Public Accountability Report

Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security’s major accomplishments

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is the lead coordinating agency for all emergencies and disasters in the State of Illinois and its primary responsibility is to better prepare the state for natural, manmade or technological disasters, hazards, or acts of terrorism.

• Fiscal: During fiscal year 2024, the agency oversaw $962 million in spending, of which $26.8 million was for the work tied to the agency’s disaster response / recovery and approximately $838 million was for the pass through of Federal Grant monies to state, local and non-profit entities.  The agency recouped $38.1 million of its disaster expenses through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grants Program. 
• Logistics while COVID-19 is no longer top of mind for many, there are still at-risk populations across the State including VA Homes and schools where there are still elevated risks.  To this end, we shipped out more than 1.1 million Covid tests statewide this year. We also shipped 4.1 million pieces of PPE throughout the State as well.
• Emergency Response: Operations has been involved with natural and national events throughout the year including severe weather and disasters with extended deployments in multiple counties including Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Winnebago, and Will.
• Recovery: The Recovery Division is fully committed to the statewide recovery initiatives, focusing on Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation. By working together, we aim to strengthen Whole-Community Resilience as we navigate these challenges. With stronger and more frequent disasters, our goal is to provide a more effective recovery process for state and local jurisdictions, as well as individuals impacted by these events.
• Statewide Communications Interoperability: The updated Illinois Statewide Tactical Interoperability Communication Plan and Field Operation Guide are working well as agencies tested and exercised the procedures through a full-scale deployment for the Democratic National Conference in Chicago. This successful deployment showcased the state’s continued commitment to improving emergency communications interoperability and supporting the public safety practitioners throughout the State including all current requirements with the DHS grant guidelines.
• Combating School Violence: In partnership with the Illinois State Police, Safe2Help Illinois is a free, confidential platform for all K-12 students, including a 24-hour helpline encouraging the reporting of bullying, suicide risks, or threats of school violence.
• Office of Nuclear Safety: Developed Mission Ready Packages to enhance interstate mutual aid for radiological and nuclear emergency response, focusing on field monitoring, sampling, and reception center support under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Joined the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), an organization dedicated to strengthening laboratory systems that protect public health in the U.S. and internationally. Additionally, the office was selected to participate in the APHL Radiochemistry Exchange Program, gaining access to specialized training opportunities.
• Homeland Security: Released a new strategy called Vision 2028 which focuses on prevention, education, inclusivity, and collaboration to foster resilience and safety.
• Grants Administration: Managed approximately $368 million in state and federal grants to support emergency response, faith-based and nonprofit organizations, cybersecurity, infrastructure improvements, and major events like the 2024 Democratic/Republican National Conventions.
• Joint Information Center (JIC): Activated for several emergency incidents in response to statewide disasters and National Special Security Events for critical messaging/information in disaster response and recovery.