Aurora Secures $2 Million Grant to Upgrade Rental HVAC Systems

URGENT UPDATE: The city of Aurora, Illinois, has just secured a $2 million state grant aimed at enhancing heating and air conditioning systems in low- to moderate-income rental units. This groundbreaking initiative, expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026, marks a significant step in preserving affordable housing for residents.

Chris Ragona, Aurora’s Director of Community Services, emphasized the pressing need for energy-efficient HVAC systems to alleviate the burden of rising utility costs. “Utility bills significantly impact whether housing remains affordable,” Ragona stated, highlighting that these upgrades will ultimately lower tenants’ overall housing expenses.

The grant, funded through federal pandemic relief from the Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus, opens the door for landlords to apply for financial assistance to replace outdated HVAC systems. This program is particularly vital as it targets city-licensed landlords with properties that house at least half low- to moderate-income tenants.

Under the new guidelines, landlords will be responsible for applying for the grant, which will support partial or full HVAC system replacements, including necessary electrical or plumbing work. The program aims to benefit approximately 100 to 150 rental units within the city.

Ragona noted that eligibility criteria are currently being finalized, with a focus on assisting families. For context, a qualifying family of four could earn up to $95,000 a year. The city plans to conduct an educational campaign to inform both landlords and tenants about the program’s benefits and application process.

While the exact method of grant distribution remains undecided, Ragona mentioned the possibility of a lottery system, similar to the successful approach used in the city’s past small business assistance program. This strategy aims to ensure equitable access for all landlords, regardless of their familiarity with technology or application processes.

“This should be a win-win for everybody,” Ragona stated, emphasizing the dual benefits for both landlords and tenants. With landlords receiving upgraded HVAC components and tenants enjoying improved living conditions and lower utility bills, the program seeks to enhance the quality of life for many within the community.

The Aurora City Council’s decision to pursue this grant was made approximately a year ago, and the recent acceptance of the application is a pivotal moment for affordable housing in the area. As the city moves forward with program development, residents and landlords alike eagerly anticipate the positive changes ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates as Aurora prepares to roll out this significant initiative aimed at improving housing conditions for its residents.