CMAP Media Tip Sheet

April 23, 2014

CMAP analyzes state transportation funding proposal

The Transportation for Illinois Coalition (TFIC) has released its proposal to reform transportation funding in Illinois. As described in a CMAP Policy Update, TFIC seeks to generate an additional $1.8 billion annually to support both pay-as-you-go spending and bonding. It would direct 80 percent of new revenues to road, bridge, and airport improvements, with the remaining 20 percent to be dedicated to transit improvements in northeastern Illinois; if implemented, it would be the first-ever dedicated source of capital funding for mass transit in the state. While the TFIC proposal is a bold attempt to reform and increase transportation funding in Illinois, a number of GO TO 2040 policy issues are unaddressed, including the indexing of the gas tax to increase with inflation and a move toward performance-based funding. As the Illinois Jobs Now! program comes to a close, this proposal presents an opportunity for Illinois to rethink the way it allocates transportation funds. CMAP's principles for a new capital program detail the agency's priorities for reforming how the state funds transportation.

New IL Route 53/120 corridor planning effort integrates land use, transportation, economic development, and open space

In partnership with the Illinois Tollway and Lake County, CMAP is leading development of a corridor land use plan for the proposed project to extend Illinois Route 53 north to IL 120. This multi-year effort will engage relevant stakeholders in a facilitated, open process to create a plan for land use, open space, local transportation, and economic development within a two-mile buffer of the proposed IL 53/120 right of way. The Tollway is leading a separate and parallel feasibility analysis to address traffic, tolling, financing, roadway design, and other matters that concern the facility itself. 

Updated Community Data Snapshots offer insights into community and regional characteristics

Several tables in CMAP's Community Data Snapshots have been updated with data from the recently released U.S. Census Bureau 2008-12 American Community Survey.  Updated information for the region's seven counties, 284 municipalities, and 77 Chicago Community Areas includes housing, educational attainment, household income, and other population characteristics. Users can browse easy-to-print PDF files for municipalities that are sorted alphabetically or by county.

Greentown Chicago highlights GO TO 2040 projects from communities around the region

CMAP is cosponsoring GreenTown Chicago, to be held May 21-22, 2014, at University of Illinois at Chicago Student Center East (750 S. Halsted, Chicago). Attendees can participate in an "LTA track" to learn about successful Local Technical Assistance projects and ways to plan for climate adaptation, parking, sustainability, and community development. CMAP's next call for LTA projects will open May 2 and close June 26.

CMAP high school leadership program explores implementation of GO TO 2040

On May 10 from 10:00 a.m. to noon, participants in CMAP's Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) program will host their final presentation event at La Casa Resource Center (1818 S. Paulina Street, Chicago). This year students, FLIP participants worked with local governments and industry professionals in the region to learn about and discuss recommendations for GO TO 2040 implementation. Applications are also available for next year's FLIP program. For more information, contact Ricardo Lopez (rlopez@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8766).