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Safer streets, stronger infrastructure, and more: CMAP technical assistance to help boost 30 communities
Dozens of communities throughout northeastern Illinois will receive technical assistance from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to improve traffic safety, make travel more accessible, increase transportation choices, and help them prosper in the years ahead.
Thirty projects were awarded support through our Technical Assistance Program. From planning for safer streets and walkable downtowns to boosting climate resilience and economic opportunity, these projects reflect the ambition of the region’s municipalities, counties, and partner organizations. And they share one thing in common: a commitment to collaboration and smart, community-driven planning.
Each project will be supported by CMAP staff or consultants with deep expertise and a drive for helping local governments create actionable plans.
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Big win for regional planning: CMAP secures $2 million in state support to strengthen communities
The Illinois General Assembly will award CMAP $2 million in FY2027 to strengthen communities across northeastern Illinois — an investment that recognizes the agency’s essential role in supporting local governments and fulfilling the promise of the Regional Planning Act.
This critical funding will help CMAP expand its technical assistance, enhance data tools, and deliver the regional planning expertise that 284 municipalities and 7 counties rely on to coordinate infrastructure improvements, guide land use and transportation decisions, and advance community-driven priorities.
With more than half of the region’s municipalities lacking dedicated planning staff, this investment allows CMAP to respond to growing demand and ensure more communities can access the resources they need to plan for safer, more connected, and economically vibrant futures.
CMAP extends sincere thanks to everyone who voiced their support — your advocacy played a vital role in securing this important investment in the region’s future.
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Existing Conditions Report explores how northeastern Illinois can achieve the transportation system it wants
CMAP has released the Existing Conditions report — a major step toward the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan.
This data-rich snapshot explores how northeastern Illinois is changing, and what that means for the future of travel across the region.
From shifting commute patterns and rising traffic fatalities to aging infrastructure and climate risks, the report outlines the region’s most pressing transportation challenges — and the opportunities ahead.
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Protecting the water supply: sustainability plan helps communities prepare for challenges to come
Communities across northeastern Illinois face growing water supply challenges. Overreliance on groundwater, water quality degradation, and limited access to alternative sources (like Lake Michigan) have left some areas at risk of overusing their water. These pressures are compounded by anticipated population growth and aging infrastructure.
The Northwest Water Planning Alliance (NWPA) — a coalition of 5 councils of government representing over 80 communities and unincorporated areas in DeKalb, Kane, Kendall, Lake, and McHenry counties — is no stranger to these challenges, and wanted to take action to ensure a sustainable water supply.
In partnership with CMAP and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, the NWPA developed the Water Supply Sustainability Plan to help communities better understand their water conditions and make sustainable water supply choices for the future. While designed for the NWPA region, the plan includes strategies, case studies, and resources that can be useful to all our region’s communities.
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The power of regional collaboration: highlighting CMAP's Local Government Network
At the National Association of Regional Councils conference, CMAP's Mai Dang, Patrick Day, and Mike Sobczak shared with peers from across the country how our Local Government Network (LGN) is helping strengthen regional collaboration in northeastern Illinois.
We highlighted how the LGN model connects all 284 municipalities in the region to CMAP’s resources through tailored communications, staff liaisons, and a flexible structure that evolves with local needs.
Since launching in 2020, the LGN has supported more than 30 initiatives — from distributing timely information during the pandemic to connecting communities with funding opportunities and shaping regional policy with local input. The session emphasized how this scalable, replicable model helps CMAP build trust, credibility, and stronger relationships with communities.
While the LGN began as a response to urgent communication needs of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's evolved into a long-term strategy that helps CMAP:
- Confirm and maintain consistent points-of-contact across all 284 municipalities
- Elevate local voices in regional policy and planning
- Connect communities to technical assistance, grant opportunities, and trainings
- Share timely data, gather local insights, and align regional goals with on-the-ground realities
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How has climate change impacted you and your community? Share your experience
CMAP, in partnership with the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission and Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, is creating a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the greater Chicago region by 2050, and they want to hear from you!
The Comprehensive Climate Action Plan for Greater Chicago is funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program.
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Congressional leaders connect with CMAP
CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman and CMAP Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist Ryan Gougis recently connected with members of our region’s federal delegation. They shared updates on the agency’s planning technical assistance work in delegates' districts, as well as current initiatives focused on safety, climate, and the regional economy.
CMAP values its partnership with our federal leaders. Thank you to Rep. Sean Casten, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Rep. Bill Foster, and Rep. Delia Ramirez for taking the time to meet with us and for your continued commitment to serving the people of northeastern Illinois.
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Shaping the future of mobility: CMAP presenters join regional peers at Transport Chicago conference
CMAP team members joined regional peers this month at the Transport Chicago conference, with speakers and sessions that highlighted ideas for shaping the future of mobility.
CMAP's Elizabeth Scott moderated a conversation with leaders from RTA, the Metropolitan Planning Council, UIC, and the Illinois AFL-CIO on the region’s looming transit fiscal cliff. They talked about what it will take to advance meaningful governance reform, secure sustainable funding, and deliver better service for riders.
Also at the event, CMAP’s Jesse Altman and Noah Harris presented strategies to decarbonize transportation in northeastern Illinois. They highlighted why electrification is critical, but not the whole story.
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"If Only": Illinois Tollway campaign drives home consequences of speeding
The Illinois Tollway recently launched “If Only” — a campaign to make drivers stop and think: if only I had made a safer choice, if only I had considered the lives at stake, if only I had slowed down, a tragedy could have been avoided.
“If Only” features perspectives of people who have been deeply impacted by speed-related crashes, as well as advertising, and promoting safe driving tips and outreach to stakeholders who can help amplify the message.
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Tackling our region's toughest urban forestry challenges: survey seeks insight from tree managers
Are you managing trees in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, or Will counties? The Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) wants to hear from you.
Your insights are key to tackling the region's toughest urban forestry challenges. Take their survey (about 25 minutes) to tell them what resources you have, what support you wish you had, and how CRTI can better help you boost the health, diversity, and sustainability of our urban forests
Complete the survey by Monday, June 30, and you'll be entered to win four tickets to Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum ($160 value).
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