Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

01/05/2023

Read our Accessible Communities newsletter to find out about ADA training, how the Chicago Transit Authority and Metra will improve accessibility, and more: https://cmap.is/accessiblecommunities0104

01/04/2023

Regional leaders gathered at the Chicago History Museum on Wednesday to announce the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership. Find out about the Partnership and CMAP’s support: https://cmap.is/economicpartnership

Partners are united around shared principles for regional cooperation and will pursue joint economic activities that benefit everyone. It is a first-of-its-kind collaboration among the seven counties of northeastern Illinois and the City of Chicago – Government to drive economic growth and advance equity across the region. World Business Chicago The Brookings Institution The Chicago Community Trust Cook County Government Kane County Government Lake County, IL Government Will County Board DuPage County Board Kendall County McHenry County Government

01/04/2023

Vice President Kamala Harris visited the Southside of Chicago today to share great news about an important infrastructure project that will help bolster northeastern Illinois’ status as the nation’s freight hub.

The City of Chicago will receive $144 million to rehabilitate four bridges that cross over the Calumet River, creating more reliable and safer connections for the many residents, vehicles, and ships that rely on the bridges each day. It also will add dedicated bike lanes and improved sidewalks to support community connections in the area.

The announcement is a part of the more than $2 billion from the being invested in our nation’s most economically significant bridges. CMAP continues to share resources and information related to the infrastructure law on our website: https://cmap.is/IIJA

01/03/2023

Say hello to Jules Voigt, who joins CMAP as a planner. They had been an intern since the summer.

Jules is a current graduate student at the UIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, with a focus on community development. They previously interned with the Metropolitan Planning Council, working on water affordability.

Also, Jules:
▪️ is a former member of a tenant union working on a housing trust fund in Kansas City.
▪️ worked at an architecture office in Kansas City.
▪️ has a degree in architecture from Ball State University and a minor in Social and Environmental Justice.

Please join us in welcoming Jules to our team!

12/30/2022

Riding through 2022: A look back at the year in biking

Thanks to Daily Herald columnist Ralph Banasiak for highlighting some of CMAP’s bike/pedestrian plans in his look back at the year in biking.

Check out the story and look for the links that can help guide your journey as you join the ride!

The idea crystallized last January: A year-end biking roundup -- a 2022 glance-back.

12/29/2022

2022 CMAP Highlights

Join us for a look at some of our highlights of 2022! We're ready for an exciting 2023.
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago American Planning Association - Illinois Chapter

12/28/2022

River Grove: Planning for the future of the village cannot happen without you! Public engagement for Reimagine River Grove — the Village of River Grove's first comprehensive plan — is underway.
Learn more and share your thoughts and priorities at https://cmap.is/river-grove.
Para Español, haga clic aquí: https://engage.cmap.illinois.gov/reimaginando-river-grove
Po ankietę po polsku kliknij tutaj: https://engage.cmap.illinois.gov/przeksztalcenie-river-grove

12/27/2022

Congress creates Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area on Chicago’s South Side

Great news for Chicago’s “Black Metropolis,” a historic site worthy of status. CMAP is honored to be part of the journey.

The agency created the original feasibility study: https://cmap.is/bronzevilleheritage
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/12/22/23523199/congress-creates-bronzeville-black-metropolis-national-heritage-area-on-chicagos-south-side

The designation will help preserve over 200 historical assets in Bronzeville and bring up to $1 million annually to the area over a 10- to 15-year span.

12/27/2022

Country Club Hills: We want to hear from you! It's time to update the city's comprehensive plan. A lot has changed since 2007, and City Of Country Club Hills needs a new roadmap to the future.

Take the survey, and let us know what you think: https://cmap.is/countryclubhillssurvey

12/23/2022

Say hello to Isaura Velez, who joins CMAP as an administrative assistant. Isaura previously worked with BMO Harris Bank, supporting the financial advisory and business development departments for four years.

While there, she participated in Paycheck Protection Program loan processing during the pandemic to support business customers during a high-stress situation when all hands on deck were needed. The dedication to provide support and customer service were the pillars that helped navigate that unprecedented time.

Please join us in welcoming Isaura to our team!

12/22/2022

Don't miss the latest CMAP Update! Click here to read it: https://cmap.is/decemberupdate
Among the highlights:
✅COVID transportation update provides a snapshot of how travel has changed
✅ADA training workshop set in Frankfort
✅Meet the first Community Alliance for Regional Equity (CARE) cohort
✅Upcoming events and more!

12/21/2022

We are excited to announce that 12 organizations are part of a new pilot program, the Community Alliance for Regional Equity, or CARE. Find out how the initiative will help bring greater equity into regional planning: https://bit.ly/CAREcohort

The organizations are: Access Living, Alliance of the Southeast - ASE, Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County, Batavia Community Diversity Initiative, Elgin Community Bikes, Evanston/North Shore Branch NAACP, Faith in Place, Far South CDC, Hanul Family Alliance 한울종합복지관, North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council, Northwest Center, and Palenque LSNA

12/20/2022

Why Chicago, the U.S.'s Busiest Railroad Hub, Is So Vulnerable to Strikes

Chicago is the busiest rail hub in the U.S. Any stoppage — caused by bad weather or a nationwide strike — would have trains at a standstill.

CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman talks to The Wall Street Journal about why railroads are so important to our region:

With $3 trillion in goods traveling through Chicago every year, the city is the busiest rail hub in the U.S. WSJ breaks down how important rail is to the region

12/19/2022

CMAP is hiring! We continue to hire and promote great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, making the agency and its work stronger. Check out our open positions: cmap.is/joinourteam

If you believe in serving with passion, fostering collaboration, driving innovation, pursuing equity, and leading with excellence, and you share CMAP's enthusiasm for building an inclusive and thriving region, please apply.

12/18/2022

Register for a training session and:
▶️Get a clear understanding of ADA requirements
▶️Learn new ideas on how to improve accessibility in your community
Sign up now: https://cmap.is/adatrainingfrankfort
It will be January 18 at Frankfort Village Hall. It is intended for elected officials, city administrators, program directors or managers, section leaders, city clerks, communications/media managers, and administrative staff from library, parks and recreation, and other divisions of local government.

12/14/2022

Thanks APWA Chicago Metro for highlighting the , a once-in-a-generation chance to invest in transportation, safety, resilience, equity, and more.

CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman spoke on how northeastern Illinois is working together to prioritize investments to strengthen our regional competitiveness and secure funding. "An investment here is an investment in the region, the Midwest and the entire country because of the interconnectedness of our roads and rail."

12/13/2022

Time is running out! Nominate a deserving person or organization for the Awards. Deadline is Friday, December 16.

Make a nomination and find out more about past winners: https://cmap.is/lastcallregionalexcellence It's a quick form, only five areas to fill out!

Check out a 2021 winner: Allison Swisher, director of public utilities for the City of Joliet, Illinois, Government

12/12/2022

River Grove: We want to hear from you! We invite you to share your thoughts and priorities for Reimagine River Grove — the Village of River Grove's first comprehensive plan.
Share your thoughts and priorities at https://cmap.is/river-grove.
Para Español, haga clic aquí: https://engage.cmap.illinois.gov/reimaginando-river-grove
Po ankietę po polsku kliknij tutaj: https://engage.cmap.illinois.gov/przeksztalcenie-river-grove

12/12/2022

Say hello to Karly Cazzato, who joins CMAP as an associate analyst. In May, Karly graduated from Miami University with a master’s in biology. She studied plant community ecology in a restored prairie in southwestern Ohio.

Before that, Karly graduated from Illinois State University, with a double major of statistics and conservation biology. As a Chicagoland native, Karly is excited to join CMAP because the research has a clear and direct impact on our region’s residents. Please join us in welcoming her to our team!

12/09/2022

An all-star panel of transportation leaders, including CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman, talked about transit funding, fares, and flexibility at a City Club of Chicago event. Watch the video: https://www.cityclub-chicago.org/video/3544/future-of-chicagoland-transit-funding-fares-and-flexibility

12/09/2022

CMAP Deputy Executive Director Amy McEwan joined representatives from Boston and Washington in Philadelphia to share knowledge and expertise this week at the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission board retreat.

12/08/2022

CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman joined an all-star panel of transportation leaders to talk about transit funding, fares, and flexibility as part of a City Club of Chicago event.

Speaking to a crowd of 200+, the panelists shined a light on the need to reimagine our region’s transit system given a looming fiscal cliff. How? We need to think differently and keep people front and center of the conversation.

12/07/2022

Nominate a deserving person or organization for the Visionary Leaders category of the Awards! Don't delay: Deadline is December 16.

Make a nomination and find out more about past winners: https://cmap.is/regionalexcellence2022

Check out a 2021 winner — Dr. Brian Sager, who served as mayor of Woodstock for 16 years. City of Woodstock IL- City Hall

12/06/2022

Join CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman for a conversation about infrastructure on Tuesday, December 13, at an event hosted by APWA Chicago Metro

Register now: http://chicago.apwa.net/EventDetails/30282

She will talk about the and what it means for our region. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

12/06/2022

Check out our Accessible Communities newsletter and sign up to subscribe: https://cmap.is/accessiblecommunities1202
In this edition:
▪️ Does improving accessibility boost local economies?
▪️ Save the dates for free ADA trainings starting in January
▪️ Celebrating improvements around the region
▪️ And more!

12/05/2022

Help celebrate our region’s accomplishments. Nominate a deserving person or project for the Awards, and find out more about past winners: https://cmap.is/regionalexcellence2022

Check out the 2021 Regional Resilience winner — the Buffalo Creek Reservoir Expansion. The Lake County Forest Preserves, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, and the Village of Buffalo Grove partnered to make the project a reality.

The $9.7 million project in the northwest suburbs increased the region’s resiliency to flooding, while improving recreational opportunities.

12/01/2022

Speed limits aren’t suggestions. Slow down — and save lives. Everyone has the right to walk or roll safely.

State and local transportation leaders are doubling down on efforts to end traffic fatalities: https://cmap.is/pedestriansafety
Illinois Department of Transportation Chicago Department of Transportation

11/30/2022

How well do you know the municipalities in northeastern Illinois? Wordle fans familiar with the region can show off what they know: http://neildle.xyz/

11/29/2022

December is coming soon, and that means a season of snow and ice — and road salt.

That salt helps protect pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers. It keeps traffic moving, and it allows people to avoid slips and falls. But too much salt causes problems. See why a little goes a long way: https://cmap.is/roadsalt

Excessive salt enters bodies of water and accumulates over time. And that:
❄️impacts aquatic life
❄️affects drinking water

11/28/2022

CMAP is hiring! We continue to hire and promote great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, making the agency and its work stronger. View CMAP's open jobs: cmap.is/joinourteam

If you believe in serving with passion, fostering collaboration, driving innovation, pursuing equity, and leading with excellence, and you share CMAP's enthusiasm for building an inclusive and thriving region, please apply.

11/26/2022

Help us celebrate our region’s accomplishments! Submit a nomination for the Awards in these categories:
• Equity with Impact
• Partners for Progress
• Regional Resilience
• Visionary Leader
Make a nomination today: https://cmap.is/awards

11/23/2022

With deadly traffic crashes surging, state and local transportation leaders are doubling down on efforts to end traffic fatalities. Protect yourself. Buckle up and stay safe: cmap.is/pedestriansafety

Chicago Department of Transportation Illinois Department of Transportation

11/22/2022

Check out the latest CMAP Update! Click here to read it: https://cmap.is/updatenewsletter
Among the highlights:
▶️ Free ADA training workshops coming soon
▶️ There were 64 applications for CMAP's annual call for projects
▶️ You can submit nominations for the 2023 Regional Excellence Awards
▶️ Upcoming events and more!

11/22/2022

Say hello to Andrew Staley, who joins CMAP as a senior accountant.

Before coming to CMAP, Andrew worked for five and a half years as a staff accountant for Children’s Home & Aid Society of Illinois, which provides social services and community support programs across the state. While there, he worked with program staff to support their finance- and accounting-related needs and ensured that administrative/finance tasks flowed smoothly and efficiently. We are excited to welcome Andrew to the team!

11/21/2022

Help celebrate our region’s accomplishments. Nominate a deserving person or project for the Awards: cmap.is/awards

Check out a past winner! The 2021 Partners for Progress Award was won by Connect2Work, a pilot program developed by the Village of Bedford Park, Cook County, and the Regional Transportation Authority. Watch a video that highlights the program: https://cmap.is/stateoftheregionhighlights

11/18/2022

The new requires regional leadership and coordination. That's what CMAP does!

Executive Director Erin Aleman kicked off this week's Illinois Tollway conference: Building the Road to Success, a financial planning and resources seminar for transportation-related businesses.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:
▪️ provides a once-in-a-generation chance to invest in roads, bridges, and rail
▪️ places an equity, environment, and resilience lens on decision-making
▪️ allows our region to implement projects faster

Visit our IIJA hub for more: https://cmap.is/IIJA

11/17/2022

A big thank you to the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) for having Executive Director Erin Aleman moderate a star-studded panel discussion this week with our partners from Chicago Department of Transportation, Cook County Government, Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Illinois Tollway.

Everyone shared important insights on how northeastern Illinois’ infrastructure can better serve all our residents.

11/17/2022

Ask an Educator LIVE: ON TO 2050—Northeastern Illinois Climate Plan

Check it out! A Q-and-A featuring our own Jane Grover and Jared Patton

11/16/2022

Heavy rain can cause flooding that can grind transportation to a halt and stop you from getting where you need to go. Streets and sidewalks can become inaccessible, possibly for long periods of time. Access to public transportation could be affected.

With support from CMAP’s Local Technical Assistance program, the Central Council of Mayors is developing a plan to reduce that risk. Check it out now: cmap.is/resilienttransportation. Public comment is open through November 29.