Grant Projects
The City of Mendota is committed to the revitalization of Mendota as well as improving services and facilities for quality living. The city has hired staff to assist with writing and managing grants to reduce the burden of these cost on the tax payers when possible.
Grant Project Staff
Annie Short, Project Director
Maria Arteaga, Project Coordinator
Current Grants
Partnership for Success (PFS)
Received in the fall of 2023, this is a 5-year grant to help prevent youth drug use and support positive youth activities. This grant is provided by Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA). This grant is served under Live Well Mendota.
EPA Brownfields
To demolish buildings on 800 block of Illinois Avenue and to clean-up property at 801 Illinois Avenue.
Updates:
Buildings were demolished in March 2026.
Plans have been sent to EPA and is expected to take approximately 8 -12 months for approval.
Once plans are approved, clean-up will take place which could take another six months.
OSLAD (Open Space Land Acquisition and Development)
To upgrade Strouss Park including a practice field, pavilion, and playground.
Updates:
Design is complete. Due to the busy schedule of baseball/softball games, almost all work will start in August 2026.
IL Downtown Economic Development
To refurbish building at 704 Illinois Avenue.
Updates:
Final architecture designs for building to include downtown event space and upstairs co-working space.
Bid has been awarded to H&H builders.
Work is to begin June 2026.
IL Transportation Expansion Project
To establish a 1.9 mile bike path from the Train Depot to Lake Mendota/Kakusha
Updates:
Bid has been awarded to WT Group.
Waiting for contract approval from IDOT.
Past Grants
IL Humanities Grant
The Mendota Historical Society and Museum received a grant to document, record, and create a video showcasing the migration stories of five individuals who first moved to Mendota in the 60s and 70s from the same small town in Mexico and now call Mendota home. To watch the full video, click HERE.
Safe Routes to School (Infrastructure)
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS - Infrastructure) grant received in 2024 provided funding for sidewalks around Lincoln School.
Safe Routes to School (Non-Infrastructure)
The Safe Routes to School (Non-Infrastructure) provided funding to contract an Engineer Design company to collect data, conduct walking audits, and create a comprehensive sidewalk plan around each of the six schools in Mendota. The comprehensive plan can be downloaded here.
Citizen Institute Rural Design (CIRD)
The City of Mendota is one of 18 communities chosen to be a part of a cohort of cities working on a design project. Members learn how to think about design for revitalization.
Community Heart and Soul (CH&S)
In partnership with Reimagine Mendota, residents were asked what they like and want for Mendota. With the results, value statements were developed which will be used to guide future decisions and development. For more information visit www.reimaginemendota.org