CMAP Media Tip Sheet

June 21, 2013

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.

New multifamily rental permits and construction growing in suburbs

Since 2000, construction of large new multifamily rental buildings had been concentrated in the City of Chicago. The latest CMAP Housing Policy Update finds, however, that new multifamily rental permits and construction shifted outward into suburban areas of the region during 2012 and the first quarter of 2013. According to the CMAP analysis, this trend will likely continue for the next several years, with at least half of the region's new multifamily units by 2014 being built in suburban areas and that percentage increasing through 2017. As described in the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan, livability depends on a balanced supply of owner-occupied housing and rental housing distributed throughout the region. 

Congestion pricing continues to build momentum

On June 19, the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference became the latest group to pass a resolution in support of CMAP's congestion pricing campaign. Councils of government that had previously affirmed their support include the Will County Governmental League, Northwest Municipal Conference, West Central Municipal Conference, and South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association.  Also endorsing the campaign are TMA of Lake-Cook, Big Lift LLC, Centerpoint Properties, and Metropolis Strategies.  CMAP computer-model analysis demonstrates the need for congestion pricing as a tool to manage traffic for faster, reliable travel times.  If implemented on five new GO TO 2040 construction projects, express toll lanes would allow drivers during the morning rush to reach their destinations 31 to 66 percent quicker, at a modest additional cost.  

Urban Land Institute Chicago selects GO TO 2040 for Vision Award

This month, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Chicago honored the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan and CMAP with one of its Vision Awards.  The award recognizes innovation in the development and growth of vibrant communities within the Chicago metropolitan region. ULI is multidisciplinary real estate forum that convenes industry leaders and policy makers to promote wise land-use planning, long-term investment, and sustainable development.  The institute has also partnered with CMAP's Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program to support several community-based projects, including Elgin, Hanover Park, Joliet, and Lincolnwood.  
 

Local planning project applications deadline is noon, June 26

Planning assistance and grants for local projects that implement GO TO 2040 are now available through the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Community Planning Program and CMAP LTA program at www.rtachicago.com/applications.  Applications are due at noon on Wednesday, June 26.  As described in the program guide, eligible parties may apply for both programs by using one application.  The RTA and CMAP coordinate their efforts to offer planning and implementation assistance to an expanded base of eligible applicants, align all efforts with the GO TO 2040 Plan, and provide interagency expertise, technical assistance and capacity.  
 

Urban Land Institute Chicago selects GO TO 2040 for Vision Award 

This month, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Chicago honored the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan and CMAP with one of its Vision Awards.  The award recognizes innovation in the development and growth of vibrant communities within the Chicago metropolitan region. ULI is multidisciplinary real estate forum that convenes industry leaders and policy makers to promote wise land-use planning, long-term investment, and sustainable development.  The institute has also partnered with CMAP's Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program to support several community-based projects, including Elgin, Hanover Park, Joliet, and Lincolnwood.  
 

Suburban and city neighborhoods rethink parking strategies to promote livability

The CMAP LTA program is helping two different communities address a shared concern: how to better manage parking in a way that supports local businesses and increases livability for local residents.  Both DuPage County's Village of Hinsdale and Chicago's Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce/Special Service Area #33 (WPB) are developing plans for parking management to address congestion, pricing and availability of parking, and transportation alternatives.  Both projects are informed by CMAP's Parking Strategies to Support Livable Communities toolkit, which explores how parking affects community vitality and how to understand and solve different parking challenges. Residents can learn more and provide input this month:

• Wicker Park-Bucktown public meeting
  June 26, 2013
  6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
  Bucktown-Wicker Park Library
  1701 N. Milwaukee Avenue
  Chicago, IL 60647

   

• Hinsdale's Uniquely Thursday event (look for the CMAP/Hinsdale table)
  June 27, 2013
  6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
  Burlington Park
  30 E. Chicago Avenue
  Hinsdale, IL 60521

   

Bus Rapid Transit expanding in city, suburbs

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a flexible, cost-effective solution that improves transit and reduces congestion. Pace has announced the expansion of its Bus on Shoulder program to include new trips on routes 755 and 855.  The original I-55 pilot and its expansions are partially funded through CMAP's Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program. After a year-long assessment of various BRT alternatives, the City of Chicago, Chicago Transit Authority, and Chicago Department of Transportation have  announced plans to further study BRT along a 16-mile stretch of Ashland Avenue between 95th Street and Irving Park Road.  Learn more at www.brtchicago.com, and read CMAP's Land Use Policies and Strategies for Expressway-Based Bus Rapid Transit guide for municipalities, transit providers, and transportation agencies.

--END--

About CMAP.  The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is the comprehensive regional planning organization for the northeastern Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will. By state and federal law, CMAP is responsible for producing the region's official, integrated plan for land use and transportation. The agency's innovative GO TO 2040 planning campaign develops and implements strategies to shape the region's transportation system and development patterns, while also addressing the natural environment, economic development, housing, education, human services, and other factors shaping quality of life. See www.cmap.illinois.gov for more information.