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A new year brings fresh momentum for transportation planning in northeastern Illinois.
This issue highlights key investments in safety, new research supporting the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), and ways the public and partners can help shape what comes next.
Have a project update or engagement opportunity to share? Please let me know at msobczak@cmap.illinois.gov.
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Rethinking how Illinois pays for transportation
Illinois’ transportation system faces a growing funding gap as motor fuel tax revenues become less durable and construction costs continue to rise. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning's (CMAP) new white paper, Advancing a road usage charge in Illinois, explores how a per-mile road usage charge (RUC) could offer a more sustainable, flexible way to fund the state’s transportation system.
The paper explains why Illinois should consider a RUC feasibility study and outlines how a well-designed program could better align revenues with road use; adapt to electric and fuel-efficient vehicles; and support broader goals like safety, congestion management, emissions reduction, and transit investment.
Why it matters
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The motor fuel tax is becoming increasingly unsustainable.
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Illinois lags behind other states in exploring mileage-based user fees.
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A RUC is a key assumption in the 2026 RTP Financial Plan, which must demonstrate sufficient long-term transportation revenues.
📄 Read the white paper: Advancing a road usage charge in Illinois
🔗 Learn more: Visit CMAP’s 2026 RTP and Financial Plan resource pages
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2026 Regional Transportation Plan |
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New policy briefs inform the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan
CMAP released a new series of policy briefs to support development of the 2026 RTP as it advances toward adoption later this year. Drawing on national best practices, peer examples, and independent technical expertise, the briefs explore complex transportation topics that will shape future investments, policies, and priorities across northeastern Illinois.
Now available:
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Asset management — Examines the condition of the region’s transportation assets and the role of lifecycle planning, stable funding, and data-driven decision-making in supporting safety, resilience, and fiscal stewardship.
🔗 Read the Asset Management Policy Brief
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Emerging technologies — Explores how electric vehicles, connected and automated systems, artificial intelligence, and other technologies may affect transportation planning, with a focus on safety, equity, and sustainability.
🔗 Read the Emerging Technologies Policy Brief
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Intercity rail and bus — Assesses the region’s intercity passenger rail and bus services, identifying challenges and opportunities to strengthen regional connectivity and economic competitiveness.
🔗 Read the Intercity Rail and Bus Policy Brief
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Innovative finance and project delivery — Reviews alternative financing and delivery tools available in Illinois, highlighting ways agencies can manage risk, control costs, and deliver projects more efficiently.
🔗 Read the Innovative Finance and Project Delivery Policy Brief
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Freight keeps northeastern Illinois moving
Northeastern Illinois remains the nation’s premier freight hub, supporting regional prosperity and national supply chains. The region’s vast multimodal network moves nearly 700 million tons of goods worth more than $1 trillion annually, directly supporting more than 200,000 freight and freight-related jobs and underpinning industries across manufacturing, retail, and logistics.
In January 2026, CMAP presented an overview of the region’s freight system to the MPO Policy Committee, grounding policymakers in current data as the agency advances its ongoing Regional Freight System Assessment. This work will continue to inform future policy, investment, and advocacy priorities, along with the 2026 RTP.
▶ Watch the January 2026 MPO Policy Committee presentation on the freight system
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Launch your planning career with CMAP
CMAP is now accepting applications for paid internships and the Phillip D. Peters Regional Planning Fellowship, offering hands-on experience at northeastern Illinois’ regional planning organization.
Internships
Interns work alongside CMAP staff across several divisions, gaining real-world experience in transportation, land use, data, communications, and more.
🗓 Apply by: 5 p.m. CST, Monday, January 26
🔗 Learn more and apply: cmap.is/applyforinternships
Phillip D. Peters Regional Planning Fellowship
This paid fellowship places a graduate student on projects related to transportation, land use, environment and natural resources, housing, or economic development. Fellows are matched to work aligned with their academic background and interests, with opportunities for networking and professional enrichment.
🗓 Apply by: 5 p.m. CST, Monday, February 2
🔗 Learn more and apply: cmap.is/petersfellowship
Know a student or emerging professional interested in shaping the future of northeastern Illinois? Share these opportunities.
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CMAP published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting how the agency and its partners are improving infrastructure, mobility, the environment, the economy, and quality of life across northeastern Illinois.
Required under the Illinois Regional Planning Act, the report reflects this year’s theme — solving for tomorrow, today — and will be shared with the Illinois General Assembly and key stakeholders statewide.
📘 Read the 2025 Annual Report
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Public input requested for CMAP's federal certification review
CMAP will undergo its federal metropolitan planning organization certification review at the end of January, a required four-year process conducted by Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration.
As part of the review, the public is invited to share input on CMAP’s transportation planning process in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties through February 10.
📝Complete the survey
🔍Lean more about the federal certification process
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Erin Aleman recognized for public service leadership
CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman, received the Motorola Solutions Foundation Excellence in Public Service Award, presented by the Civic Federation.
The award recognizes Illinois public servants who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and lasting impact. Erin was honored for her leadership on critical regional issues, including advancing solutions to Illinois’ transit challenges through CMAP’s Plan of Action for Regional Transit, which helped inform the recently enacted Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act.
👏 Congratulations, Erin, on this well-deserved recognition
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From our partners across the region |
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Local wins in federal safety funding
Strong applications led to two northeastern Illinois communities securing USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant funding:
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McHenry County — $2,000,000+ to build a roundabout at a high-crash location
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Village of Evergreen Park — $200K for a pedestrian and cyclist safety demonstration project
🎉 Congratulations to both communities on advancing safety on local streets.
🔗 See the full 2025 SS4A award list
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