Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

09/09/2021

Nooshin Javidi is a master's student in urban planning and policy at UIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs. While interning at CMAP, she's looking forward to growing her skills and knowledge in transportation planning, research, analysis, and programming. #CMAPInterns

Department of Urban Planning and Policy at UIC

Nooshin Javidi is a master's student in urban planning and policy at UIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs. While interning at CMAP, she's looking forward to growing her skills and knowledge in transportation planning, research, analysis, and programming. #CMAPInterns

Department of Urban Planning and Policy at UIC

09/07/2021

CMAP assistant planners Cole Neder and Lily Neppl were out in Oswego this weekend for PrairieFest! If you missed them, you can learn more about the project we're working on with
Village of Oswego, Illinois here: https://engage.cmap.illinois.gov/oswego-unified-development-ordinance #GoOswego

CMAP assistant planners Cole Neder and Lily Neppl were out in Oswego this weekend for PrairieFest! If you missed them, you can learn more about the project we're working on with
Village of Oswego, Illinois here: https://engage.cmap.illinois.gov/oswego-unified-development-ordinance #GoOswego

09/03/2021

Historic Pullman National Monument ready for Labor Day grand opening

Looking for #LaborDay weekend plans? Attend the grand opening of Chicago's first and only national monument. #VisitChicagoland
Pullman National Monument, National Park Service

This weekend, Chicagoans will get their first opportunity to explore the new visitor center at Pullman National Monument on the city's far south side. The attraction opens within the restored Pullman Clock Tower and Administration building at 11001 S. Cottage Grove Avenue and serves as the focal poi...

09/03/2021

Applications are open for free technical assistance through Homes for a Changing Region — a program to help communities identify solutions to their housing challenges. Fill out an application for assistance by Friday, September 17: https://metropolitanmayorscaucus.submittable.com/submit/202128/homes-for-a-changing-region-expression-of-interest-2021-2023

Metropolitan Mayors Caucus

Applications are open for free technical assistance through Homes for a Changing Region — a program to help communities identify solutions to their housing challenges. Fill out an application for assistance by Friday, September 17: https://metropolitanmayorscaucus.submittable.com/submit/202128/homes-for-a-changing-region-expression-of-interest-2021-2023

Metropolitan Mayors Caucus

09/02/2021

Leeana Skuby, CMAP's Peters Fellow, is getting her master's in city planning at the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design. She is interested in housing development, and wants to learn how the region can better meet housing needs while addressing the pandemic and climate change.

Learn more about the Peters Fellowship: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/about/careers/peters-fellowship

#CMAPInterns

Leeana Skuby, CMAP's Peters Fellow, is getting her master's in city planning at the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design. She is interested in housing development, and wants to learn how the region can better meet housing needs while addressing the pandemic and climate change.

Learn more about the Peters Fellowship: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/about/careers/peters-fellowship

#CMAPInterns

09/02/2021

Officials Release New Oswego Ordinance Recs, Ask For Public Input

We're working with the Village of Oswego, Illinois to update its zoning and subdivision ordinances — also called the unified development ordinance. Learn more about the project and how you can participate. #ONTO2050

A new Unified Development Ordinance will be created through a community-based process. The public can share their opinions via a survey.

09/01/2021

Visit Pullman this #LaborDay weekend for the grand opening of the Pullman National Monument Visitor Center and Pullman State Historic Site Factory Grounds. Learn more about the event and schedule of activities: https://go.nps.gov/pullmangrandopening #PullmanGrandOpening #VisitChicagoland

During Pullman’s Grand Opening weekend, Saturday and Sunday, September 4-5, the public will be welcome to take special tours of the new Pullman National Monument Visitor Center and the historic Hotel Florence. Free tickets for these tours will be available day-of on a first-come, first-served basis at the Information Tent, which will be at the southeast corner of 111th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. There will be no admittance to these sites on grand opening weekend without a ticket. Ticketing will start at 9:00 am each day and last until all tickets are distributed. Each ticket will have a reserved entry time. Visitors will be required to wear a face covering for the tours. Stay up to date on Grand Opening weekend activities and coronavirus guidance at go.nps.gov/pullmangrandopening

Image: Pullman National Monument’s new Visitor Center, an ideal first stop for visitors to the Monument, will be located in the Historic Administration Clock Tower Building, 11001 S. Cottage Grove Ave. (NPS photo / Daniel Pels)

08/31/2021

#CMAPCelebrates Dan Olson: "I joined CMAP as a project manager for Energy Impact Illinois, which was an energy efficiency retrofit grant program. When you're administering a grant, you become really familiar with the finance side. I got so much experience working with the Finance and Administration Division that I eventually moved over to that team, where I've been ever since.

"Most people don’t see all the admin work that goes into what CMAP does. It takes time and a lot of effort, and the Finance and Administration Division is really helpful and diligent. I see my role as making everything as efficient as possible so people can focus on their work, and I try to do that every day.

"Outside of work, I'm really interested in sustainable agriculture and food. I think the pandemic made people realize our connection to the food system. I used to have an urban garden plot and I like growing tomatoes, mostly because they’re easy to can. In the middle of winter, when you’re making a pasta dish and you use your own tomatoes — it just hits you."

Dan is a senior finance analyst and has worked at CMAP for 11 years. He has a master's degree in public administration and environmental science and policy.

#CMAPCelebrates Dan Olson: "I joined CMAP as a project manager for Energy Impact Illinois, which was an energy efficiency retrofit grant program. When you're administering a grant, you become really familiar with the finance side. I got so much experience working with the Finance and Administration Division that I eventually moved over to that team, where I've been ever since.

"Most people don’t see all the admin work that goes into what CMAP does. It takes time and a lot of effort, and the Finance and Administration Division is really helpful and diligent. I see my role as making everything as efficient as possible so people can focus on their work, and I try to do that every day.

"Outside of work, I'm really interested in sustainable agriculture and food. I think the pandemic made people realize our connection to the food system. I used to have an urban garden plot and I like growing tomatoes, mostly because they’re easy to can. In the middle of winter, when you’re making a pasta dish and you use your own tomatoes — it just hits you."

Dan is a senior finance analyst and has worked at CMAP for 11 years. He has a master's degree in public administration and environmental science and policy.

08/27/2021

Join us on Thursday, October 7, for our first-ever State of the Region virtual event. This year’s theme, Prosperity with Purpose, looks at progress toward building an inclusive and thriving northeastern Illinois. Register at https://cmap.is/SOTR2021registration #CMAPState2021

Join us on Thursday, October 7, for our first-ever State of the Region virtual event. This year’s theme, Prosperity with Purpose, looks at progress toward building an inclusive and thriving northeastern Illinois. Register at https://cmap.is/SOTR2021registration #CMAPState2021

08/26/2021

Op-ed: Chicago must remember the complex needs of those who live with disabilities

In an op-ed, Commissioner Rachel Arfa of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) talks about the importance of considering the needs of people with disabilities and ensuring accessibility.

Disability has typically been portrayed as a one-dimensional identity, when in fact intersectional identities as a whole can and do affect the experience and access a person with a disability has.

08/25/2021

GIS intern Phillip Jones is completing his master's in urban planning and design from UGA College of Environment and Design. He believes in accessible data, and wants to learn new, creative, and effective ways to analyze and share data during his internship. #CMAPInterns

GIS intern Phillip Jones is completing his master's in urban planning and design from UGA College of Environment and Design. He believes in accessible data, and wants to learn new, creative, and effective ways to analyze and share data during his internship. #CMAPInterns

08/24/2021

Community Data Snapshots

New census data show that northeastern Illinois grew by 1.74% between 2010 and 2020. How did your community's population change? Find out in CMAP's Community Data Snapshots, which were updated this week with 2020 census data. See your snapshot at https://cmap.is/CDS.

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) Community Data Snapshots summarize demographic, housing, employment, transportation, land use, revenue, and water data in northeastern Illinois. Each year, CMAP updates these snapshots for the region’s seven counties (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kend...

08/23/2021

Students explore planning, address regional issues during FLIP summer program

When did you first learn about urban planning as a career option? For more than 10 years, CMAP has run the Future Leaders in Planning program to introduce high school students to planning and show them how they can contribute to a better future for the region. Read about this year's program, which emphasized equity in planning and included a walking tour of Chicago's Washington Park neighborhood. #FLIP2021
Muse Community + Design

This summer, more than 30 high school and college students from across northeastern Illinois participated in the Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) program.

08/19/2021

World Photography Day

Our region is home to a wide range of environments and attractions, from forests and museums to farms and bike paths. Where's your favorite place? Share a photo in the comments! #WorldPhotographyDay #VisitChicagoland

08/18/2021

Yuyan Zhang is a communications and engagement intern studying journalism at Medill - Northwestern University. During her internship, she wants to learn how to communicate CMAP's work to different audiences. She looks forward to learning more about the region and getting to know staff across the agency. #CMAPInterns

Yuyan Zhang is a communications and engagement intern studying journalism at Medill - Northwestern University. During her internship, she wants to learn how to communicate CMAP's work to different audiences. She looks forward to learning more about the region and getting to know staff across the agency. #CMAPInterns

08/17/2021

Summer weather brings with it heat, drought, and ozone air pollution. Learn more about these challenges and what your community can do to address them: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/updates/all/-/asset_publisher/UIMfSLnFfMB6/content/summer-heat-challenges

Summer weather brings with it heat, drought, and ozone air pollution. Learn more about these challenges and what your community can do to address them: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/updates/all/-/asset_publisher/UIMfSLnFfMB6/content/summer-heat-challenges

08/13/2021

Jamie Pew is an intern in the Plan Implementation and Legislative Affairs Division, focusing on climate. He's pursuing a master's in sustainability policy and planning from the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. While at CMAP, Jamie wants to learn about effective regional planning. He hopes to use that experience to help vulnerable communities adapt to and thrive in a changing climate. #CMAPInterns

Jamie Pew is an intern in the Plan Implementation and Legislative Affairs Division, focusing on climate. He's pursuing a master's in sustainability policy and planning from the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. While at CMAP, Jamie wants to learn about effective regional planning. He hopes to use that experience to help vulnerable communities adapt to and thrive in a changing climate. #CMAPInterns

08/11/2021

We joined Berkeley Public Library, Village of Berkeley, and Berkeley Park District for the opening of their new story walk. You can find it along the Prairie Path beginning at Taft Avenue. Be sure to visit every few months to see the new story!

Berkeley, Village of Hillside, and the Berkeley Park District are developing a shared vision for the Prairie Path and Taft Avenue corridor to increase use of the trail, attract businesses, and enhance open space.

08/11/2021

How many people in your community own their homes? Learn in CMAP's updated Community Data Snapshots: https://cmap.is/CDS

How many people in your community own their homes? Learn in CMAP's updated Community Data Snapshots: https://cmap.is/CDS

08/10/2021

Illinois HSR Commission Formed - Railway Age

Governor Pritzker signed a bill creating the Illinois High-Speed Railway Commission. It will be responsible for creating a statewide plan for a high-speed line and feeder network connecting Chicago to St. Louis.

Illinois Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Aug. 6 signed HB0399, a bill authorizing the formation of the Illinois High-Speed Railway Commission, which will be responsible for creating a statewide plan for a high-speed line and feeder network connecting Chicago to St. Louis.

08/10/2021

Bingchu Chen is working on her master’s in city planning and urban spatial analytics at the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design. During her internship, she hopes to learn more about how a metropolitan planning organization like CMAP works and how to put transportation safety into practice. She is interning with CMAP's Plan Implementation and Legislative Affairs division. #CMAPInterns

Bingchu Chen is working on her master’s in city planning and urban spatial analytics at the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design. During her internship, she hopes to learn more about how a metropolitan planning organization like CMAP works and how to put transportation safety into practice. She is interning with CMAP's Plan Implementation and Legislative Affairs division. #CMAPInterns

08/09/2021

How do you get to work? Nicole Yarmolkevich, who is blind, describes how street design makes her half-mile commute dangerous, and how accessibility improvements like curb cuts benefit everyone. Read Nicole's story: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/updates/all/-/asset_publisher/UIMfSLnFfMB6/content/ada-street-safety

How do you get to work? Nicole Yarmolkevich, who is blind, describes how street design makes her half-mile commute dangerous, and how accessibility improvements like curb cuts benefit everyone. Read Nicole's story: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/updates/all/-/asset_publisher/UIMfSLnFfMB6/content/ada-street-safety

08/06/2021

CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman talks about how we can support agriculture and conservation to help the region thrive:
🤝 Collaborate
🌳 Protect natural resources
🌽 Build resilient food systems
👩‍🌾 Support local food

Read more: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/updates/all/-/asset_publisher/UIMfSLnFfMB6/content/agriculture-conservation-blog

Farm Foundation Openlands

CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman talks about how we can support agriculture and conservation to help the region thrive:
🤝 Collaborate
🌳 Protect natural resources
🌽 Build resilient food systems
👩‍🌾 Support local food

Read more: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/updates/all/-/asset_publisher/UIMfSLnFfMB6/content/agriculture-conservation-blog

Farm Foundation Openlands

08/05/2021

Michael Collins is completing his master's in public administration at UIC Public Administration. This summer, he's interning with the Plan Implementation and Legislative Affairs division where he hopes to learn about equitable planning. #CMAPInterns

UIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs

Michael Collins is completing his master's in public administration at UIC Public Administration. This summer, he's interning with the Plan Implementation and Legislative Affairs division where he hopes to learn about equitable planning. #CMAPInterns

UIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs