Chicago Smart Lighting Program - Assembly

This program is also paramount to a city of Chicago’s experience including improving safety both for the pedestrians and vehicles while enhancing tourism and reducing the carbon footprint. The program improves efficiency, maintenance and reduces greenhouse emissions without reduced waste. More than half the lights were assembled by Chicago residents at The Will Group’s K-Town Business Centre.

Community Impact & Fair Chance Hiring Initiative

We believe that everyone should have an opportunity, especially right here in Chicago. Often times individuals are overlooked when all they really need is an opportunity.

That second chance gives our employees a sense of pride when they see the lights they have assembled in throughout the city.

“It gives me a sense of security, knowing I have somewhere to go every morning. This job means a lot to me. It gave me an opportunity to work and to learn when no other doors were opening.”
– Will Group Employee, who had been out of work for 18 months.

Contract Size: 6 Years, $50,000,000.00

The Benefits to The Client

• Significant environmental and financial benefits, cutting energy usage and electric costs by more than half.
• In 2021, the City reduced its energy bill for streetlights by more than half, registering savings of $8.7 million.
• With energy prices on the rise, the City projects $100 million in savings over the first ten years.
• The City has received almost $34 million in rebates from the utility ComEd for swapping inefficient HPS fixtures for energy-efficient LED streetlights.

Jobs Created

Made in Chicago. By Chicagoans. For Chicagoans. ~40 jobs created:

• Assemblers
• Coordinators
• Project Specialists
• Inspectors
• Supervisors
• Directors
• Etc.

Timeline: 2017-2023