CMAP Media Tip Sheet

March 16, 2015

Tip sheets briefly summarize newsworthy activities of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). Reporters should contact Tina Fassett Smith (312-386-8786 or tsmith@cmap.illinois.gov) or Hillary Green (312-386-8619 and hgreen@cmap.illinois.gov) for more information.

CMAP analyzes Governor Rauner's proposed budget in light of GO TO 2040 priorities

With its 2015 Federal Agenda and its State Legislative Framework and Principles, CMAP has stated clear policy priorities relevant to implementing the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan. The agency recently analyzed Governor Rauner's budget proposal for fiscal year 2016 in light these priorities. These materials are provided to policy makers in Washington and Springfield to articulate policies for transportation, land use, housing, the environment, and economic development, as well as to build support for regional comprehensive planning efforts.

Metropolitan Chicago regional freight system has national implications

The latest in a series of transportation-related CMAP Policy Updates examines implementation and performance impacts of the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) program. Our region is the primary interchange between eastern and western railroads in North America, which -- along with aging infrastructure -- leads to substantial conflict between freight and passenger rail, causing significant delays and congestion that affect the entire U.S. freight system.  The Policy Update series builds on a new CMAP mobility data visualizations website that provides a "peek under the hood" of our regional transportation system of roads, transit, and freight.  One previous entry looks at the numbers behind rail crossing delays in metropolitan Chicago, and another describes anticipated revenue sources for infrastructure maintenance, modernization, and strategic expansion.

Employers and educators need to collaborate in closing the manufacturing "skills gap"

Many manufacturing jobs remain unfilled due to a shortage of skilled workers even as metropolitan Chicago recovers from high unemployment rates, according to some employers, workforce developers, and economists.  A recent CMAP Policy Update examines the evidence of a skills gap affecting the regional manufacturing cluster. This analysis builds on data from the CMAP regional economic indicators microsite.

Communities can plan for future housing needs with new toolkit

As the shifting economy alters people's housing preferences, many communities are struggling to re-evaluate their current and future housing plans. In partnership with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and the Metropolitan Planning Council, CMAP has created the Homes for a Changing Region toolkit.  It offers local government officials a step by step guide for addressing key housing questions, including planning for population shifts and housing affordability. The project partners will host an overview webinar on March 18 at noon.

Regional inventory of land use reflects new parcel-based approach

CMAP's new 2010 Land Use Inventory is now available for download and updated with the seven counties' parcel GIS files to improve accuracy and efficiency. Data from the inventory is used by the agency, consultants, researchers, and municipal staff to support planning and policy evaluations and local technical assistance activities across the region.