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PART plan aims to secure financial viability of nation's second-largest transit system
Big, bold solutions are needed to secure the financial viability of northeastern Illinois' transit system. Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic with emergency federal assistance expiring and ridership remaining below pre-pandemic levels, the region’s transit agencies — the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace — are projecting a significant budget shortfall in 2026.
To identify actionable solutions, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is engaging a diverse group of stakeholders from the business, community, environmental, labor, and civic sectors, along with the public, in this process. The Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART) will develop and submit this plan to the governor and General Assembly by January 1, 2024.
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Explore an action plan to sustain northeastern Illinois' transit network and ease a rebound in congestion
The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for northeastern Illinois' transportation system. But it also created an opportunity to reimagine how it can better serve all residents.
Daniel Comeaux, senior transportation policy analyst at CMAP, explores the Mobility Recovery action plan as part of the University of Illinois Chicago Urban Transportation Center Spring Seminar Series. Join at noon Thursday, March 16.
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How can local governments plan for climate action?
In a recent CMAP Talks webinar, panelists discussed how communities can take climate action, and resources you can use from CMAP, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, and more. Find a recording of the webinar, key takeaways, and resources on CMAP’s website.
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How can northeastern Illinois strategize to succeed in these financial times? Don't miss this panel
Join CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman for a discussion on the current economy — including rising inflation and uncertainty — and how the region can strategize to succeed in these times. Panelists will also discuss the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, a first-of-its-kind united effort to drive a regional economic strategy.
The event, Financial Times Ahead: What the Current Economy Means for the Chicago Region, will be held Thursday, March 30, at 11:30 a.m. and is hosted by Executives’ Club of Chicago. Panelists include Marek Gootman, nonresident senior fellow, The Brookings Institution; Michael Gregory, deputy chief economist and head of U.S. economics, BMO; and Samir Mayekar, deputy mayor, City of Chicago.
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Summit explores making mobility more reliable
The 2023 National Shared Mobility Summit takes place from May 2-4 at Merchandise Mart Plaza in Chicago. The theme is "All Together Now: Action + Accountability for People-Focused Mobility."
CMAP Senior Transportation Planner Victoria Barrett will be among the speakers. The keynote speakers will be Veronica Vanterpool, deputy administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, and Alison Sant, co-founder and partner of the Studio for Urban Projects.
Summit sessions will explore making mobility more reliable, equitable, accessible, and sustainable through several topics:
- Funding and affordability
- Tools and incentives
- Infrastructure
- Metrics and outcomes
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Applications closing soon for Invest in Cook
Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 17, for Invest in Cook, a grant program that helps local governments and agency partners further transportation projects by covering some of the cost of planning and feasibility studies, engineering, right of way acquisition and construction association with transportation improvements.
The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways announced the seventh round of Invest in Cook, which prioritizes proposals that support transit and other transportation alternatives, support the region's role as North America's freight capital, promote equal access to opportunities, maintain and modernize what already exists, and increase investments in transportation.
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Register now: Free trainings available on ADA self-evaluations and transition plans
CMAP will offer two free trainings in April to educate local communities on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Participants are welcome to attend one or both trainings:
Self-evaluation and design standards training
When: Tuesday, April 18, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: City Council Chambers of the Naperville Municipal Center
400 S. Eagle St.
Naperville, IL 60540
The ADA requires local governments to conduct a self-evaluation, an assessment of all programs and services to identify any barriers to access.
This session will include a brief overview of completing a self-evaluation for all programs and services, but it will primarily focus on the public right-of-way.
Learn more and register
Transition plan training
When: Wednesday, April 19, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Aurora Police Department
1200 E. Indian Trail Rd.
Aurora, IL 60505
The ADA requires local governments with 50 or more employees to develop a transition plan. The transition plan identifies the agency’s plans to eliminate identified barriers moving forward.
This session will guide attendees on using the ADA self-evaluation to complete the transition plan. It will primarily focus on the public right-of-way.
Learn more and register
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate, please contact Evan Means at emeans@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8838 by Friday, April 7. Requests for an ASL translator must be sent by Tuesday, March 21.
Future trainings
CMAP will offer additional ADA trainings in fall 2023. Stay tuned for more information and registration.
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What's happening in northeastern Illinois? Don't miss CMAP's newsletters
Are you signed up for CMAP's newsletters?
Check out our most recent CMAP Update and subscribe to specific topics to learn more about what's happening around northeastern Illinois. Sign up for topics such as transportation, job opportunities, regional economy, climate, planning, data, accessibility, and more!
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