CMAP Media Tip Sheet

January 16, 2014

This tip sheet briefly summarizes newsworthy activities of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). Reporters should contact Justine Reisinger (312-386-8802 and jreisinger@cmap.illinois.gov) or Hillary Green (312-386-8619 and hgreen@cmap.illinois.gov) for more information.

CMAP report highlights national best practices for economic development

Reorienting State and Regional Economic Development: Lessons Learned from National Examples examines national best practices that are relevant to metropolitan Chicago and Illinois. Its three case studies focus on efforts by New York and Washington states and the Denver region to use strategic planning, to coordinate and streamline programs, and to improve transparency and accountability while competing for business nationally and internationally. Read more in a CMAP Policy Update. This report is the first in a two-part series, with the second report this spring set to examine economic development here in our region and state. 

Non-motorized transportation projects receive federal funding

The CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee approved new projects to build bicycle and pedestrian facilities using funds from the federal Transportation Alternatives Program.  CMAP administers these funds, which total $17 million over two years.  Eight new projects were selected through a competitive process that included criteria such as ability to fill gaps in the regional trail network, market for a facility, and facility design quality.

Workshops give Cook County residents the chance to express their planning priorities

In January and February, Cook County and CMAP will host several subregional interactive workshops as part of the County's Planning for Progress effort.  The objective is to seek a higher quality of life for residents by strategically planning for future housing, community, and economic development needs throughout Cook County. Residents and interested stakeholders can register for public workshops on January 29 in Berwyn and February 4 in Arlington Heights, as well as provide input via a short on-line survey through January 31 (also available in Spanish). The project is part of CMAP's Local Technical Assistance program.

New GO TO 2040 implementation report highlights recent progress, updated regional indicators

CMAP has released Moving Forward 2013, the third annual GO TO 2040 implementation report and poster. It describes recent local and regional progress and includes new indicators CMAP is using to help measure plan implementation.  Copies of the poster are available from Joey-Lin Silberhorn (jsilberhorn@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8814).