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From the executive director |
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Thanks for your trust and support! We look forward to continuing to serve our region in 2025 and beyond
To our partners, thank you for your continued trust and support in 2024.
CMAP takes pride in serving as the region’s authoritative data source and sharing
information and resources to build trust and grow knowledge.
This year, we sent 12 of these updates and more than 50 newsletters covering a range of topics like climate, safety, transportation, and more — to 23,000 subscribers.
We look forward to continuing to serve northeastern Illinois in 2025 and beyond to make it a strong, thriving, and resilient region.
Happy new year!
In gratitude, Erin Aleman
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Working together to create a comprehensive climate action plan for Greater Chicago
Climate change is a global problem that requires extraordinary effort, but we know the importance of regional collaboration when it comes to tackling large-scale issues. That's why the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) has partnered with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, and stakeholders across the greater Chicago region to create a comprehensive climate action plan.
The plan will identify ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all major sources and align Greater Chicago with the national goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Net-zero means cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions balanced out by natural carbon sinks or removed by other means. For a densely populated region like Greater Chicago, this means reducing emissions by 80 percent by 2050.
This requires collaborative action. No single policy change or technology innovation can ensure we meet our regional goal. Public, private, and non-profit organizations will all have to work together to reduce emissions for decades to come.
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A fresh look for Austin: Central Avenue Action Plan aims to unlock neighborhood's development potential
Austin Coming Together (ACT), in partnership with CMAP, announced the release of Austin’s Central Avenue Action Plan.
The new plan focuses on actionable ways to improve the Central Avenue corridor in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, re-imagining it as a main street and unifying the community by connecting commercial corridors, transit stations, schools, and major community assets. The Urban Land Institute (ULI) was instrumental in the development of the plan’s goals, strategies, and recommendations via their technical assistance panel process, which brought expert voices to the table.
Austin’s Central Avenue Action Plan goals include:
- Creating an attractive, safe public realm for residents and visitors that helps unlock the neighborhood’s development potential.
- Encouraging development that enhances quality of life and increases opportunities for residents.
- Building community support and partnerships, identify funding sources, and secure other resources to advance community priorities.
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 From left to right: Caroline Manley (Center for Diability & Elder Law), Julie Burros (CMAP), and Asha Barnes (CMAP) receiving the Housing and Neighborhood Development award from ACT.
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Award-winning plan: Austin's Central Avenue redevelopment project earns accolades
CMAP was honored to be a part of ACT's 2024 Membership Awards. The organization celebrated some of its members, partners, and local leaders who made significant contributions to advancing the mission of creating conditions for a thriving Austin.
CMAP and ULI Chicago received the excellence in Housing and Neighborhood Development award for their collaborative work on the Central Avenue redevelopment project. Our own Julie Burros and Asha Barnes accepted the award at the ceremony. We're proud of our work in Austin and this recognition.
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You can help improve traffic safety and accessibility in northeastern Illinois
CMAP is partnering with Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties on Safe Travel for All. This regionwide initiative will create safety action plans to reduce — and ultimately eliminate — fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. Completing these plans will also open up opportunities for communities to apply for federal funding for traffic safety improvements.
We need everyone’s input to understand the most pressing issues and traffic safety hotspots in the communities you live, work, and travel in. Please visit the Safe Travel for All project website (and county-specific pages linked within).
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Dear Santa: World Business Chicago continues annual pitch to bring Santa's workshop to the Windy City
World Business Chicago (WBC) continues to court Santa Claus, making its annual pitch inviting Santa to consider moving his workshop to Chicago.
In a "Dear Santa" letter, complete with a crayon drawing, the WBC tells Santa that "Chicago is where your sleigh can fly faster, your elves can innovate smarter, and your sweet tooth will never go unsatisfied. Let the holiday magic begin here!"
While playful, the campaign reflects the WBC's mission: to showcase our region as the ultimate destination for businesses looking toward the future: "Santa’s massive operation — from toy-making and packaging facilities to reindeer stables and expansive storage — needs a home that offers unparalleled resources, and Chicago has just the right mix of talent, climate resiliency, and global connectivity to help him succeed."
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EV Readiness Program: introducing the third cohort
The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus has announced the third cohort of communities in the EV Readiness Program. The initiative helps governments prepare to meet the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging infrastructure. Communities receive technical assistance that will enable them to streamline policies and implement best practices for safe and effective regional transportation electrification.
The cohort includes Berwyn, Broadview, Brookfield, Countryside, DeKalb, Evanston, Glenview, Grayslake, Highland Park, Johnsburg, Lindenhurst, Park Forest, River Forest, Rockford, Rolling Meadows, Streamwood, Vernon Hills, and Warrenville.
Also, Chicago and DuPage County will be looking to "level up" to an EV Ready silver or gold designation after previously earning a bronze designation.
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Highland Park Mayor Rotering to be the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus' next chair
The mayor of Highland Park will be the next chair of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. Nancy Rotering was unanimously elected to lead the regional collaborative that encompasses 275 cities, towns, and villages in northeastern Illinois.
Joining Mayor Rotering as 2025 officers are: Mayor Brandon Johnson, City of Chicago, 1st vice chair; Mayor John Noak, Village of Romeoville, 2nd vice chair; Mayor Jeff Sherwin, City of Northlake, treasurer; and Mayor Donald “Donny” Schmit, Village of Fox Lake, secretary.
Founded in 1997, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus pushes past geographical boundaries and local interests to work on public policy issues affecting our region.
Nancy Rotering is in her fourth term as mayor of Highland Park. In 2021, she served as president of the Northwest Municipal Conference and has been a CMAP Board member since 2019.
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Federal grant to fund zero-emission technology at Illinois port
The Illinois International Port District (IIPD) will receive a significant portion of a $92 million grant to invest in new green technologies, reduce emissions, and improve infrastructure to position the IIPD for sustainable growth.
The grant is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Ports Program, and will go toward zero-emissions technology, including electric vehicle supply equipment, shore power infrastructure, solar and wind power generation, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, and battery energy storage systems.
In 2022, CMAP and IIPD finalized the first-ever master plan for the port, created through CMAP’s technical assistance program. It established a vision for the port district’s future — maintaining its status as a national freight and logistics hub, facilitating economic development, and enhancing quality of life and community benefits.
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Center for Neighborhood Technology's calculator helps users see impacts of affordable housing development
Have you used the Center for Neighborhood Technology's Equitable Transit-Oriented Development calculator? If so, take the organization's survey. If not, you can check it out with the link below and then take the survey!
Equitable transit-oriented development helps ensure that people of all incomes experience the benefits of dense, mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented development near train and bus stops. The calculator can help users document — or decide — how to develop green affordable projects within the City of Chicago.
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What do corporate leaders think of hybrid work? UIC's Urban Transportation Center study explores the issue
The Urban Transportation Center at the University of Illinois Chicago's survey of corporate leaders has shed some views on hybrid work and its outlook.
Among the findings so far:
- Hybrid work improves work-life balance and job satisfaction and helps with talent management.
- Hybrid work also complicates staff management and disrupts learning and maintaining institutional identity.
- Only 30% of respondents favor restricting remote workdays.
- 58% think hybrid work improved overall firm performance.
- 85% indicate that their current policy will remain in place.
This study exploring employers' opinions on hybrid work has just been extended. If you have a leading role in a private or public organization as a corporate executive or as a human resources or project manager, the study seeks your insights. All responses are confidential.
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Share your thoughts on Pace's new network plan
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The Pace ReVision project is a transformative initiative designed to create a more accessible, equitable, and productive transit system across our region.
By reimagining service routes, schedules, and on demand options, this study could lead to significant service updates — starting as early as 2026. Three concepts are available for review.
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Meet CMAP's Board members
In the third installment of the CMAP Board spotlight, learn more about Carolyn Schofield, a member of the McHenry County Mental Health Board. Carolyn is the CMAP Board's vice chair.
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Tell us about yourself: why were you inspired to join the Board?
I was appointed to the CMAP Board over 10 years ago while serving on the McHenry County Board. Having previously served on the Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission for over a decade, I wanted to utilize and expand my knowledge. Planning creates the opportunity of making an impact not only for today but future generations.
What are you hoping to accomplish?
As the McHenry County representative, I strive to keep the regional concept at the forefront of our decisions. The Chicago region includes not only Chicago and Cook County but the collar counties of DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.
We must embrace the assets each brings and encourage collaboration to strengthen the entire region. I like to be a constant reminder of the wonderful people, programs, open spaces, and unique communities in McHenry County, and how we play a significant role in the Chicago region.
What is a hidden gem in your community?
Three Oaks Recreation Area in Crystal Lake. I was fortunate to have been on the Crystal Lake City Council when a long-abandoned quarry was reclaimed into a recreational gem. Today, Three Oaks Recreation Area boasts a marina, beach, wakeboard park, scuba zone, and paddle boarding along with premier fishing and picnicking. It is like a little vacation in my hometown.
What is a project you are working on right now?
I am currently a member of the McHenry County Mental Health Board, a 708 Board established via referendum in 1967. While we have just finished our annual allocations to local providers, I will continue to advocate for and support the amazing work done in McHenry County towards mental health, substance abuse disorder, and intellectual/ developmental disability prevention and treatment.
Have you received an award or honor that meant a great deal to you?
Over the summer, I was honored to have been selected and participated in the Edgar Fellows Leadership program, class of 2024.
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