Geneva 1 Of 12 IL Chicago-Area Towns Deemed 'EV Ready Community'

GENEVA, IL — Geneva has been recognized as an "EV Ready Community" by ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.

The company and organization awarded Geneva the bronze-level designation under the EV Readiness Program, which helps local governments develop permitting for EV charging infrastructure and implement plans that engage residents to ensure safe integration of zero-emission vehicles, according to a news release.

Geneva earned the designation by updating zoning codes to support new charging infrastructure, providing clear guidelines about permitting, aligning the permitting and inspection processes with state and national standards, and training first responders on incidents involving electric cars. The city also created online resources to inform residents and businesses on the topic.

The Kane County city is one of 12 Chicago-area communities that recently completed the program. The honorees were recognized at an event held Dec. 7 at PowerFoward DuPage in Warrenville.

"Urban or rural, big or small — diverse communities are demonstrating that they have what it takes to be EV ready," Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns said in a statement. "Working in partnership with ComEd, the EV Readiness Program is guiding municipalities to craft smart and effective local policies that will promote seamless and equitable integration across our region."

Burns also serves as chairman for the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Executive Board and Environment Committee/Energy Subcommittee chairman.

In 2022, Geneva was named a bronze-level SolSmart community for encouraging the growth of solar energy.

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