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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.
To advance our region's goal of advancing action to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change and preserve high-quality water resources, CMAP invested in two major climate planning efforts: the development of a regional climate action plan and a partnership with two national laboratories.
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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Applications are open for transformational climate implementation funding
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 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 an idea for emissions reduction project?
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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PART delivers solutions to avoid transit funding crisis in our region
CMAP delivered the Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART), providing the big, bold solutions needed to transform and strengthen northeastern Illinois' transit system.
Transit agencies in northeastern Illinois face a fiscal cliff, with an expected budget shortfall of $730 million in 2026. PART fulfills a state requirement tasking CMAP with developing legislative recommendations on the region's transit system.
"Now is the time to be bold — to chart a path for the next 50, 100 years of transit investments that lives up to the region's economic, equity, and climate commitments," said CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman.
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Moving forward on a water supply plan for northwestern municipalities
CMAP has been working with the Northwest Water Planning Alliance (NWPA) and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant to create a water supply sustainability plan for the NWPA area. The plan will identify water conservation strategies that communities can voluntarily take to manage supply and work toward the long-term sustainable use of water resources. Read more about the plan in the latest NWPA newsletter and subscribe for updates.
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Kane County unveils draft Climate Action Implementation Plan
Kane County released a draft for its first countywide Climate Action Implementation Plan. When finished, the plan will give direction on how to reduce the impacts of climate change locally. Two community meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, February 6, and Wednesday, February 7.
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Blacks in Green presents: Justice Comes of Age
Blacks in Green invites you to join them in their Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center launch! The event runs Thursday, February 1, to Saturday, February 3. It will empower communities to enhance their capabilities, discover effective solutions, receive essential training, and foster strong collaborative efforts to address environmental injustices.
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Chicago Heights becomes 100th community solar project in northern Illinois
Developed by Reactivate and located in Chicago Heights, the project is one of the first community solar sites in a Cook County environmental justice community, and it will serve approximately 660 low-to-moderate income customers.
CMAP's long-range plan, ON TO 2050, encourages energy providers and local governments to increase low- and zero-emissions energy generation.
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Twelve communities achieve EV Ready status
The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus recognized 12 communities that were the first to achieve EV Ready status through the ComEd program, which helps governments prepare for the growth of electric vehicles.
ON TO 2050 calls on local governments to identify ways to promote electric vehicle infrastructure in the transportation system. Congratulations to these communities putting that plan into action, and thanks to the other communities that have joined the program in the quest to become EV ready.
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Northeastern Illinois communities receive funding to enhance local outdoor recreation
Five communities in the region received funding to acquire open space and support outdoor recreation: City of Calumet City, Campton Township, Plainfield Township Park District, Wauconda Park District, and Wheaton Park District. Funding came from the National Park Service's Land and Water Conservation Fund, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resource.
Though land acquisitions, these communities will increase conservation areas and connect trails identified in the Northeastern Illinois Regional Greenways and Trails Plan — both priorities in ON TO 2050.
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Illinois receives nearly $15 million for Community Charging Program
Illinois received $14.9 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure statewide. Illinois' Community Charging Program will advance community-based transportation efforts across the state and prioritize equity in the clean energy movement. The initiative serves 273 project sites, 144 of which are in or close to disadvantaged communities.
On Wednesday, January 31, the Electrification Coalition will host a webinar about the CFI program to prepare potential applicants for the next round of funding.
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Clean School Bus Program rebates available
Public school districts and other eligible entities can apply for clean school bus rebates. The agency offers rebates to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Applications close Wednesday, January 31.
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$2 billion available nationally for disadvantaged communities through Community Change Grant Program
The Illinois EPA urges eligible entities to apply for the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant Program. This program offers $2 billion in grants to local governments, community-based nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education to address climate challenges and reduce pollution.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Extension will host the Thriving Communities Webinar Series — beginning Tuesday, January 30 — to help communities secure and administer funding.
The federal notice of funding opportunity remains open until Thursday, November 21, 2024. U.S. EPA will review applications on a rolling basis.
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