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 Representing CMAP at an open house in Chinatown.
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Working to create a brighter future for northeastern Illinois
With a commitment to clean energy, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and its partners are working hard to make a more thriving and inclusive region.
Northeastern Illinois is now in position to become a national leader in the clean energy economy. Learn about how we're fostering better conditions for our region's transportation system, funding battery-powered trainsets to improve air quality, and engaging with communities to put their plans into action.
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 Spreading the word about Lansing's first capital improvement plan.
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Connecting with communities to help shape the future
Eager to create a future that features a more walkable and safer community, over 70 residents showed up for a meeting in Chicago's Chinatown neighborhood. Along with Design Trust Chicago and the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, we're helping create healthy, safe, and vibrant spaces where everyone can work, travel, and enjoy the community together.
In Lansing, we spread the word about the village's first capital improvement plan through CMAP's technical assistance program. The village will prioritize capital projects, identify funding strategies, and participate in training workshops to develop skills and build knowledge to help create and implement the plan.
At River Grove's Fall Flannel Fest, residents filled up our idea board to help develop Reimagine River Grove, a plan for the future of the Village of Friendly Neighbors.
CMAP representatives also joined a regional discussion hosted by the Village of Carol Stream. Officials from Schaumburg, Bensenville, West Chicago, Villa Park, River Forest, and Lily Lake talked about their current issues and helped shape CMAP's future technical assistance offerings.
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CMAP, partners working to combat climate change
CMAP and its partners will work to better understand how to foster a clean energy transition for our region's transportation system.
The agency will work with ComEd and the Respiratory Health Association to conduct research and modeling with Argonne and Oak Ridge national laboratories, with the help of a $500,000 award through the federal Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) initiative.
Nationwide, transportation is the largest single source of planet-warming gases; it accounts for 32% of northeastern Illinois’ greenhouse gas emissions, further complicated by the Chicago region’s role as a freight and logistics hub. This initiative will help the region attain its climate goals and advance equity objectives focused on air quality, accessibility, and affordability.
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Grant to help Metra add battery-powered trainsets
A $169.3 million federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) grant will help Metra buy up to 16 battery-powered, zero-emission trainsets.
With CMAQ funding approved by CMAP and the Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee, Metra will be able to retire some of its oldest railcars, including the diesel locomotives that cause the most pollution. Metra likely would add the trainsets on the Rock Island Line, directly benefitting the air quality in several neighborhoods across South Chicago and boosting goals to provide more frequent all-day service.
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Clean technology grows; Illinois' economy is in position to thrive
Northeastern Illinois' economy is changing. Our industrial base has evolved to meet global demand for services and to leverage our historic strengths in goods development, production, and movement. And with an influx of state and federal investment, the region is ready to lead.
The region is working toward a clean technology future and a new alliance focused on creating a regional climate hub, with a commitment to creating an equitable, strong, clean economy.
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A big step: regional leaders approve Plan of Action for Regional Transit
Regional leaders achieved consensus around the Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART) — which outlines options for finance, governance, and other proposed reforms — to address the fiscal cliff facing our transit system and strengthen service across northeastern Illinois.
With the CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee's approval, PART will go to the Illinois General Assembly and governor for consideration.
This marks the culmination of 10 months of rigorous work, in response to a state law directing CMAP to develop bold policy solutions in collaboration with regional partners. Thank you to all those who contributed their time, expertise, and voice to this process — and for being a PART of the solution.
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Congratulations to CMAP planner Lily Brack, Women in Planning + Development's president
Lily Brack, a planner in CMAP's planning division since 2020, is president of Women in Planning + Development in Chicago.
Women in Planning + Development is dedicated to advancing leadership, fostering relationships, and providing educational opportunities for women in the fields of planning and development.
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World Business Chicago Research Center highlights our region's economic strengths
The World Business Chicago Research Center published an asset map that provides a deep dive into our region, where you can view key locations and details to learn about economic assets. The map highlights global influence, human capital, infrastructure, innovation, and more.
This work also reinforces the economic strength of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, which includes the City of Chicago, as well as the seven counties in our region: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will.
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Move Illinois: IDOT seeks feedback on its long-range transportation plan
The Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT) long -range transportation plan outlines goals, objectives, and strategies for the next 20 to 30 years. IDOT has launched a website, where you can learn about and take part in the development process.
The plan aims to address the diverse needs of the state's transportation network, including highways, bridges, public transit, rail systems, and more. Visit the website to take a brief survey and provide feedback to help IDOT's project team.
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Promoting government cooperation a key theme at McHenry County's Municipal Partnering Initiative Expo
Congratulations to McHenry County on a successful first Municipal Partnering Initiative Expo! Governments from McHenry County and northeastern Illinois gathered and shared ways to improve efficiencies and services.
This was a great way to implement some of the recommendations from the Coordinated Investment Study that CMAP helped develop. The goals are to ensure that McHenry County residents and businesses enjoy a high level of efficient public services at a low cost by studying ways to streamline intergovernmental cooperation, increase efficiencies, and reduce costs while maintaining and elevating the quality of services.
This initiative included more than 50 people representing 20 different government and private agencies.
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 CMAP team members pose at an ADA training event in Brookfield.
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CMAP's free ADA training heading to Arlington Heights
There's still time to register for CMAP's free ADA training workshops. Registration is available for modules 3 and 4, both taking place in Arlington Heights.
Module 3, focused on ADA self-evaluation and design standards, will be held on Wednesday, November 8. It provides comprehensive and hands-on training about ADA self-evaluations, standards, and the proposed Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines.
Module 4, focused on ADA transition plans, will be held on Thursday, November 9. Attendees will learn how to develop and implement an ADA transition plan.
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Learn about Pace Connect at UIC UTC's next seminar
Explore Pace Connect, a late-night ride hailing service, at the next free seminar from the Urban Transportation Center at the University of Illinois Chicago.
The seminar on Thursday, November 16 will feature Melinda Metzger, executive director of Pace Suburban Bus. Metzger will discuss Pace's innovation, how it complements its service, and why it helps meet riders' travel needs.
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