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Stronger together: Annual Report spotlights a thriving and resilient northeastern Illinois
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is proud to share its 2023 Annual Report. This reflects our region’s significant achievements over the past calendar year and spotlights a strong, thriving, and resilient northeastern Illinois.
CMAP did not do it alone. Thank you to our partners, stakeholders, and our extraordinary CMAP team. This report and our shared successes demonstrate that we are stronger together.
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Have a great idea? Applications are open for transformational climate implementation funding
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications for Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) for projects ranging between $2 million and $500 million. The agency is seeking collaborative, transformational projects to maximize impact.
Learn about this opportunity
CMAP hosted a webinar about the CPRG and how the region can collaborate on strong, competitive applications. Watch the webinar recording (passcode J81GHh^*), view the presentation slides, and read more in this fact sheet.
Do you have a project idea for emissions reduction?
Please submit your project ideas as soon as possible. To be eligible for CPRG funding, your project must be included in the region’s Priority Climate Action Plan, currently being developed by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. Your response will help the Mayors Caucus and CMAP connect groups with similar ideas to create strong, coordinated grant applications for the region.
Deadlines are fast approaching — letters of intent are due Thursday, February 1. Please reach out to Nora Beck at nbeck@cmap.illinois.gov or Edith Makra at emakra@mayorscaucus.org to discuss project ideas and connect with other partners.
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Apply for more than $200,000 in funding: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants available
Eligible state and local governments can apply for funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. Grant awards range from $200,000 to $249,900, and cost match is not required.
Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. Monday, January 22.
This opportunity is available to local governments to develop or update local strategic energy or climate action plans, and for energy efficiency audits and municipal building upgrades. Communities must apply for projects under both categories to be considered.
If you have questions about the program, contact Adena Rivas at Adena.Rivas@Illinois.gov.
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Homes for a Changing Region: program offers municipalities free local housing assistance
Limited slots are available for assistance in the Homes for a Changing Region program.
The program is a partnership between the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and BRicK Partners and is supported by the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
It helps municipalities:
- Identify solutions to their most pressing housing challenges
- Create a balanced mix of housing types
- Serve the needs of multiple generations of residents and workers
The program uses data, regional expertise, and case studies from peer communities to identify solutions to community challenges, which include:
- Affordability amid sudden increases in local home prices
- Maintenance and preservation of existing housing stock
- Supporting seniors aging in place and potentially isolated in their homes
- Increasing the supply of housing options, such as starter homes or the “missing middle"
Assistance is free, but slots are limited. Fill out an application by Friday, January 26. For information, contact Ben Schnelle at bschnelle@mayorscaucus.org.
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 CMAP was well-represented at the Transportation Research Board's annual meeting in Washington, DC. Pictured, left to right: Martin Menninger, Erin Aleman, Daniel Comeaux, Tom Murtha, Victoria Barrett, Mayra Shuja, Laurent Ahiablame, Leo Torres, and Ryan Thompto.
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Shaping the future: CMAP's executive director speaks at Transportation Research Board's annual meeting
This week, CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman joined transportation leaders from across the country for a panel discussion at the annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board in Washington, D.C.
The conversation focused on ways transportation agencies, including CMAP, are working collaboratively to overcome today’s challenges, such as workforce dynamics, funding constraints, and technological shifts.
Erin shared examples of how we’re working to strengthen collaboration with localities and partners across our region, make CMAP the best workplace in its class, and increase access to funding opportunities for those communities that need it most.
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 Participants pack a CMAP conference room for an accessibility training session.
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New accessibility trainings coming this spring
CMAP is providing accessibility trainings this spring, including two new sessions on Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), which the U.S. Access Board recently issued its final rule on regarding access to sidewalks and streets, crosswalks, curb ramps, pedestrian signals, on-street parking, and other components.
The upcoming workshops will also cover the Americans with Disabilities Act, self-evaluation plans, and transition plans. Captioned recordings of these topics, as well as presentation materials and an accessibility resource guide, are available on our website.
Stay tuned for more details on trainings and registration this year.
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What's new at Metra: fewer zones, new fare structure among the changes coming in February
Metra riders will see a new fare structure in February, one of several changes the agency is rolling out at the beginning of the month.
Among the changes:
- The fare structure reduces the number of zones. There will be 4 zones, down from 10.
- All Metra ticket windows will be closed by February 1. Tickets can be purchased through the Ventra app, vending machines installed at the busiest stations, and from train conductors.
- The 10-ride ticket option will be replaced by a new day pass 5-pack.
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Where there's a Will, there's a way: help shape Will County's long-range transportation plan
Will County is launching its 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan: Our Way Forward. County officials are seeking input to define transportation priorities for the next 25 years — from investments in walking and biking to transit, and more.
You can provide feedback by taking the online survey. You can also meet with project team members at pop-up workshops or online virtual open houses.
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What's your speed? Take part in testing to help connect every home and business to high-speed internet
You can help make sure the Illinois broadband map is accurate. Illinois was awarded $1.04 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program funds by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to connect all homes and businesses to modern high-speed internet.
State residents can help the Illinois Broadband Office make sure dollars go where they’re needed most by completing three speed tests, on three different days.
To participate, follow these steps:
- Confirm the internet speed your household currently subscribes to and write it down. This will include a download speed and upload speed. For example, “100/20 mbps.” You can find this by logging onto your internet service account or mobile application, or by calling your provider.
- Test your speed at BEADChallenge and click “Start” to run a speed test. You also can find tips on how to take a speed test.
- Submit and repeat. Fill in your name, email, zip code, address, and speed you currently subscribe to, then submit. Repeat two more times, over two more days.
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