IDA Chicago Chapter Presents to Metropolitan Mayors Caucus

Recently, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC) invited the Chicago Chapter of Dark Sky International to present to MMC’s Environmental Committee. Representatives from the Village of Homer Glen and the Village of Westmont also presented. After the presentation, MMC included in its Newsletter: “Dark Skies, Bright Ideas from Communities” (see article below). The Newsletter went to all 275 mayors and managers in the MMC seven-county region.

“Our recent Environmental Committee on dark skies featured interesting presentations from Dark Sky International experts, and the discussion really resonated with our Committee,” said City of Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, Environmental and Energy Committee Chair and Immediate Past Executive Board Chair. “Through the Greenest Region Compact, we encourage local governments to adopt policies that help preserve dark skies. At the meeting, municipalities explored ways to lead by example and encourage residents and businesses to cut down on unnecessary light pollution. By making thoughtful changes, we can improve community well-being, protect wildlife, and boost energy efficiency across our region.”

Village of Homer Glen was the first Illinois municipality to achieve certification as a Dark Sky International Municipality. Village of Westmost has funded a grant program that encourages residents and businesses to be more dark sky friendly. Thank you to the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus for the invitation to present and for its invitation to its 275 member municipalities to adopt policies to help preserve darker skies!

Excerpt from the MMC Newsletter:

Environment Committee Covers Dark Skies, Bright Ideas From Communities

This month, our Environment Committee meetng focused on dark skies. Unnecessarily bright lights at night can be more than just an annoyance if they are shining into your home; light pollution is a problem that can cause sleep disruption and affect biological processes for both humans and animals. Excessive lighting also wastes energy, when compared with more targeted lighting, such as dimmable or motion-sensor lighting.

Our Committee heard what communiEes are doing to combat excessive light pollution and lead by example. The Village of Homer Glen discussed how it became Illinois’ First International Dark Sky Community and shared the Village's lighting ordinance. The Village of Westmont went over a Dark Sky Grant Program it implemented to incentivize residents and businesses to reduce unnecessary light pollution.

At our Committee meeting page, you can view the meeting materials, recording, and other resources, such as guidance on issuing a proclamation for International Dark Sky Week on April 21-28, 2025.