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 Left to right: Tom Saunders (CAGTC treasurer and head of government affairs for Ports America), Erin Aleman (CAGTC board chair and executive director for CMAP), Dr. Noel Hacegaba (CAGTC vice chair and COO for the Port of Long Beach), and Elaine Nessle (executive director for CAGTC).
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CMAP's executive director brings leadership to national board focused on the U.S. freight transportation system
In addition to leading the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) as its Executive Director, Erin Aleman is bringing her leadership and expertise to a national coalition dedicated to increasing federal investment in America’s multimodal freight infrastructure.
As the newly elected board chair of the Coalition for America's Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC), Erin will represent the voice of the Chicago region — the nation’s premier freight hub — and champion the need for federal freight funding and policy objectives that will benefit the U.S. economy, workforce, and supply chain. Her term is three years.
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 CMAP team members Ryan Gougis, Bill Barnes, Martin Menninger, Elizabeth Scott, Daniel Comeaux, Aimee Lee, Erin Aleman, Claire Williams, Elizabeth Ginsberg, Kasia Hart, Nikolas Merten, Julie Reschke, Stephane Phifer, and Laura Wilkison.
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CMAP honored with WTS Innovative Transportation Solutions Award
CMAP is proud to receive the Innovative Transportation Solutions Award from the WTS Greater Chicago Chapter for the Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART). Accepted by Executive Director Erin Aleman, the award recognizes the collaborative, equity-driven process behind PART — a bold, actionable strategy to address the region’s looming $770 million transit funding shortfall.
PART was created by a powerhouse team at CMAP and shaped by a diverse steering committee of civic, community, and legislative leaders. The award celebrates not only CMAP team members and project leads Elizabeth Scott and Daniel Comeaux, but also the voices of transit riders and regional partners who helped chart a more sustainable, rider-focused future for northeastern Illinois.
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Celebrating our shining stars: Public Service Awards highlight good government work
At times, the good work of government can go unnoticed. There are those who provide essential data, solve policy puzzles, ensure that public funds are managed efficiently, keep the public informed, and support communities in bringing their dreams to reality.
This work is often invisible to the public. But each year, CMAP highlights and recognizes our shining stars with the Public Service Awards. We honor individuals and teams in four awards categories — Difference Maker, Good Government, Core Values, and ON TO 2050 Advancement.
It's a way to spotlight the achievements of public service workers everywhere. Thank you for all you do!
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 Port Clinton Place in Vernon Hills features row housing and condominium units.
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CMAP and Lake County partner to expand housing with support from Schreiber Philanthropy
To help fuel economic growth, Lake County and CMAP, with support from Schreiber Philanthropy, are teaming up to expand affordable and accessible housing in Illinois’ third most populous county.
The goal of this initiative is to increase the supply of affordable housing through actionable, municipality-specific solutions. Over the next 12 months, CMAP will partner with Lake County to convene a Housing Task Force comprised of municipalities across the county. The task force will evaluate tools and resources to address housing challenges, culminating in a step-by-step Housing Ready toolkit.
A key piece of this effort will be engaging stakeholders to identify obstacles, opportunities, and necessary resources. This coalition will host a housing summit next year to generate momentum and build community support.
Schreiber Philanthropy, a charitable organization committed to supporting well-being and economic mobility in Chicagoland, awarded CMAP a grant to identify solutions that address the need for affordable housing in Lake County.
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Planning in high demand: more than 80 applications for technical assistance
CMAP and the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) are excited to share that this year's call for projects for technical assistance resulted in another historically high number of applications. This program assists communities with planning and implementation, provides interagency expertise that can build up their capacity, and helps them better leverage the region's transit network.
More than 80 applications were received from 69 jurisdictions including local governments, community organizations, and government agencies. This high level of interest reflects the need that communities throughout northeastern Illinois have for quality planning assistance. The three categories that received the highest number of applications included ADA self-evaluation and transition plans, capital improvement plans, and corridor plans.
CMAP and the RTA are thoroughly reviewing each application, meeting with select applicants, and researching needs. Awarded projects will be announced in June.
To learn more about the response to this year's call for project, a summary of applications is available.
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There's still time: students invited to apply for CMAP’s five-day summer program
There is still time to apply for the Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP), CMAP's summer program for high school students in northeastern Illinois. Applications are due by June 2.
High school students from Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties are encouraged to apply. FLIP is for those who want to learn about urban planning and share ideas about how to make our region a better place to live, learn, work, and play.
FLIP runs over five days in July — July 15-17 (Tuesday through Thursday) and July 22-23 (Tuesday and Wednesday). It's in person at CMAP’s office in the Old Post Office in downtown Chicago and includes field trips to sites throughout the region.
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CMAP at Transport Chicago: join the conversation on June 13
Connect with CMAP experts and explore solutions to some of northeastern Illinois' biggest transportation challenges at this year’s Transport Chicago conference on Friday, June 13.
This one-day event is dedicated to shaping the future of transportation in our region. CMAP's Jesse Altman and Noah Harris will present on the need for diverse climate strategies beyond electrification, while Elizabeth Scott will join a panel on addressing the transit fiscal cliff.
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Mayor's Roadmap: toolkit to remove and replace lead pipes
Attention mayors and community leaders: Do you have lead pipes but don’t know where to start to replace them?
Check out the Mayor's Roadmap, a step-by-step, easy-to-follow guide to help you develop a plan to replace lead pipes and ensure safer drinking water in your community. This toolkit includes helpful resources including checklists, case studies, and example ordinances. An interactive map also highlights mayoral leadership and mayors in the news.
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From crisis to recovery: DuPage Business Beat podcast explores mental health services
The latest episode of the DuPage Business Beat podcast focuses on mental health services. The podcast is hosted by Greg Bedalov, president and CEO of Choose DuPage, who is joined by:
- Deborah Conroy, chair of the DuPage County Board
- Lori Carnahan, deputy director of behavioral health at the DuPage County Health Department
They discuss the health department's new crisis recovery center, which will help individuals and families get care they need, as well as reduce the burden on local emergency rooms and law enforcement.
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ACE Illinois tour stops by CMAP's office
CMAP welcomed guests from the 20th annual Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) — a program supported by the U.S. Commerce and State departments and the Economic Development Administration.
With 50 global and regional leaders from more than 20 countries, we discussed the importance of planning and the intersection of transportation and economic development, as well as regional collaboration and inclusive growth alongside the World Business Chicago/ Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership.
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Erin Aleman talks about transit reform with ACEC-IL
Erin Aleman joined the Engineering Works podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC-IL) to talk about the looming transit fiscal cliff.
She discusses how the region reached this point and highlights CMAP’s role in developing sustainable funding solutions for northeastern Illinois’ transit system.
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Meet CMAP's Board members
In the latest installment of the CMAP Board spotlight, learn more about Joanna Ruiz, vice president of Wallin/Gomez Architects. Joanna represents Chicago on the Board.
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Tell us about yourself: why were you inspired to join the Board?
I was inspired to join the Board to provide an architectural perspective. With over 17 years of experience in my profession, I have developed the ability to analyze sites with a keen eye on how users interact with buildings and outdoor spaces. My work involves reviewing accessibility, sustainability, and conducting research on neighborhoods, including factors such as nearby bus stops, train stations, and traffic flow. However, I have not previously had the opportunity to understand how master plans are developed or how Chicago connects with surrounding villages and counties.
As a first-generation Mexican American, I believe it is crucial to have diverse representation on boards across various industries and backgrounds. Having lived nearly half my life in the suburbs of Chicago and the other half in the city, I bring a well-rounded perspective on the unique challenges and opportunities each environment presents.
What are you hoping to accomplish?
I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the research and planning processes that influence decisions impacting our communities. Although I have only been on the board since September 2024, I have already absorbed a wealth of knowledge about the research efforts involved in gathering data from community members. I look forward to continuing to learn and contributing to meaningful discussions that shape the future of our region.
What is a hidden gem in your community?
A hidden gem in Rogers Park is the Artists of the Wall Mural Initiative at Loyola Beach. Every June, community members come together to paint a five-foot section of the concrete barriers along the lakefront. This annual event encourages creativity, strengthens community bonds, and transforms the space into a vibrant, ever-changing public art installation.
What is a project you are working on right now?
I am currently working with the National Museum of Mexican Art on an exciting project to transform an abandoned firehouse into a youth arts center for their Yollocalli Arts program in the Little Village community, set to open this summer!
Additionally, I am involved in several Chicago Public Schools projects throughout the city, including a renovation at Brenneman Elementary School. This project features a new turf field, walking path, and basketball courts on the exterior, as well as a full renovation of their existing four-classroom addition.
Have you received an award or honor that meant a great deal to you?
I was honored to be recognized as part of the Class of 2022 for Negocios Now’s “40 Under 40”. Negocios Now is a nationally recognized, award-winning publication dedicated to fostering the growth of Hispanic businesses, entrepreneurs, and economic development in the Latino community.
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