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Federal grant will fund STAR program and address rise in traffic deaths, particularly among walkers, bicyclists
A comprehensive program to improve traffic safety in northeastern Illinois has been awarded a major federal grant. The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the award earlier this month in response to a joint application submitted by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in partnership with six of the region’s counties.
The total investment is nearly $5 million, including $3.9 million in federal funding through the new Safe Streets and Roads for All discretionary grant program and nearly $1 million in local matches from IDOT and the counties.
The grant will fund a comprehensive, regional program called the Safe Travel for All Roadmap (STAR) program, which will provide a framework for safety research and programs to make northeastern Illinois safer for all travelers.
The program will provide technical assistance to six counties in our region to develop countywide safety action plans. These plans will enable the counties and their municipalities to meet eligibility requirements to apply for federal implementation grants.
“We are thrilled that this significant new funding will enable us to address one of northeastern Illinois’ most pressing issues,” CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman said. “STAR will be transformative for the safety of everyone in our region, especially our most vulnerable travelers. We look forward to working with our partners to make critical improvements in our communities and save lives."
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Chicago's first citywide plan in more than 50 years headed for Plan Commission
The We Will Chicago plan will be presented at a Chicago Plan Commission hearing at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 16.
It represents Chicago's first citywide plan since 1966. For months, Chicago residents, business owners, workers, and visitors have been providing feedback via surveys that cover each pillar of the draft plan. The pillars address numerous topics, ranging from transportation and infrastructure to arts and culture.
We Will Chicago includes about 40 goals and 150 objectives. The goals and objectives are designed to help guide the city for the next 10 years.
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AARP Community Challenge will offer opportunities for immediate improvements, long-term progress
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is accepting applications through Wednesday, March 15, for its Community Challenge grant program. The program is part of the AARP Livable Communities initiative, intended to help communities make immediate improvements and jump-start long-term progress.
The grant opportunity categories are:
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Flagship Grants, which focus on improving public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity, and inclusion; digital connections; community resilience; civic engagement; and community health and economic empowerment.
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Capacity-Building Microgrants (new in 2023), which fund projects that improve walkability and community gardens, and include additional resources provided by leading nonprofit organizations.
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Demonstration Grants — new in 2023 — which fund projects that build capacity for improving transportation systems and building awareness of new housing options through accessory-dwelling-unit design competitions.
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CTA, Pace teaming up to simplify transit in our region
Traveling throughout northeastern Illinois soon will become simpler. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Pace Suburban Bus will offer unlimited-ride passes across both systems starting Monday, February 20.
One- and 3-day passes will be valid for both systems at current prices. Also, the $5 surcharge on the former CTA-Pace 7-day pass will be removed. Passes can be purchased via the Ventra app. Pricing will be $5 for a 1-day pass, $15 for a 3-day pass, $20 for a 7-day pass, and $75 for a 30-day pass.
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Register now! Free training on ADA coordinators' roles and responsibilities
CMAP invites you to join a free training about the roles and responsibilities of ADA coordinators. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires municipalities to designate an employee to manage ADA compliance. Identifying and empowering the right candidate to serve as ADA coordinator is critical to making sure the community is working toward compliance and increasing opportunities for all residents.
The workshop will be held Wednesday, March 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at CalComm 911 Center, 12419 S. Ashland Ave. Calumet Park, IL 60827. The training is intended for ADA coordinators, ADA liaisons within municipal departments, and anyone looking for assistance in identifying an ADA coordinator.
Space is limited! If we reach capacity or if you are unable to join on March 1, mark your calendar for future trainings on April 18 and 19. Participants are welcome to attend one or all of the trainings. Stay tuned for registration and location information.
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Trips to Washington, D.C., Springfield provide insight on key work in transportation, climate, and more
At this month’s CMAP Board meeting, members heard reports on recent visits to Washington, D.C., and Springfield, Illinois.
CMAP met with several members of its federal delegation to update them on our work and learn from our peers about what they’re doing to take advantage of federal infrastructure dollars, integrate climate mitigation and resiliency into transportation planning, and more.
On the state side, CMAP met with General Assembly leadership and committee chairs to discuss state legislative priorities and provide updates on important work underway, including the Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART) report.
The Climate Committee also presented its annual report alongside updates on projects and programs that the committee will focus on this year: transportation mitigation work, transportation resilience planning, electric vehicle infrastructure planning, and water work.
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Last call: Communities can apply now for surface transportation project funding
To help realize the regional principles of ON TO 2050 and help communities prosper through transportation investments, CMAP is accepting funding applications for surface transportation projects through Friday, March 10.
Funding for these projects will be distributed through the federal sources that CMAP manages, including the regional Surface Transportation Program Shared Fund, the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, the locally programmed Transportation Alternatives Program, and the new Carbon Reduction Program.
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