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Check out resources to improve accessibility in your community
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) has launched a program to help communities in northeastern Illinois improve accessibility for their residents and visitors with disabilities.
A new CMAP webpage provides communities and partners with essential information about improving accessibility and complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and advance notice of upcoming CMAP trainings and other information.
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CMAP Board discusses ON TO 2050 updates and reimagining regional transportation
This week, the CMAP Board met for its first in-person meeting in more than two years and discussed updates to the ON TO 2050 plan and Mobility Recovery. Here are some highlights:
- The federally required ON TO 2050 update charts progress toward our goals, celebrates implementation successes over the last four years, and provides analysis on important changes in our forecasted population, transportation investments, and funding resources. Stay tuned for the published update in mid-October!
- CMAP received more than 500 comments from local governments, advocates, and the public on the ON TO 2050 update. The key themes we heard included: roadway expansion projects impact on climate change efforts, improving safety and accessibility for vulnerable travelers, supporting non-single occupancy vehicle modes (e.g., walking, biking, and transit), and rural land preservation.
- Mobility Recovery is a regional plan to overcome challenges in northeastern Illinois’ transportation system following the COVID-19 pandemic. This project will develop a strategy with possible solutions like new revenues for transit, faster and more reliable regional bus service, and a more integrated and affordable transit system.
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Regional leaders talk infrastructure act and new funding opportunities
CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman led a discussion this week about the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and what the law’s new funding opportunities mean for travel in northeastern Illinois.
Aleman moderated a panel discussion hosted by WTS Greater Chicago. Representatives from major transportation agencies shared insights on how they’re planning for infrastructure funding. Panelists came from the Federal Highway Administration, Illinois Department of Transportation, Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, Chicago Department of Transportation, and Pace Suburban Bus.
At CMAP, we’ve been busy convening our partners to build regional consensus around the infrastructure law’s extraordinary opportunities to modernize and sustain northeastern Illinois’ transportation system. Visit CMAP's IIJA website for learn more about what the Act means to northeastern Illinois and connect with resources.
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There's still time for your organization to apply for equity program
Applications close Monday, September 19, for the Community Alliance for Regional Equity (CARE), a new program to create deeper partnerships between communities and CMAP.
CARE members will contribute their expertise and lived experiences to projects co-developed with CMAP. To compensate them for their time and expertise, each member organization will receive a $10,000 honorarium.
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CMAP senior planner to serve as new DEI officer at Illinois Chapter of American Planning Association
CMAP Senior Planner Enrique Castillo will serve as the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) officer at the Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association.
Enrique has been a leader in DEI at CMAP. He co-chaired the CMAP Diversity and Inclusion Working Group and contributed to the agency's current DEI plan and other initiatives. Check out the new APA-IL chapter officers.
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Racial Equity Week webinar highlights need for safe and complete streets for all
During Racial Equity Week, panelists from CMAP and Cook County came together for a discussion on safe and complete streets.
Traffic safety, especially for people walking and cycling, has never been more urgent in Cook County. Decades of racial discrimination in planning policy and design have led to inequities in safe streets, while conversations around traffic safety often focus on enforcement.
In this moderated discussion and Q&A, panelists discuss how we can design safer streets for all and create more vibrant, walkable communities with an equity lens. Check it out on YouTube.
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High school students explore potential careers in urban planning
This summer, CMAP welcomed high school students from across the region to learn about the opportunities and impacts of planning.
This marked the 14th year of CMAP’s Future Leaders in Planning youth leadership development program. The students attended four full-day sessions filled with presentations, educational activities, and excursions, including visits to Chicago’s Chinatown and Garfield Park.
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Listen: Podcast with CMAP expert on safer biking, walking, and public transit
Victoria Barrett, transportation planner at CMAP, is featured on a recent episode of the GovLove podcast.
She shares how communities can help improve traffic and pedestrian safety, including through roadway design.
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