 - 2/28/24 Partnerships Human: HR staff  Provide training to individuals Team Data Team Partnerships who will collect the data. Data expertise  Educate them on the purpose of the project, data collection protocols, and the importance of maintaining confidentiality. Implement data collection Access to Behavioral Health 3/1/24 – 5/31/24 Human Human: HR staff  Reach out to primary care Team Partnerships Partnerships providers at the federally qualified health centers. Data Team Data expertise  Request their participation in the data collection by providing information on the languages they speak. Compile and analyze data Access to Behavioral Health 6/1/24 – 6/30/24 Data Team Data expertise  Organize and analyze the Team collected data to establish a baseline of the languages spoken by primary care providers.  Utilize appropriate statistical methods and software for data analysis. 72  Return to Page 1 of Plan Focus Area: Access to Behavioral Health Services Strategy: Advocate for state budget increase in Medicaid funding for behavioral health services Impact Objective: By 8/31/2027 the Skokie Health Equity Network will advocate for an increase in federally qualified health centers’ Medicaid funding of behavioral health services from an average of $69.12 to the average medical rate of $166.81. Outcome Objective: By 8/31/2027, the Skokie Health Equity Network will have reduced the wait list times for low socioeconomic residents seeking behavioral health services through advocacy efforts, resulting in a decrease from the current average wait time. Resources and Support Action Steps By Whom By When Available/Needed By what date will Resources Needed Resources (financial, human, What needs to be done? Who will take actions? the action be Available political, and done? other) Establish definition of “wait lists” and a process Data team 9/1/2023- Partnerships Partnerships to collect 9/30/2023 Data expertise Data expertise The Access to Behavioral/Mental Health  Turning Point 10/1/2023- Human Human Services team will meet with service providers  Impact 10/31/2023 Partnerships Partnerships to develop clear advocacy goals.  Metro Family Serv.  JCFS  Trilogy  Ascension/St. Francis  Peer Services  Behavioral Health Ctr  Erie Family Health Center  Tapestry 360 Health  AHS - Asian Family Health Center 73  Return to Page 1 of Plan Communicate with statewide associations with  Access to Behavioral/Mental 11/1/2023- Human Human similar advocacy needs to investigate Health Services team 12/31/2023 Partnerships Partnerships alignment.  Illinois Association for Behavioral Health Political will Political will  National Association of Social Workers - IL Chapter (Joel Ruben)  Illinois Association of Rehab Facilities (Garrett will reach out)  Illinois Primary Health Care Association (Mary will reach out)  Evanston Health and Human Services/Mental Health Task Force  Illinois Public Health Association Analyze data to formalize baseline data and  Skokie Health & Human 11/1/2023- Human Human incorporate into an advocacy plan. Dept. 12/31/2023 Partnerships Partnerships  Data team Develop an advocacy plan. Access to Behavioral Health 1/1/2024- Partnerships Partnerships Team 1/31/2024 Political will Political will Implement an advocacy plan. Access to Behavioral Health 2/1/2024- Human Human Team and Steering Committee 5/31/2024 Partnerships Partnerships Political will Political will Evaluate advocacy plan, adjust goals and plan Access to Behavioral Health 6/1/2024- Human Human as needed. Team 8/31/2027 Partnerships Partnerships 74  Return to Page 1 of Plan Evaluation plan:  Regularly collect data on the proportion of persons with mental health disorders receiving treatment, including information on language preferences and access to multilingual providers.  Monitor changes in the prevalence of unmet mental health treatment needs among Skokie residents.  Evaluate the impact of initiatives to increase access to behavioral health services, improve reimbursement rates, and enhance FQHC capacity through quantitative and qualitative measures. Communication plan:  Raise awareness about the importance of mental health treatment and available resources through targeted community outreach campaigns.  Engage with local media outlets to share success stories, information on available services, and updates on initiatives addressing the access to behavioral health issue.  Collaborate with community organizations, advocacy groups, and local stakeholders to disseminate information and foster support for the objectives and strategies outlined above. 75  Return to Page 1 of Plan Affordable Housing Description of the Problem: Housing plays a crucial role as a social determinant of health, directly influencing both physical and mental well-being. However, in Skokie and throughout the United States, a pressing problem has emerged – the prevalence of rent burden among households. Rent burden occurs when a substantial portion of a household's income (≥30%) is allocated to paying rent, leaving little room for other essential expenses. This challenging issue significantly impacts a considerable percentage of Skokie residents and has been selected as one of the top priority health concern. Addressing this situation is vital to improving the overall health and quality of life for affected individuals and families in the community. Importance of Priority Health Need: Skokie faces a critical issue with a significant number of rent burdened households, emphasizing the urgent requirement for affordable housing solutions. When a substantial portion of income is devoted to rent, it severely restricts households' financial capacity for vital necessities like healthcare, education, and nutritious food. Effectively addressing this need is of paramount importance, as it directly impacts the overall well-being and health outcomes of Skokie residents. Data Summary: Based on data from the City Health Dashboard managed by NYU Langone Health, a noteworthy 54.1% of Skokie residents report experiencing rent burden, surpassing the average of 50.5% observed across other cities on the dashboard. This indicates a substantial portion of the population 8 8 facing housing affordability challenges. Moreover, the census tracts within Skokie exhibit significant 36% 54.2 disparities. In two of the tracts, over 80% of renters % 0% spend 30% or more of their income on rent, 8 highlighting the acute nature of the problem. In 8 43.1 8 66.6 53.1 contrast, other tracts show a comparatively lower 8 rent burden, with only about 30% of renters facing 83.7 similar challenges. 54.5 8 8 8 Relationship to Healthy People 2030: 43.9 78.5 8 39.6  Reduce the proportion of families that spend 8 more than 30 percent of income on housing. 84.9  Increase the proportion of persons living in housing that is affordable, safe, and meets 28.2 8 their needs. 8 Factors Influencing the Problem: The rent burden problem in Skokie stems from a multitude of interwoven factors. Among them are escalating housing costs (rent, utilities, property maintenance costs, property taxes), stagnant or insufficient income levels, a scarcity of affordable housing units, and economic disparities within the community. Additionally, population growth, housing market dynamics, and shifts in employment patterns further compound the challenge of housing affordability in the area. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these factors is pivotal in devising successful strategies to tackle the issue and foster housing equity in Skokie. 76  Return to Page 1 of Plan Objectives and strategies Focus Area: Affordable Housing Strategy: Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Impact Objective: By 8/31/2027 the Skokie Health Equity Network will reduce the percent of rent burdened households from 54.1% to 49.1%. Outcome Objective: Skokie is developing an inclusionary housing ordinance to include a percent of units available at 60-80 percent of the Area Median Income. Action Steps By Whom By When Resources and Support Available/Needed Resources Needed By what date will the Resources What needs to be done? Who will take actions? (financial, human, action be done? Available political, and other) Research inclusionary housing ordinances. Village of Skokie – 1/1/23 – 3/3/23 Human Human Community Development Political will Political will Develop an inclusionary housing ordinance. Village of Skokie – 3/6/23 – 4/14/23 Human Human Community Development Political will Political will Introduce ordinance to Village Board for first Village of Skokie – 5/1/23 Human Human reading. Community Development Political will Political will Skokie Village Board Refine ordinance for Village Board Village of Skokie – Current Human Human consideration. Community Development Political will Political will Skokie Village Board Implement and monitor ordinance. Village of Skokie – Current - 2027 Human Human Community Development Political will Political will 77  Return to Page 1 of Plan Focus Area: Affordable Housing Strategy: Create a process to collect data on factors related to rent burden. Impact Objective: By 8/31/2027 the Skokie Health Equity Network will reduce the percent of rent burdened households from 54.1% to 49.1%. Outcome Objective: By 8/31/2024 Skokie will have sufficient data to understand the contributing factors to housing cost burdens as it relates to rental properties. Resources and Support Action Steps By Whom By When Available/Needed Resources Needed By what date will the Resources What needs to be done? Who will take actions? (financial, human, action be done? Available political, and other) Define the scope and methodology Data team 9/1/23 – 11/30/23 Data expertise Data expertise  Determine the goals of the data Affordable housing team Human Human collection.  Decide on the timeframe for data Village of Skokie – Health and Partnerships Partnerships collection (e.g., number of months or Human Services years). Village of Skokie –Community  Establish criteria for identifying Development residents struggling to pay for housing. Identify stakeholders and establish Data team 11/30/23 – 1/31/24 Data expertise Data expertise partnerships Affordable housing team Human Human  Identify and engage key stakeholders such as housing assistance providers Village of Skokie – Health and Partnerships Partnerships and housing advocates. Human Services  Seek their support and collaboration for the data collection efforts. Niles Township Impact Behavioral Health 78  Return to Page 1 of Plan  Build partnerships and secure their Open Communities commitment to participate in the Connections for the Homeless data collection process. Local landlords Develop data collection tools/process Data team 2/1/24 – 3/31/24 Data expertise Data expertise  Create appropriate tools, such as Affordable housing team Human Human surveys or questionnaires, to collect data on factors related to rent Partnerships Partnerships burden.  Ensure the tools are culturally sensitive and accessible to all. Train data collectors Data team 4/1/24 – 4/30/24 Data expertise Data expertise  Provide training to individuals who will collect the data. Affordable housing team Human Human  Educate them on the purpose of the Partnerships Partnerships project, data collection protocols, and the importance of maintaining anonymity. Implement data collection Data team 5/1/24 – 6/30/24 Data expertise Data expertise  Develop form for responses Affordable housing team Human Human  Check-in with data collectors Village of Skokie – Health and Partnerships Partnerships Human Services Niles Township Impact Behavioral Health Open Communities Connections for the Homeless 79  Return to Page 1 of Plan Compile and analyze data Data team 7/1/24 – 7/31/24 Data expertise Data expertise  Organize and analyze the collected data to establish a baseline of the Village of Skokie – Health and Human Human factors that affect rent burden. Human Services Partnerships Partnerships  Utilize appropriate statistical methods and software for data analysis. Summarize findings and advocate for Data team 8/1/24 – 9/30/24 Data expertise Data expertise change  Prepare a summary of the findings Affordable housing team Human Human and insights gained from the data Village of Skokie – Health and Partnerships Partnerships analysis. Human Services  Review data analysis and discuss Village of Skokie –Community potential next steps and strategies Development  Develop action plan Evaluation Plan:  Regularly monitor and evaluate the progress toward the outcome and impact objectives.  Assess the effectiveness of the data collection process and its impact on informing the equitable housing plan.  Measure the reduction in the percentage of rent-burdened households through periodic surveys or data analysis.  Collect feedback from stakeholders on the implementation and effectiveness of the inclusionary housing ordinance.  Adjust strategies and action plans based on evaluation findings to maximize impact and outcomes. Communication Plan:  Review existing affordable housing resources and develop an inclusive and accessible resource list for those seeking affordable housing.  Utilize various communication channels, including social media, local newspapers, community newsletters, and the town's official website, to disseminate information.  Regularly update stakeholders and the community on progress, milestones, and any changes in the plans through newsletters, public meetings, or dedicated online platforms. 80  Return to Page 1 of Plan Alignment with the State Health Improvement Plan Skokie's Health and Human Services CHIP shows alignment with two of the priorities outlined in the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) of Illinois. Specifically, both plans share a focus on addressing behavioral health as a key area of concern, and their respective goals complement each other in this regard. Additionally, maternal and child health emerges as another priority where the two plans align. The SHIP aims to support healthy pregnancies and improve birth and infant outcomes, which nicely complements Skokie's goal of reducing the percentage of pregnant women who do not receive timely prenatal care. Furthermore, while Skokie's plan emphasizes enhancing access to healthcare services, the SHIP's other priority revolves around tackling chronic diseases. Overall, the congruence between Skokie's Health and Human Services CHIP and the State Health Improvement Plan signifies a concerted effort to address critical health needs in the region, fostering a more comprehensive and effective approach to improving the well-being of the community. Next Steps With the adoption of the Skokie Community Health Improvement Plan, HHS and its partners will enter the final phase of the MAPP process known as the action cycle. This phase encompasses the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all the identified goals, objectives, and strategies outlined in the plan. Emphasizing the cyclical and ongoing nature of this process, the community health improvement plan will remain a dynamic document, evolving over time. During the first year of the action cycle, HHS and the Skokie Health Equity steering committee will maintain regular meetings with a primary focus on establishing the infrastructure necessary for effective implementation. This will include ongoing discussions with existing partners and the active engagement of new partners integral to the project's success. HHS will continue collaborating with its partners to develop a robust data collection system that relates to the various priority issues. Furthermore, HHS and its partners will take steps to identify specific organizations within Skokie that will take the lead in executing particular strategies outlined in the plan. More detailed action plans for these strategies will be established to ensure clarity and effectiveness in their execution. To monitor progress systematically, a performance monitoring system will be put in place in collaboration with the partners. This system will help track the advancements made, and the plan will be regularly updated to reflect the progress achieved. Overall, the action cycle represents a dynamic phase where HHS and its partners actively work together to bring about meaningful improvements in the community's health. By fostering continuous collaboration and adaptability, the Skokie Community Health Improvement Plan aims to achieve sustainable and positive outcomes over time. 81  Return to Page 1 of Plan Acknowledgements Village of Skokie Johanna Nyden Mary Oshana Michael Charley Muhammad Paracha, M.D. Johanna Nyden Devan Parkison Violet Amrikhasi Peter Peyer Rachel Blut Nancy Kim Phillips Jennifer Davis-Spells Sarah Price Cameron Hendricks Garrett Reynolds Justine Malone Alyssa Rusak Amy McManus Amanda Sabri Susan Reisberg Khalid Sabzwari Penny Staffney Brittany Simons Mike Stiehl Skokie Health Equity Network Jennifer Sultz Jim Szczepaniak Susan Aberman Natalia Paredes Tamayo Emily Anderson Peggy Tolleson Carolyn Anthony Dominic Voz Katrina Belgorsky La Wanna Wells, Ph.D. Keith Boyd, M.D. Sibyl Yau Brandon Buchanan Michael Charley Special thanks to the graduate students who Dimitri Dawson contributed so much to making this project a Sarah Delgado reality: Mary Dudek Catherine Marshall, MPH, UIC School of Public Elline Eliasoff Health Tania Espita Garrett Reynolds, MPH, Purdue University Sof Ford Gulnur Sekerbay, MPH, Purdue University Johanna Garsenstein Melinda Week, MPH, UIC School of Public Patricia Grant Health Jeffrey D. Greenspan Gene Griffin Vince Heneghan Jacqueline Herrera Samina Hussain Rev. Stuart Barnes Jamieson Diana Juarez Zinah Kadhim Omar Khan, M.D. Miriam Krasno Cheryl Lawrence Edward Linn, M.D. Syed Mahmood Justine Malone Annet Miranda 82 Return to Page 1 of Plan Return to Agenda Return to Agenda Return to Mgr Rpt A Return to Mgr Rpt Return to Mgr Rpt Return to Mgr Rpt Return to Mgr Rpt Return to Mgr Rpt Return to Mgr Rpt Return to Mgr Rpt Return to Mgr Rpt Return to Mgr Rpt Return to Mgr Rpt Return to Mgr Rpt B Return to Mgr Rpt  Return to Mgr Rpt C MEMORANDUM Public Works Department Finance Deparfment/Purchasing Division TO: John Lockerby, Village Manager FROM: ^>^7-^^_ S-<—^/^^ Max Slankard, Public Work^ Director ^ /<7 y /? ^^t. ,1-^^-.-V Michael Aleksic, Assistant Finance Director DATE: August 28, 2023 SUBJECT: AGENDA ITEM - September 5th, 2023 Board Meeting Replacement Fire Hydrants and Accessories Bids for the above items were advertised and publicly opened on August 24, 2023. As a result of this solicitation, three (3) bid responses were received: Budget Amount & Account Numbers: $225,000.00 020-0600.407.07-71 #OS450W4 Tabulation of Bids; Fire Hydrants Valve Boxes Ziebell Water Service Products $3,130.00 Ea. $225.00 Ea. Elk Grove Village, IL Water Products Company $4,375.00 Ea. $240.00 Ea. Aurora,TL Core and Main $2,982.50 Ea. $239.00 Ea. Lake Bluff, IL Recommendation: It is recommended that a contract for Fire Hydrants be awarded to Core and Main. It is recommended that a contract for Valve Boxes be awarded to Ziebell Water Service Products. 178110v'7  Return to Mgr Rpt Core and Main. Lake Bluff IL. $149,125.00 (50 Fire Hydrants @ $2,982.50 each) Ziebell Water Services Products. Elk Grove IL. $11,250.00 (50 Valve Boxes @ $225.00 each) TOTAL: $160,375.00 Comments: This purchase is part of the on-going Fire Hydrant Maintenance Program performed by the Skokie Fire Department, which has necessitated the replacement of a significant number of older fire hydrants and their related parts. Since the implementation of this comprehensive testing and maintenance program, many fire hydrants requiring repair were found to be obsolete and replacement parts were unavailable. In addition to this increased need for fire hydrants, a number ofhydrants purchased each year will replace those units that are damaged in accidents. A portion of this expense will be reimbursable through insurance subrogation. Core and Main, and Ziebell have supplied Skokie with fire hydrants and water service supply items for many years. Staff is confident that each firm's performance on this contract will equal the past high levels of service. Core and Main will be supplying fire hydrants manufactured by Mueller, which is a Village approved brand. Ziebell will be supplying the valve boxes. Additionally, staff has asked bidders to extend pricing for emergency or incidental needs, which may occur during the course of the fiscal year. The recommended bidders have extended their volume pricing for these incidental purchases. The contract also contains a clause allowing the Village to extend the awarded price for up to two additional years, with the mutual written agreement between the vendors and the Village. ec: Nicholas Wyatt, Assistant Village Manager Jeffrey Scholpp, Water and Sewer Supervisor 178110v7 Return to Mgr Rpt D Return to Mgr Rpt  Return to Agenda Memorandum Corporation Counsel's Office TO: The Honorable Mayor and Board of Trustees FROM: ^1 ^ Corp/^raflton Counsel DATE: August 30,2023" SUBJECT: September 5, 2023 Corporation Counsel's Report SECOND READING: A. Ordinance, Code Amendment, Chapters 46 and 58, Affordable Housing Item A is on the agenda for second reading and adoption, the first reading was on May 15,2023. This ordinance will amend Chapters 46 and 58 of the Skokie Village Code, by adding language related to the Village Board's discussions concerning Affordable Housing and Inclusionary Zoning. The Ordinance endeavors to synthesize the Board of Trustee's discussions and direction, public comments, stakeholder input and the Plan Connmission's presentation to the Village Board. As a result, revisions have been made to this Ordinance since the first reading on May 15, 2023 and include the following. First, the language In Section 58-43 paragraph 2 has been revised to clarify the option to developer if percentage results in a fraction less than 0.5% Second, various recommendations and questions concerning the Affordable Controls for Affordable Owner Occupied Units have been raised and need further direction from the Village Board. Therefore, that Section is "Reserved" awaiting final direction. Notwithstanding, this Ordinance is presented so as not to delay the enactment of the Affordable Controls for Rental Units. Third, a new Section has been reserved in response to specific request from Trustees and stakeholders to provide relief from parking requirements to encourage affordable housing units in new developments. Once approved the specific language will be drafted and submitted along with other Code Amendments that will be required to actuate this Section. Finally, a new Section has been added to create an Affordable Housing Renovation Grant Program. This Section establishes a program to improve by renovation existing affordable housing properties with requirements to maintain affordable housing rents for a minimum period of 10 years. Grants are limited to no more than $50,000. Attached is the most recent memo from the Village staff concerning Affordable Housing in the area. ec: Pramod Shah John Lockerby Page 1 of 1 VOSDOCS-#613751 -v1 -9_5_23_Corpo ratio n_Counsel_s_Report  Return to Corp Rpt Memorandum Community Development Department TO: John T. Lockerby, Village Manager FROM: Johanna Nyden, Community Development Director Justm Malone, Neighborhood & Housing Coordinator DATE: August 23, 2023 SUBJECT: Information and Data from Other Communities regarding Indusionary Housing Ordinances This memorandum summarizes approaches that several north and northwest communities have undertaken as well as associated data, including the adoption and implementation ofincluslonary housing ordinances. The communities and their respective affordable housing percentages according to the State of Illinois included in this memorandum are: Arlington Heights (19.1%), Deerfield (7.3%), Evanston (17.5%), Highland Park (9.3%), Lake Forest (5.3%), and Northbrook (5.7%). In addition, a summary of inclusionary housing ordinances by community is attached to this document. The State of Illinois adopted the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act in 2003. This Act established a formula for identifying municipalities in the state that have a low supply of housing that is considered affordable (housing affordable to homebuyers earning less than 80% of AMI and renters earning less than 60% of AMI). Communities with affordable housing supply below 10% are required to provide the State with an Affordable Housing Plan as to how to address increasing the supply of housing considered affordable by the State. Arlington Heights, IL Arlington Heights adopted its inclusionary housing policies in 2004 and most recently an inclusionary housing ordinance in 2020. According to the State of Illinois, Arlington Heights has 19.1 percent affordable housing. The current adopted ordinance requires: • 5% of all new residential (private) and 10% for newly built residential (public) to be made affordable at 80% AMI (for sale) and 60% AMI (for rent). • In the Downtown zoning district, only up to 2.5% of units can be met by fee-in-lieu payment. The remainder of required units must be built on site. • Approved fee-in-lleu payments are placed into an Affordable Housing Tmst Fund for development and preservation of attainable housing, including adaptive reuse and acquisition and disposition costs. Document Number: 611987  Return to Corp Rpt Figure 1 The Sigwalt 16 Development on W Sigwatt Street in Arlington Heights wit! include 16 units, 10 of which wilt be made affordable. Based on discussions with planners in Arlington Heights, several new developments are under consideration and will include affordable housing units: The Sigwalt, a 16-unit project is located in the Downtown area, between Highland Ave & Chestnut Ave. This luxury townhome development opted for the fee-in-lieu option instead of providing the required onsite affordable unit. Additionally, a new development on W Eastman in the downtown district (not pictured) will bring 140 Market Rate Units and 10 Affordable Units to the community, while contributing to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund via fee-in-Heu payments for the units they are not able to provide. Staff in Arlington Heights have stated that the developers they work with are now used to Inclusionary Housing Policies as many communities have adapted them. Since the adoption of Arlington Height's Inclusionary Housing policies, approximately 138 of the units built have been made affordable for residents. More information on Arlington Height's affordable housing ordinance can be found here: https://ldms.vah.com/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id-657230&dbid-0&repo=Village-of-Arlington- Heights Deerfield, IL Deerfield adopted its inclusionary housing ordinance in 2021. Based on the State of Illinois' last analysis, Deerfield had 7.3 percent of its housing considered affordable. The current ordinance requires: • Residential developments with 5 1 or more units are required to provide 10% affordable housing units, half of them being at 80% AMI and half of them being at 100% AMI. For developments with less than 50 units, between 0-3 affordable units are required at 100% AMI. • Deerfield currently does not allow for a fee-m-Heu option • Deerfield attributed the current rising costs of construction and supply chain issues as a cause for a delay on multiple projects that were approved Document Number: 611987  Return to Corp Rpt Based on discussions with planners in Deerfield, making the application process as easy as possible for developers is a way to alleviate concerns that may come up later on. Planners at Deerfield have Figure 2 The Zion Woods development at 10 Deerfield Road is a twenty-five unit workforce created an affordable housing project and will be built in partnership with Zion Woods Lutheran Church, Inclusionary Brinshore Development, and Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC). Housing Ordinance Worksheet to assist developers with understanding the affordable housing requirements related to their project. The worksheet has five parts and covers everything from what is required from the ordinance as well as flexibility, alternatives, and incentives for the developer. A recently approved project that was a long time in the making is the Zion Woods development at 10 Deerfield Road (photo above). This project shares a site with Zion Woods Lutheran Church and partners with local affordable housing developers Brinshore Development and Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC). Once completed, this twenty-five-un it workforce affordable housing project will provide a diversity of housing stock in Deerfield and provide homes for residents in the community with disabilities or those who qualify for affordable units. The project includes a mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom units to accommodate families and has been scaled to match the residential homes on adjacent properties. More information on Deerfield's Affordable Housing Requirements (Inclusionary Housing Policy) can be found here; https:.7\\vv\v.deerfield.i].us/168/AtTordable-HousinH and the Inclusionary Housing Worksheet can be found here: https://www.deerfield.il.us/DocumentCenter/View/3175/2021 -Affordable-Houslng-Summary- Worksheet Evanston, IL Evanston adopted its first inclusionary housing ordinance in 2007, and several updates were made in subsequent years to address changing market conditions. Based on the State of Illinois' last analysis, Evanston had 17.5 percent of its housing considered affordable. The latest update in 2018 requires: • 10% of the units for projects with 5 or more dwelling units, units for sale must be affordable to levels at 80% of AMI (rental); rental units must be affordable to levels at 60% of AMI Document Number: 611987  Return to Corp Rpt Fee-in-lieu payments are $150,000 in all ofEvanston and $175,000 in downtown districts. Figure 3 The Vogue apartment building on Main Street. Housing development in Evanston has continued following the adoption of the ordinance. Since its adoption in 2007, 1,800 units of residential housing have been developed that have included 107 housing units at various levels ofaffordability. Notable affordable housing developments with on-site components have included the Albion at 1500 Shennan. The 273-unit building has 15 units of affordable housing. When first considered for approval, the developers of the Albion proposed payment of the fee-in-lieu instead ofon-site units (at the time there was no on-slte unit requirement in Evanston for affordable units). Following significant community engagement that identified on-site as a preferable option, the developer was able to provide units on-site under the ordinance's "alternative equivalent". The Avidor at 1727 Oak Avenue also included on-site units; this is particularly notable because this is an age-restricted building (55+). The 68-unit multi-family rental building at 1555 Ridge, completed In 2022 includes three units of affordable housing. Presently under construction, the Vogue at 718 Main Street (photo above), the 152-unit rental building includes 12 units of affordable housing. More information on Evanston's Incluslonary Housing Policy and Procedures can be found here: https:; library.municode.com il.e\ an ston codes codc_ot ord inanccs?noclcId=TIT5H OR. FCH71 M 10 Highland Park, IL Highland Park adopted an inclusionary housing ordinance in 2002. Based on the State of Illinois' last analysis, Highland Park had 9.3 percent of its housing considered affordable. The current inclusionary housing ordinance states: • 20% of the units for projects with 5 or more dwelling units, units for sale are require that 50% of affordable units must be at 65% AMI, the rest at 100% AMI. For rental units, the required AMI is laid out as follows: 33% of affordable units must be at 0-50% AMI, 33% of affordable units must be at 51-80% AMI and no more than 33% of units shall be at 81-120% AMI. • Fee-in-Iieu was recently updated from $125,000 per unit to $184,000 per unit Document Number: 611987  Return to Corp Rpt Figure 4 The 161-unit Albion at Renaissance Place on Green Bay Road in Highland Park was approved in 2020 and offers 27 inclusionary units for households with incomes between 45-100% of the area median income. Since its adoption 12-15 housing developments have been constructed resulting in 100+ new affordable units. Based on the Village ofSkokie's discussions with planners in Highland Park, initial developments following the adoption of the IHO were from a single developer who was familiar with how an incluslonary ordinance functioned (Highland Park was an "early adopter" ofinclusionary housing). As time has passed and more communities have adopted IHO, developers came to work in the community when they see the amount of work that is available. Additionally, initial opposition from some residents came full circle when those who opposed the housing ended up wanting to move into these developments down the line. Based on the Village ofSkokie's discussion with developers who work in Highland Park, the requirement for on-site affordable housing have been in place for a long time, so it has not acted as a deterrent to development. Additionally the awareness by the development community and property owners has helped to correct any development challenges faced. Developers also stated that the flexibility for fee-in-lieu is helpful to complete the project when onsite is not always feasible. More information on Highland Park's affordable housing projects can be found here: https://librarv.municode.com/il/hi^hiand park/c odes/code of ordinances?nodeld=COOR \'\'VX VLAUS CH150ZOCO ARTXXIINIIO Lake Forest, IL Lake Forest adopted its inclusionary housing ordinance in 2005 and updated in 2010. Based on the State of Illinois' last analysis, Lake Forest had 5.3 percent of its housing considered affordable. The current ordinance requires: • New residential developments must designate 15% of their units as affordable (no less than 1 unit) at 80% AMI for units for sale and 60% AMI for units for rent. • Fee-in-lieu is not static, but is determined by City Council on a per project basis. • Fee-in-lieu is deposited directly into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund which is used to provide financial resources to address affordable housing needs within the city by promoting, preserving and producing long-term affordable housing; providing housing- related services; or providing support for not-for-profit organizations that actively address the affordable housing needs of residents within the community. Document Number: 611987  Return to Corp Rpt Figure 5 These recently approved senior cottages at the comer of Everett and Telegraph Roads will N^- * 'Lt;s=:-i::'~ '^s- .^:.';'- of fer twelve duplex-style homes for income- eligible seniors. -^-:17L E ;^~ - ^^ : In early 2023, Lake Forest a series <? ^^^\.^—'''~^L^:^~^^-_^'JS-.^^^- allowing for the construction of a -_^''-' !J L:jTl.:; • . i LM;'i -u )^-'i: dozen"senior < cottages" at the northwest corner ofEverett and Telegraph roads in a collaborative effort with the Community partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) and other senior citizen groups (photo above). The single-story cottages are designed in the form of six duplexes designed for senior citizens and include a single-car garage and covered porches and patios. Lake Forest has stated that providing housing options for senior citizens has always been a priority for the Housing Trust Fund Board but there are decreasing availability of housing for seniors in the area. The cottages will be for income" eligible residents and selection priority will be given to current Lake Forest residents making approximately 60% of the area's median income (approximately $44,000 annually). Senior citizen advocacy groups state that the waiting list for senior housing is sometimes up to 40 residents long, highlighting the need for this style of housing in the community. Lake Forest staff has stated that while this is their second development of affordable senior cottages in the city, the first has been successful in staying full and keeping long-term senior tenants. More information on Lake Forest's Affordable Housine Policv can be found here: https:/l.;cm^9files.revize.conT/C]t\oHakefoi-estil.;Document centei-/Ho\\%20Do%20I/Find'''Documcnts%20a nd%20AnDlicaTions/CutTent%20DoLicments./Af'fordab]e Housin" Plan 2010.ndf and here: hups:/.;'codel[brar\-,amle2al.com/codes/lakefbrest/latest/lakefoi-est il/0-0-0-14894 Northbrook, IL Northbrook adopted its inclusionary housing ordinance in late 2020. Based on the State of Illinois' last analysis, Northbrook had 5.7 percent of its housing considered affordable. The current ordinance requires: • 15% of residential developments with 6 or more units to be made affordable at different tiers: 33% of the affordable units must be at 50% AMI, 33% of the affordable units must be between 50-80% AMI, and 33% of the units must be between 80-100% AMI. • Fee-in-lieu is currently $125,000 per unit • The Affordable Housing Trust Fund is funded from multiple sources: private donations, fee-in-lleu payments, demolition tax Document Number: 611987  Return to Corp Rpt Figure 6 The recently approved mixed-use development at 1657Shermer Road will be built on the former Grainger industrial site, offering 318 units, 48 of which wilt be deemed affordable. Discussions with planners in Northbrook state that although the ordinance is relatively new, there have been a handful of development applications submitted that include on-site affordable units. One development that has been approved since the adoption of the ordinance is a townhome development at 175 Pointe Drive (not pictured). This development will have 35 townhomes, 5 of which will be designated as affordable. Staff in Northbrook have stated that the developers that have applied in Northbrook are not surprised or discouraged from doing projects when an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Is in place, as they seem to be used to it if they already work in the area. Staff also noted that although they are supportive of the Ordinance itself, they have been surprised at the popularity of the fee-in-Ueu alternative option instead of providing the units on site. Northbrook also recently adopted some policy regarding "internal" or "attached" accessory dwelling units (ADUs) through a special permit or conditional use. Staff has stated that it is important to have a thorough yet understandable policy that can explain the application process to prospective developers, while utilizing any available partnerships. Northbrook's Deputy Director of Development and Planning Services has stated that while Northbrook modeled many of their affordable housing policies after the city of Highland Park, it is important to create policy that is best for the individual community and works best for its residents. Northbrook staff reinforced that working with developers to understand the affordable housing process early in the development stages results in improved development outcomes and developer willingness to develop in Northbrook. More information on Northbrook's Inclusionary Housing Policy and Procedures can be found here: httDS://www.northbrook.il.us/DocumentCenter/View/5086/Northbrook-Inclusionarv- Policies-and-Procedures Y5 and here: httDs://librarv.municode.com/il/northbrook/codes/code of ordinances?node!d=CH19PLDE AR TVIIAFHOTRFU Document Number: 611 987  Return to Corp Rpt Potential Development in Skokie As has been shared during discussions regarding new development, staff has provided information the Village's ongoing consideration of inclusionary housing. Developers have started to include on-site affordable units in development scenarios. Notable in this work has been the approved project at 8610 Niles Center Road and its inclusion of 5% affordable units in its project. Other developers engaged in due diligence have indicated that they will be able to accommodate the Village's inclusionary housing policies, as contemplated and considered in the first reading of the proposed Inclusionary housing ordinance. The response to Skokie's incluslonary housing efforts has indicated developers are familiar with the application of inclusionary housing practices in Skokie. Developments approved since late fall 2022 have provided inclusionary units at varying levels ofaffordability in an effort to provide affordable units on-site. This includes the projects at 5400 Old Orchard Rd (294 units with 13 affordable units at households earning 100% of AMI) and 8047 Skokie Blvd (56 units with 3 affordable units at households earning 100% of AMI). Concurrently, since work has started to consider and adopt an inclusionary housing ordinance, several developers have incorporated Skokle's proposed Jnclusionary housing ordinance into preliminary development plans. The proposed townhome project at 4600 Main Street is seeking to comply by making a payment in lieu at $ 150,000 per unit while other potential development in Skokie in preliminary planning stages will include on-site units. One developer who recently considered a land assembly as a potential development was specifically interviewed about the pending adoption of an inclusionary housing ordinance, as well as if a developer would potentially be deterred from building a multi-family project in Skokie. This developer reflected that in their opinion, an inclusionary housing ordinance is not a "deal breaker", and that mixed-mcome neighborhoods and buildings are often healthier, but for them the economics of the project matter too. The expense of providing on-slte affordable housing will need to be accommodated in the development pro forma as well as the operating budget. This developer also mentioned that the possibility of a fee-in-lieu (or something similar with a sliding scale) is appreciated and offers flexibility so that the project can be brought to completion, however it will ultimately depend on what numbers it takes to make the project feasible. The developer reiterated that an inclusionary housing ordinance itself is not a deterrent to look into building in a community, but that the ordinance has options built into it so that the project can be completed. For example, the amount of required parking for a project is something that can make or break a project but if the inclusionary housing ordinance gives parking relief, that is one major break that developers find important. 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" ^ s ^ a^ s- I !! s %s 3^ ill T a- § p " ^="1 ii 5a' ^ s  Return to Corp Rpt MML: 5/15/2023 1s1 Reading 9/5/2023 2nd Reading THIS ORDINANCE MAY BE CITED AS VILLAGE ORDINANCE NUMBER 23-9-C- AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 46 AND 58 OF THE SKOKIE VILLAGE CODE PERTAINING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING 1 WHEREAS, the Village of Skokie (hereinafter "Village") as a home rule unit of local 2 government as provided by Article VII, Section 6 of the Illinois Constitution of 1970 has the 3 authority to exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and 4 affairs except as limited by Article VII, Section 6 of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and 5 WHEREAS, as a home rule unit, the Village's powers are construed liberally as held by 6 the Illinois Supreme Court in the case of Scadron v. City of Des Plaines, 153 lll.2d 164 (1992), 7 including to regulate and to promulgate rules and regulations that pertain to its government 8 affairs; and 9 10 WHEREAS, Chapter 46, of the Skokie Village Code contains various fees for Village n services, programs and policies and is the appropriate Chapter of the Skokie Village Code to 12 contain provisions concerning the payment of a "fee in lieu" into a Village fund with specific 13 purposes, as part of Affordable Housing; and 14 WHEREAS, Chapter 58, of the Skokie Village Code focuses on and addresses Human 15 Relations including requirements and procedures for housing practices and, therefore, is the 16 appropriate Chapter of the Skokie Village Code to contain provisions concerning Affordable 17 Housing; and 18 WHEREAS, the Village has a long and admirable history concerning open and fair 19 housing including being the first municipality in the State of Illinois to pass a Fair Housing 20 Ordinance and empowering its Human Relations Commission decades ago to aggressively 21 enforce its Fair Housing Ordinance through mediation and public hearings; and 22 WHEREAS, the Village has achieved nearly four times the leve! of affordable housing, 23 as required by the State of iliinois and defined and calculated by the Illinois Housing 24 Development Authority through organic housing trends, without affordable housing 25 regulations or imposition of requirements on new construction; and 26 WHEREAS, notwithstanding the aforementioned present level of affordable housing, 27 there is a continuing need to provide more affordable housing, for: those who have lived in 28 the Village and contributed to its success but are now on reduced or limited incomes as senior 29 residents, for those who work in the Village and for those who seek to come to live in the 30 Village for its opportunities; and Page 1 of 11 VOSDOCS-#610989v1 WIML  Return to Corp Rpt 1 WHEREAS, there is a continuing need to provide new or renovated and updated 2 affordable housing to ensure that those who obtain affordable housing in the Village live in 3 property that is safe and habitable and provides dignity for its occupants; and 4 5 WHEREAS, without establishing standards and requirements for affordable housing 6 in the Village there is reasonable concern that the quantity of affordable housing may be 7 diluted by other new housing construction and the trend toward increased housing prices may 8 result in an inadequate quantity of affordable housing; and 9 10 WHEREAS, there is also the need and interest in the Village to encourage and attract n new housing development because sufficient and varied housing in our community 12 strengthens the economic vitality of the Village; and 13 14 WHEREAS, the Village recognizes that providing affordable housing in our community 15 increases housing opportunities to maintain a diverse population, including but not limited to; 16 family friendly housing, multi-generational housing, senior housing and accessibility; and 17 18 WHEREAS, the Village Plan Commission, as directed by the Village Board, undertook 19 to develop affordable housing recommendations and held a listening session on January 19, 20 2023 for recommendations from local and regional organizations, held two (2) Public 21 Hearings (February 2, 2023 and March 2, 2023) to discuss possible affordable housing 22 recommendations and held a meeting on March 16, 2023 to approve draft goals to present 23 to the Village Board to enable it to establish new affordable housing policies and Village Code 24 provisions; and 25 26 WHEREAS, on April 17, 2023 the Plan Commission Report entitled "Affordable 27 Housing Policy Discussion" was presented to the Village Board at its regular public meeting 28 by the Plan Commission Chair and thereafter, on May 15, 2023, the Village Board at its duly 29 held regular public meeting, further discussed the Village Plan Commission's Report; and 30 31 WHEREAS, the Mayor and Board of Trustees at the public meeting duly held on May 32 15, 2023, voted to concur in part with the aforesaid recommendation of the Skokie Plan 33 Commission; and 34 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the 35 Village of Skokie, Cook County, Illinois; 36 Section 1: That Chapter 56 of the Skokie Village Code be and the same is hereby 37 amended in the manner hereinafter indicated. The new material is highlighted In bold. 3s Chapter 58 - HUMAN RELATIONS AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING 39 ARTICLE 1. - IN GENERAL... 40 ARTICLE III. » AFFORDABLE HOUSING Page 2 of 11 VOSDOCS-#610989v1 MML  Return to Corp Rpt 1 Sec. 58-39. Intent and Purpose. 2 This Article shall promote the public health, safety and welfare of existing and future 3 residents of the Village by requiring certain residential developments or mixed-use 4 developments which contain a residential component to incorporate a specified 5 percentage of dwelling units to qualifying as Affordable Housing. 6 See. 58-40. DEFINITIONS 7 8 A. Definitions. 9 to - Affordable Housing. Housing that is affordable for targeted households n identified in this Article. "Affordable Housing" is divided Into tiers based on 12 availability to households at distinct income levels. 13 14 - Affordable Housing Compliance Plan. A plan submitted by a developer or 15 owner of a Governed Development describing how a development shall is comply with the requirements of this Article. 17 is - Affordable Housing Fund. A fund to be established by the Village, pursuant 19 to Section 58-53 of this Article. 20 21 - Affordable Housing Unit. A dwelling unit that meets the criteria for affordable 22 housing. 23 24 - Affordable Owner Occupied Units. Affordable housing units marketed and 25 offered for sale to eligible households subject to an affordable unit covenant. 26 27 - Affordable Rental Units. Affordable housing units marketed and offered for 28 rent to eligible households subject to standard lease terms. 29 30 - Area Median income (AMI). The median income level for the Chicago- 31 Naperville-Etgin, IL-IN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area, as established and 32 defined in the annual schedule published by the Secretary of Housing and 33 Urban Development, and adjusted for household size. 34 35 - Certificate of Qualification. A certificate establishing a qualified household's 36 eligibility to purchase or lease an affordable dwelling unit based on income 37 eligibility using income and asset limits, in accordance with the Village's 38 policies and procedures. 39 40 - Consumer Price Index (CPI). Consumer price index for the Chicago" 41 Naperville-Elgin area as published annually by the U.S. Department of Labor, 42 Bureau of Labor Statistics. 43 44 - Conversion. A change in a residential or mixed-use rental development, 45 including Office condominiums, to individual-owner residential 46 condominium units. Page 3 of 11 VOSDOCS-#610989v1 MML  Return to Corp Rpt 1 2 - Developer. The party responsible for obtaining approvals from the Village, 3 including zoning, subdivision, and building permit approvals, fora Governed 4 Development. 5 6 - Eligible Household. For purposes of this Article, a household with an annual 7 income less than 60% and 80%, respectively, of the Area Median Income 8 (AMI). 9 10 - Governed Development. Any residential or mixed-use development with a n residential component that is required to provide affordable housing units 12 under provisions of this Article. Projects at one location undertaken In 13 phases, stages or otherwise developed in distinct parts shall be considered 14 a single Governed Development. 15 16 - Housing Expenses. 17 a) For affordable rental units " rent and utilities; and is b) For Affordable Owner Occupied Units - principal and interest of any 19 mortgages placed on the unit, property taxes, condominium or homeowner's 20 association fees, if applicable, and insurance. 21 22 " Maximum Resale Price. The maximum price, at which an owner-occupied 23 affordable unit may be sold to another eligible household, based on a 24 valuation formula incorporating appraisal data, a maximum appreciation 25 factor, and allowances for capital improvements, all as set forth in a 26 schedule to be published by the Village on an annual basis. 27 28 - Market Rate Housing Units. AU owner-occupied or rental dwelling units in a 29 Governed Development that are not classified as affordable housing units. 30 31 - Nursing Facilities. This means either a Skilled nursing facility or an Assisted" 32 living facility as defined in Section 118-32 of the Code. 33 34 See. 58-41. Administration. 35 36 The provisions of this Article shall be administered by the Village Manager, or 37 designee. 38 39 See. 58-42. Applicability. 40 41 A. General. The provisions of this Article shall apply to all developments that 42 result in the addition of or contain 11 or more residential dwelling units. 43 Developments subject to the provisions of this Article shall be deemed 44 Governed Developments and shall include, but are not limited to, the following: 45 46 1. A development that is new residential construction or new mixed-use 47 construction with a residential component. 48 Page 4 of 11 VOSDOCS-#610989v1 MML  Return to Corp Rpt 1 2. A development that is the renovation or reconstruction of an existing 2 multiple family residential building that increases the number of 3 residential dwelling units from the number of dwelling units in the original 4 structure. 5 6 3. A development that shall change the use of an existing building from 7 non-residential to residential or that will change the class of residential 8 use from single family to multi-family. 9 io 4. A development that includes the conversion of rental property to n private ownership of individual dwelling units. 12 13 5. An existing Governed Development that engages in a substantial 14 renovation or remodel where the scope of the work requires the 1 s relocation of tenants or permanent end of tenancy for the tenants or when ie more than 30% of the units in the development are undergoing the 17 renovation or remodel at one time. 18 19 B. Development on Multiple Parcels. For purposes of this Article, a development 20 that is constructed across multiple adjacent parcels under common ownership 21 shal! be considered a single development. 22 23 C. Excluded Developments. The requirements of this Article shall not apply to 24 the following housing types: 25 26 1. The reconstruction of an individual dwelling unit that is rebuilt; 27 28 2. A non-residential development; 29 30 3. Assisted living facilities; and 31 32 4. Nursing facilities. 33 34 See. 58-43. Affordable Housing Requirement for Governed Developments 35 36 A. Calculation of Required Affordable Units. The developer of a Governed 37 Development must satisfy the requirements of this Article by providing 38 affordable housing units within the physical envelope of the development, in the 39 amounts to be calculated is as follows, unless an exception or alternative is 40 approved by the Mayor and Board of Trustees: 41 42 1. Tiered Requirement. 43 a. For projects with 11 to 150 total dwelling units in a Governed 44 Development, 5% shaU be marketed, offered, and maintained as 45 affordable housing units. 46 b. For projects with more than 150 total dwelling units in a Governed 47 Development, 10% shall be marketed, offered, and maintained as 48 affordable housing units. Page 5 of 11 VOSDOCS-#610989v1 MML  Return to Corp Rpt 1 c. For all projects, half the required affordable housing units shall be 2 for applicants with no more than 60% of AMI and half shall be for 3 applicants with no more than 80% of AMI. 4 d. When the total number of on-site units is an odd number, 5 applicants shall select which affordable level the additional unit 6 shall be. 7 s 2. Fractional Units. When the application of the percentages specified 9 above results in a number of required affordable housing units that 10 includes a fraction, the fraction shall be rounded up to the next whole n number if the fraction is greater than 0.5. If the result includes a fraction 12 equal to or less than 0.5, the developer shall have the option of founding 13 up to the next whole number and providing the affordable housing units 14 on-site, or providing the Village with a payment-in-lieu of providing an 15 additional affordable housing unit for that one additional unit. 16 17 B. Payment-in-Lieu of Providing Affordable Units. 18 19 1. A developer may make a cash payment-in-lieu of constructing some or 20 all of the required affordable housing units otherwise required to be 21 constructed pursuant to this Article, but only if the Mayor and Board of 22 Trustees approves such payment as part of a Site Plan Approval or 23 Planned Unit Development. 24 25 2. Required Payment-in-Lieu fee. For Governed Developments permitted 26 to satisfy their affordable housing requirement through a payment-in- 27 lieu, the amount due to the Village shall be pursuant to Section 46-140 of 28 the Code. 29 so 3. Timing of Payment. A developer shall be required to submit the 31 permitted payment-in-lieu for a Governed Development prior to the 32 issuance of any building permits for the Governed Development. In the 33 event that a Governed Development is being constructed in phases, the 34 developer shall only be required to submit a portion of the payment-in- 35 lieu corresponding to the proportion of that phase. 36 37 4. Governed Developments with 100 residential units or more, shall not 38 be eligible to pay the Payment-in-Lieu alternative. 39 40 Sec.58-44. Location and Design Attributes of Affordable Housing Units. 41 42 Affordable housing units in a Governed Development must comply with the following 43 standards, unless granted an exception by the Village Board as part of the affordable 44 housing compliance plan. 45 46 A. Location of Affordable Housing Units. Affordable housing units must 47 be dispersed among the market rate housing units throughout the Page 6 of 11 VOSDOCS-#610989v1 MML  Return to Corp Rpt 1 Governed Development and not clustered together or segregated from 2 market rate housing. 3 4 B. Size of Units. Affordable housing unit size must be generally 5 representative of and correspond to the size of the market rate housing 6 units within the Governed Development. 7 8 C. Phasing of Construction. In a Governed Development to be 9 constructed in multiple phases, each phase of the development must io include a number of affordable housing units proportional to the fraction n that the phase consists of the entire Governed Development. 12 Construction of affordable housing units may not be delayed or grouped 13 into later phases of a Governed Development. 14 15 D. Exterior Appearance. The exterior appearance of affordable housing 16 units in any Governed Development must be visually compatible with the 17 market rate housing units in the Governed Development. External is building materials and finishes must be substantially the same in type 19 and quality for affordable housing units as for market rate housing units. 20 Affordable housing units shall be indiscernible from market rate housing 21 units from when viewed from interior corridors and other common areas. 22 23 E. Mix of Bedroom Types of Affordable Housing Units. The bedroom mix 24 of affordable housing units must be in equal proportion to the bedroom 25 mix of the market rate housing units within the Governed Development. 26 27 F. Amenities. Affordable housing units must have similar access to 28 common areas, facilities, and services as that enjoyed by comparable 29 market rate housing units in a Governed Development including but not 30 limited to outdoor spaces, amenity spaces, storage, parking, bicycle 31 parking facilities, and resident services. 32 33 G. Mixed Occupancy Developments. If a Governed Development includes 34 both rental housing units and owner occupied units, the ratio of 35 affordable rental to affordable owner occupied units marketed and 36 offered must be equal to the ratio of rental to owner occupied market rate 37 housing units marketed and offered in the Governed Development. 38 39 See. 58-45. Period ofAffordability. 40 41 For both Affordable Owner Occupied Units and Lease of Affordable Rental Units 42 the period of affordability shall be 40 years, to commence at the time of six (6) months 43 subsequent to the Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Village. The developer or 44 owner shall execute and record any agreements, covenants, or instruments required 45 by this Part to ensure compliance with this section. 46 47 See. 58-46. Reserved for Affordability Controls for Affordable Owner Occupied Units. 48 49 Page 7 of 11 VOSDOCS-#610989v1 MML  Return to Corp Rpt 1 Sec. 58-47. Affordability Controls For Affordable Rental Units. 2 3 A. Rental Rates for Affordable Rental Units. Permitted housing expenses for affordable 4 rental units shall be set according to a schedule published by the Village annually and 5 calculated on the basis of: 6 7 1. Housing expenses at or below thirty one percent (31%) of the designated 8 eligible income tiers set forth In Section 58-43, with a household size 9 corresponding to the size of the unit. 10 11 2. If the most recent edition of HUD's reporting indicates a lower area median 12 income than the previous edition, the maximum housing expenses shall be 13 adjusted accordingly. 14 15 3. The following relationship between unit size and household size shall be used 16 to determine the appropriate income level at which affordable housing expenses 17 are calculated: 18 Income Level Unit Size for Household Size Efficiency 1 Person 1 Bedroom 2 Persons 2 Bedrooms 3 Persons 3 Bedrooms 4 Persons 4 Bedrooms 7 Persons 19 20 B. Lease Term. No affordable rental unit may be initially leased for a period of less than 21 12 months. All leases must be written and, in a form, approved by the Village. Renewal 22 leases may be less than 12 months based on mutual agreement between the developer 23 and tenant Final lease agreements are the responsibility of the developer and the 24 prospective tenant. Tenants are responsible for application fees, security deposits and 25 the full amount of the rent as stated on the lease. All lease provisions shall comply 26 with applicable laws and regulations. The developer shall maintain copies of all leases 27 entered into with a certified household (including an income certification) and 28 distribute a copy to the Village or its designated not-for-profit partner organization. 29 30 C. Rental Compliance. The developer, or its designee, shall submit an annual 31 compliance report describing each affordable unit in detail including but not limited to 32 changes in tenancy, turnovers, and income certifications for all new tenants upon 33 request of the Village Manager. 34 35 Sec. 58-48. Affordable Housing Compliance Plans - Review And Approval Process. 36 37 A. Application. For all Governed Development projects, the developer shall file an 38 application for approval of the project's plan to comply with this Article on a form 39 provided and required by the Village Manager or designee. 40 41 Sec. 58-49. Reserved - Reduced Parking Requirement For Qualifying Developments. Page 8 of 11 VOSDOCS-#610989v1 MML  Return to Corp Rpt 1 2 Section 2: That Chapter 46 of the Skokie Village Code be and the same is hereby 3 amended in the manner hereinafter indicated. The new material is highlighted in bold. 4 5 Chapter 46 FEES FOR LICENSES. SERVICES AND PERMITS 6 7 8 9 ARTICLE IV. - BUILDING PERMITS AND RELATED FEES 10 11 12 13 Sec. 46-140. - Affordable Housing Unit - Fee-ln-Ueu. 14 The fee in lieu of for Affordable Housing Units pursuant to Section 58-43 B. is 15 $150,000 per Affordable Housing Unit 16 Section 3: That an Affordable Housing Renovation Grant program shall be 17 established under the direction of the Village Manager or designee. General provisions of the is program shall be as follows: 19 20 A. Pyrpose, 21 22 The Purpose and intent of the Affordable Housing Renovation Grant Program shall be to 23 encourage and foster the renovation rental properties consisting of two (2) to four (4) unit 24 buildings in Skokie that qualify as Affordable Housing. The focus shall be on the older housing 25 stock that have not been recently improved, which the receipt of grant funds would advance 26 the livabiHty and safety of the property with renovation. The provisions of this Affordable 27 Housing Renovation Grant Article shall be administered by the Village Manager or designee. 28 29 B. Administration. 30 31 The Village Manager or designee shall promulgate rules, regulations and forms for the 32 Affordable Housing Renovation Grant Program and will administer the program. 33 34 C. Property and Owner(s) Elifljbilitv. 35 36 1. Properties eligible for funding under the Affordable Housing Renovation 37 Grant Program shall be existing properties in the Village of Skokie which 38 have satisfied the State of Illinois definition for Affordable Housing for at 39 least 3 consecutive years including the year of application for Affordable 40 Housing Renovation Grant funds. Additionally, a property must be at least 41 a two (2) unit rental building and no more than a four (4) unit rental building 42 and the property owner or family member cannot be a resident, occupant 43 or tenant in the property at any time during the Term of the Affordable 44 Housing Renovation Grant. 45 Page 9 of 11 VOSDOCS-#610989v1 MML  Return to Corp Rpt 1 2. Eligible property owners shall own not more than three (3) qualifying renta! 2 properties in the Village of Skokie. 3 4 D. ApplicatiQns, 5 6 The owner(s) in title to a prospective property shall submit an application and any additional 7 documents required by the VIHage Manager or designee, pursuant to the published rules and 8 regulations of the Affordable Housing Renovation Grant Program. Documents to be included 9 with the application may include but not limited to; io 1. A statement of the scope of work, n 2. Proposals from 3 licensed contractors for the contemplated work, who have 12 previously performed work in the Village of Skokie, and 13 3. A fully executed agreement with the selected contractor, shall be tendered prior to 14 the commencement of any construction, demolition or renovation or any material 15 change to the structure or prior to the issuance of any required permits, in order to 16 qualify for an Affordable Housing Renovation Grant. 17 is E. Grant AgreementtobeRecorded, 19 20 Applicants) shall be required to execute and submit documents which shall be recorded 21 against the property for which the grant funds are to be used, requiring that aii units in subject 22 property shall be rented to households with a qualifying household income at or be!ow 80% 23 of the area median income ("AMI") and paying an affordable rent as published annually by 24 the Niinois Housing Development Authority ("IHDA") with an allowance for increases in real 25 estate taxes. 26 27 F. Source and Limit of Grant Funds: 28 Affordable Housing Renovation Grant funds shall be allocated from the In-Lieu Fund of the 29 Village accumulated from new development payments. Funds allocated for an Affordable 30 Housing Renovation Grant shall be released property owner after the contracted work is 31 completed and inspected by the Village. Any Affordable Housing Renovation Grant shall be 32 limited to no more than $50,000. 33 34 G. Term of Affordable Housinfl Renoyation Grant. 35 All Affordable Housing Renovation Grants shall require that the affordable housing rent 36 remain in place for a minimum of 10 years from the date of the first payment of Affordable 37 Housing Renovation Grant money. The Affordable Housing Renovation Grant runs with the 38 property and is not based on ownership. New property owners shall be required to maintain 39 the existing Affordable Housing rent as established under the Affordable Housing Renovation 40 Grant. 41 42 Page 10 of 11 VOSDOCS-#610989v1 IVIML  Return to Corp Rpt Section 4: That this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication in pamphlet form as provided by law. ADOPTED this day of September, 2023. Ayes: Nays: Village Clerk Absent: Attested and filed in my office Approved by me this day of This th day of September, 2023; September, 2023. and published in pamphlet form according to law from September th, 2023 to September th, 2023. Mayor, Village of Skokie Village Clerk Page 11 of 11 VOSDOCS-#610989v1 MML