On January 19, the Conference presented its 2011 Legislative Priorities to DuPage area legislators at the Legislative Reception and Dinner. Thank you to Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno, Sen. Thomas Johnson, Sen. Ron Sandack, Rep. Linda Chapa La Via, Rep. Michael Connelly, Rep. Michael Fortner, Rep. Chris Nybo, and Rep. Darlene Senger for participating in the discussion of these important issues. The Legislative Action Program, which outlines the Conference's priorities, principles and position statements, is available on the DMMC website.

The next Conference Business Meeting will be Wednesday, February 16, at the St. Andrews Golf and Country Club, West Chicago. The format of this meeting will be Early Start/No Dinner, which means the reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the business meeting will start at 6:00 p.m. Hors d'oeuvres will be served and there will be a cash bar. Registration is required. Please contact Kim Sumner, Member Services and Communications Manager, with any questions.

Congratulations to the city of St. Charles for receiving the "Public Works Project of the Year" award from the American Public Works Association (APWA). The award was for the St. Charles Municipal Center River Wall and Plaza project in the Historic Restoration/Preservation category for projects less than $5 million.

In January, NLC's leadership responded to reports that federal funding for local programs like the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program might be at risk by making it a top legislative priority for the National League of Cities in 2011. This marks the fourth time in six years that protecting the program has risen to the top of NLC's annual legislative agenda. To help set the record straight on CDBG with Congress and the Administration, NLC is collecting examples of how city officials have invested CDBG funds to make a difference in their communities. To support this effort, local officials are encouraged to send their CDBG stories, with photographs of the project, to NLC at wallace@nlc.org. In addition, as cities celebrate achievements that have been accomplished with the support of CDBG funds, they should be sure to share the good news with their congressional delegation and HUD.

DuPage County adopted a Stormwater and Floodplain Ordinance in 1992 and has since amended it 11 times. The County is currently re-evaluating the Ordinance to update it and ensure that it better complies with changes in the development and regulatory landscape. The update also seeks to review and optimize the stormwater management requirements to remain competitive while preserving a high standard of flood control and environmental protection for communities in DuPage County. The public comment period for the revised ordinance is open through March 4, 2011. Visit http://ec.dupageco.org/StormWaterUpdate/ for more information. For more details on the Conference's review process, contact Tam Kutzmark, Transportation and Planning Director.

The DuPage Homeownership Center (DHOC) reminds municipalities of its services for DuPage residents. DHOC is a non-profit, HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Borrowers who are behind on their mortgages can be referred to DHOC for assistance. In addition, they are collaborating with the County on a new program called Counselor in Court. This program allows housing counselors to be present as a resource in Foreclosure Court to meet with homeowners in danger of losing their homes. For more information on DHOC or their programs, visit www.dhoc.org or call (630) 260-2500