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| Randy Blankenhorn |
Municipal directory. CMAP's updated directory of municipal officials is now available. While a lot of staff effort went into this update, we're only human, so please email Sherry Kane (skane@cmap.illinois.gov) if you spot a discrepancy. We will be mailing copies shortly to the municipalities, and you can let Sherry know if you want one.
Fox River Grove designs. As part of our recent Community Design Workshops project, CMAP collaborated with the Village of Fox River Grove and Conservation Design Forum to develop renderings of how the community could look by 2040 depending on the type of future regional growth scenario that is pursued. I would like to commend Village President Robert Nunamaker, who is moving forward quickly to implement design elements of our "Innovate" scenario. That is exactly the type of leadership our region's communities need. Read more about it in the Tribune.
Smart growth in Maryland. In contrast, the Washington Post has a story (hat tip to Paul O'Connor of the Burnham Centennial) about the obstacles that a state-imposed growth policy has largely failed to overcome in Maryland since it was enacted ten years ago. It's a cautionary tale about how good intentions are never enough. I believe our region is much better-positioned to succeed because its local officials are closely involved in helping to shape the GO TO 2040 regional plan. That's going to make a big difference when its implementation begins one year from now.
BNSF. Here's an interesting perspective in the Wall Street Journal on factors that may have influenced the purchase of the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe railway by Warren Buffet, and how it may relate to efforts in Congress to change how the rail industry is regulated.
CMAP Photo Contest. This week we launched the 2009 Images of Northeastern Illinois Photo Contest which runs through November. We’re asking residents of Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, McHenry, Lake, and Kendall counties to pull out their cameras and capture what they value about the region. Two winners (a First Prize and runner-up) will be selected in each of the following categories, along with one overall contest winner and runner-up: Diversity, Community Vitality, Natural Environment, Architecture/Urban Design, and Transportation. More details and full contest rules are posted online at http://www.goto2040.org/photocontest. Please contact Lindsay Banks 312-386-8826 with questions, or email photo@cmap.illinois.gov.
Burnham film. To arrange a public screening of "Make No Little Plans: Daniel Burnham and the American City," please contact Judith McBrien of the Archimedia Workshop (312-212-1492 or judith@thearchimediaworkshop.org). The very insightful documentary debuted this past summer as part of the Burnham Centennial, and I would encourage any organization to take advantage of the opportunity to show it. We look forward to working with the Workshop over the next year and beyond to help ensure that our stakeholders have the chance to see the film.
Recovery blog. Want to see where the stimulus money is going and how it’s being put to use? Recipients of stimulus funds are required to report how the money is being used and how many jobs are being created or saved quarterly, and the first batch of reports are online. Also, the U.S. Department of Transportation created a new GIS map to display where projects are being funded and the details online. Looking forward to next week’s Economic Recovery Update? In respect for Veteran’s Day, the newsletter will be sent out next Thursday, instead of Wednesday.
Energy solutions conference. The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) is hosting over 300 energy leaders in Chicago for "Opportunity Now!", the annual Midwest Energy Solutions Conference from January 13 to 15, 2010. It will explore the policies and programs currently spreading across the region and how energy efficiency is transforming the built environment, saving money, and generating jobs in the Midwest. The early bird registration deadline is November 20, 2009. Visit www.meeaconference.org for details.
In the GO TO 2040 blog. We feature a muddy photo from a rainy Friday night football game in Aurora. A member of our Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC), Robert Munson, blogged in the first of a series of guest posts. And CMAP’s Erin Aleman reflected on the process of developing FLIP for area high school students.
Learning how to reduce waste. Elementary schools in Oak Park, Naperville and Villa Park are helping teach students about the value of composting food scraps, reducing waste and other "zero-waste" initiatives.
A greener Willis Tower. There's a new project to green the Willis Tower to improve energy efficiency. The project is led by Sara Beardsley of the architectural firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill. The group was first approached to design a new green hotel beside the tower, but has turned its focus to the much bigger task of improving the environmental impact of the Willis Tower. Beardsley will host her final presentation on the project at the University of Illinois at Chicago's Energy Symposium from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. November 10 at the Event Center of the UIC Forum. The presentation is free and open to the public. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP on the UIC Liautaud Graduate School of Business's website.
Green spotlight. Showcase your community! Inspire your peers! If you are using best practices in energy efficiency, stormwater management, green buildings, waste, or other environmental initiatives, please consider sharing your experiences and practical advice. We will highlight your community or forest preserve, park, or conservation district on our upcoming web page “Spotlight on Green Communities,” featuring a different local government each month. To participate, contact Lori Heringa (312-386-8621 or lheringa@cmap.illinois.gov).
Green infrastructure workshop. "Creating a Sustainable Future Using Green Infrastructure" will be held December 1 to 3 at Northern Illinois University in Hoffman Estates to explain how healthy ecosystems contribute to economic vitality and quality of life, teach how to apply green infrastructure techniques such as restoration, conservation easements, green space buffers, and provide ways to use green infrastructure principles in land use planning and project prioritization. The workshop is aimed at local elected and appointed officials, municipal and county planners, ecosystem partnerships, townships, park districts, landscape architects, engineers, and others interested in a sustainable future for the Chicago Wilderness region. Please contact Lauren Plescia, Chicago Wilderness, at lauren.plescia@chicagowilderness.org or 312-742-4907 before November 20 for registration, which costs $25. Course enrollment will be limited to 50 participants. Limit two representatives per organization. The workshop is sponsored by the Conservation Fund, Chicago Wilderness, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Exelon.
John Marshall event. In commemoration of the Burnham Plan Centennial, the Center for Real Estate Law at the John Marshall Law School will present "Water as a Resource: Impact on Real Estate Ownership, Development and Land Use Policy." This Kratovil Conference on Real Estate Law and Practice will be held on Friday, November 20, from 1:15 to 5:30 p.m. at 315 S. Plymouth. Professors from law, engineering and economics will join with attorneys and industry professionals to explore the relationship between water scarcity and ownership of real estate in regions other than the western U.S. The conference is open to the public, and CLE credits are available. See www.jmls.edu/kratovil-reg for registration, which costs $100. For more information, see www.jmls.edu/kratovil or call 312-386-2834. For details of other Burnham Plan Centennial Programs at The John Marshall Law School, visit www.jmls.edu/burnham.
Posted: 11/6/2009 1:25:31 PM
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| Randy Blankenhorn |
SB 1894. Yesterday the Illinois Senate passed SB 1894 to help communities address the continuing problems associated with foreclosures. It now awaits the Governor's signature. Among other measures, it would require that municipalities receive notice prior to foreclosure, along with contact details of property owners. Passage of this bill has been one of the CMAP Board’s legislative priorities.
FLIP in the Burnham blog. Pat Reardon has a wonderful write-up based on the CMAP Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) session that he sat in on last week. We have another great group of high school students this year, and I'm sure we'll end up learning at least as much from them as they do from us.
Agriculture and water. The Northwest Herald had a story about how farmers can help reduce water pollution. It includes a mention of CMAP's Upper Kishwaukee watershed plan.
 Recovery blog. Interested in learning more about the stimulus? Check out this week’s CMAP Economic Recovery Update (and remember, you can read all of our old editions online). We also blogged this week about a new report from Regional ARRA Coordinating Council member the Center for Neighborhood Technology: Creating a Chicago Regional Building Energy Efficiency System.
Economic progress. There was some promising news this week as the U.S. GDP expanded by 3.5 percent during the previous quarter that ended in September. Also, according to the National Association for Business Economics, companies plan to increase hiring and other investments, which had not been the case since July 2008. See this Wall Street Journal blog for opinions by economists, analysts, and investors regarding how robust the upturn might be, including comments about how the stimulus is affecting business. The White House yesterday issued a report stating that the first $150 billion in stimulus spending created 650,000 jobs.
MPC report. The Metropolitan Planning Council has released Advancing Livability Principles: Federal Investment Reforms Lessons from the Chicagoland Experience, which describes some ideas by MPC and its partners (including CMAP) about how to implement principles within the Sustainable Communities Partnership of USDOT, HUD, and EPA. The report got a nice mention at the YoChicago site. For more information, please contact Mandy Burrell Booth (312-863-6018or mburrell@metroplanning.org).
Our Green Metropolis. The Burnham Centennial is partnering with Chicago Metropolis 2020, Openlands, Mayor Daley's Nature and Wildlife Committee, Chicago Wilderness, and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to offer "Our Green Metropolis: The Next 100 Years" on Thursday, November 5, 2009. A number of Green Legacy projects from around the region will be announced, building on the green infrastructure that organizers call "the greatest legacy of the 1909 Plan." A reception begins at 5:00 p.m., with program from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Feinberg Auditorium in the Spertus Institute, 610 S. Michigan Ave. Space is limited, so RSVP to reception@burnhamplan100.org or or 888-752-6618.
Burnham event. The centennial rolls on, with new events on virtually a daily basis. One of note is a talk by WGN Radio's Rick Kogan on "The Burnham Legacy," November 10, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the Blue Island Public Library, 2433 York Street. Admission is free. Contact Dan Carroll (708-388-1078 ext. 30).
Post-2016 planning. The Trib's John McCarron wrote a column this week to suggest a "back-to-basics approach" to building on the Olympics experience.
Library honor. A GO TO 2040 partner, the Gail Borden Public Library, will receive the National Medal for Museum and Library Service as one of the top five libraries in the nation. Library director Carole Medal will visit the White House, where First Lady Michelle Obama will award the medal. The library's Miriam Lytle said to us in an e-mail, "We are very excited about the award. It is a great tribute to excellent partners like you, and community members who work with us to make this a dynamic library district." The Gail Borden Library has partnered with CMAP by hosting GO TO 2040 Community Conversations, an Invent the Future workshop and kiosk, displays from the Elgin Community Design project, and a 2-1-1 community forum.
Roads honor. The Illinois Tollway effort to widen the North/Central Tri-State Tollway has been named the year's top road project nationally by Roads & Bridges magazine. The magazine praised the Tollway's "first-of-its-kind bioswale demonstration project aimed at filtering suspended solids, trapping sediments and removing pollutants" from stormwater drainage.
CNT report. Not all green buildings are created equal, says a new report from the Center for Neighborhood Technology.
Champlain Bridge. This is an especially dramatic example of how neglected infrastructure can negatively affect a region.
Supply Chain Management and Freight Transportation Symposium. Registration is now open for the 2009 UIC Supply Chain Management and Freight Transportation Symposium hosted by the University of Illinois at Chicago Center for Supply Chain Management and the Urban Transportation Center. The symposium will be held at University of Illinois at Chicago Illinois Room, Student Center East Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Keynote speakers include Shailen Bhatt, the associate administrator for Policy and Government Affairs at the Federal Highway Administration and Bob Stoffel, senior vice president for Engineering, Strategy, Supply Chain and Sustainability at United Parcel Service. Other speakers include George Billows, executive director of the Illinois Trucking Association and co-chairman of the CMAP Freight Committee, UIC professor Kazuya Kawamura, a member of the CMAP Freight Committee, and Tom Murtha, project manager for CMAP’s Regional Freight System Planning Recommendations project. A fee of $50.00 includes continental breakfast, luncheon and reception). Click here to register or here for more information.
Lawrence Halprin. If you don't know his name, you should. Mr. Halprin passed away this week but will live on via his visionary contributions to the redesign of Lake Shore Drive. Read about it in an appreciation at the Tribune's Cityscapes blog.
Conversation with the critics. The Chicago Architecture Foundation will host an event featuring leading voices in the field of architectural criticism to discuss the future of cities worldwide. Topics will focus on urban planning, infrastructure and architecture and the critics will consider ideas of model cities and how design serves as a catalyst for change. Critics include Jonathan Glancey (The Guardian), Paul Goldberger (The New Yorker), Sarah Williams Goldhagen (The New Republic) and Blair Kamin (Chicago Tribune). Tickets are $15 for students, $25 for CAF members, and $30 for the general public. The event takes place Thursday, November 5, 2009, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Murphy Auditorium, 50 E. Erie Street, Chicago. Register online or call Whitney Moeller at 312-922-3432 x.271.
Imagining the future in Wheeling. Legat Architects, who helped us and the City of Wheeling in our GO TO 2040 Community Design Workshops, recently added a handy GO TO 2040 button to their website and a page about their involvement with the project. See and comment on all of the ideas from Wheeling and check out what other cities in the region imagined for their future as well on our Community Design Workshops page.
In the GO TO 2040 blog. This week we featured a beautiful fall shot from Jackson Park’s Osaka Garden, originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. We also posted visualizations of all of the regional priorities from our Invent the Future workshops in neat Wordle images.
Lot of tweets. Do you follow us on Twitter? We’re nearing 450 followers at our Twitter feed. You might like to use it or other social networking tools to keep up with the latest from CMAP and GO TO 2040.
Project Notification mailing. CMAP continues a monthly Project Notification summary to apprise state legislators, local governmental officials, and other interested parties of applications for federal and state grants that may have an impact on their communities. Click here for the latest, and contact Jamie Krell (312-386-8658 or jkrell@cmap.illinois.gov) for more information.
 Stay involved! Though our Invent the Future phase has ended, your participation is still key. Be sure to visit our Idea Zone pages for the latest opportunities to participate in the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan. For example, you can comment on the draft preferred Regional Scenario and on potential strategies for implementing the 2040 regional vision and You can also weigh in at the GO TO 2040 blog. We sincerely appreciate your willingness to tell us your priorities for the seven-county metropolitan region.
Posted: 11/6/2009 12:56:20 PM
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| Randy Blankenhorn |
The preferred Regional Scenario. This fall, CMAP is developing the "preferred Regional Scenario" that describes the key policy directions that GO TO 2040 will address. The current draft is being presented and discussed at all of our working committees, as well as with partners around the region, in October and November. Please let us know if you have any feedback or comments on it as we continue our work on it, prior to the CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee considering it for endorsement at their January 2010 meeting.
Recovery blog. Do you have questions about the stimulus package? There’s never been a better time to visit our Recovery blog. This week we posted a new ARRA resource guide for anyone interested in learning more, including how to track and map stimulus dollars. We've also added a new Recovery blog category called Resources, so you can easily find our tracking-related blog entries. We also blogged this week about the rollout of recipient reporting on Recovery.gov. To learn more about what CMAP has done regionally regarding ARRA, check out this new flyer.
Stimulus in the news. There was a very interesting article in The New York Times yesterday regarding the stimulus and positive and negative long-term benefits of prioritizing shovel-ready projects that can take a longer time to help the economy when compared to "programs intended to keep people afloat." One of the stimulus projects spotlighted in the article was for the construction of a minor league baseball ballpark to be completed by Lake County-based EquityOne Sports Development. The business owner was able to apply for $15 million in low-interest bonds from McHenry County, which can now issue $27 million in low-interest bonds for private projects from stimulus funds.
Algonquin environmental plan. The Algonquin Village Board recently endorsed Algonquin’s first formal Environmental Action Plan (EAP), which had been developed by the Village’s ECO Committee. Standing for "engage, conserve, optimize," the ECO Committee was formed in 2008 as a group of staff members dedicated to fostering and coordinating the Village’s environmental initiatives and to working collaboratively towards meeting the Village’s sustainability goals. This plan will be updated on an annual basis and will serve as a critical component to the overall vision of the Village of Algonquin. See http://www.algonquin.org/eco to view the document. Send comments or questions to ECO@algonquin.org.
Climate events. To recognize International Climate Action Day tomorrow, metropolitan Chicago will be the scene of a number of events, as summarized in this story by the Tribune's Victoria Pierce. Click here for a map of local activities.
Joliet downtown. The Medill News Service had a story this week about plans for downtown Joliet as presented at a recent CMAP Land Use Committee meeting.
NARC freight report. The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) has released its Building Planning Capacity Between Public and Private Sector Partners in the Freight Industry: A Resource Manual. NARC, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), and the Association of American Railroads (AAR) developed the report to help public and private transportation planners address the movement of goods.
Wastewater Committee. Please note that the Wastewater Committee will not meet in November. Also, committee liaison Dawn Thompson is on maternity leave, and in her absence the committee and related FPA issues are being handled by CMAP water resources engineer Megan Elberts (312-386-8794 or melberts@cmap.illinois.gov).
Green Infrastructure event. Chicago Wilderness will host "Creating a Sustainable Future Using Green Infrastructure" on December 1-3, 2009, at Northern Illinois University's Hoffman Estates location, 5555 Trillium Blvd. This workshop is intended for local elected and appointed officials, municipal and county planners, ecosystem partnerships, townships, park districts, landscape architects and engineers (including consulting firms) and others interested in sustainability. Registration for the three-day workshop is $75.00, which includes lunch and textbooks. Enrollment is limited to 50 participants, with a limit of two per organization. Contact Lauren Plescia (lauren.plescia@chicagowilderness.org or 312-742-4907) before November 20 for registration details. A one-day option is also available on December 1 for $25.00 (including lunch).
HSR meeting. At 10:00 a.m. on October 27, 2009, State Representative Elaine Nekritz and Midwest High Speed Rail Executive Director, Rick Harnish will provide an update on recent federal and state initiatives for high-speed rail in Illinois and the midwest, including the Chicago-Milwaukee route's impact on the north suburbs. The location is Baxter Healthcare, One Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, IL 60015. Click here to RSVP.
Underpass beautification. The Hyde Park Progress blog has an entry with pictures of some very nice mosaics being placed in an underpass at 57th and Lake Shore Drive. Local artist Mirtes Zwierzynski teamed up with area schools to create the murals, which are privately funded according to the blog.
Green retrofit featured. The Center for Neighborhood Technology is featured in a new market research study, Green Building Retrofit & Renovation: Rapidly Expanding Market Opportunities through Existing Buildings. CNT’s LEED Platinum office building demonstrates how energy efficient retrofits can be a good investment.
In the GO TO 2040 blog. This week CMAP’s Lindsay Banks posted a beautiful photo of the prairie grass in Des Plaines as our Monday Flickr Photo. We also talked about the Metropolitan Planning Council's What Makes Your Place Great Roundtable next week, and CMAP’s Shana Alford wrote about water pollution cleanup in the region. Stay involved! Though our Invent the Future phase has ended, your participation is still key. Be sure to visit our Idea Zone pages for the latest opportunities to participate in the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan. For example, you can comment on strategies for implementing the 2040 regional vision. You can also weigh in at the GO TO 2040 blog. We sincerely appreciate your willingness to tell us your priorities for the seven-county metropolitan region.
Posted: 10/27/2009 10:52:11 AM
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| Randy Blankenhorn |
CMAP meetings recap. The Board had a brief meeting this week. Actions included adopting the Northeastern Illinois Regional Greenways and Trails Plan (further detail provided in the next item) and approving the Transportation Consent agenda. The full Board joined the Executive Committee to review and discuss the “preferred Regional Scenario,” one of the interim deliverables of GO TO 2040, scheduled for endorsement by the Board and the MPO Policy Committee at their January meeting. Through the remainder of the fall, CMAP’s working committees and stakeholders will be asked to review and further refine the draft report. The next Board meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2009. Please note that this is the third Wednesday in the month, due to the holiday conflict with the regularly scheduled date. Greenways and Trails. At its meeting, the CMAP Board officially adopted the Northeastern Illinois Regional Greenways and Trails Plan -- 2009 Update. The plan sets forth a long-range vision for an interconnected network of greenway and trail corridors providing environmental, recreation, and transportation benefits for the region. The plan and map can be found at http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/greenwaysandtrails.aspx. If you have questions or comments, please contact Lori Heringa ( lheringa@cmap.illinois.org or 312-386-8621) or Tom Murtha ( tmurtha@cmap.illinois.org or 312-386-8790). I'd like to thank all our partners for participating in and contributing to the development of this plan. Recycling grants. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has announced that the Illinois Recycling Grants Program has opened its FY2010 grant cycle for both traditional (i.e., fiber, metal, glass, plastic) and electronics (e.g., computers) recycling. Applications must be received in DCEO's Springfield Office by November 13, 2009. Copies of the grant Request for Applications (RFA) documents may be downloaded at www.illinoisrecycles.com. Living near transit. Amid news this week of continuing foreclosure problems here and across the U.S., REMAX realtors issued analysis of how proximity to Metra stations affects home values. This meshes with feedback from the public through GO TO 2040, as we've heard clearly that residents want more access to transit and other transportation options. It also demonstrates how housing costs can be a barrier to transit access for some. I-355. The Daily Herald this week had a story with quotes from CMAP's Don Kopec about economic impacts of the I-355 extension. Two talks. This year's IDOT fall planning conference wraps up today. Yesterday, I gave a keynote talk about how lessons learned from the Olympic bid can be applied to the big challenges that still remain for our region. Also yesterday, I spoke to the Traffic Club of Chicago about what the GO TO 2040 plan and infrastructure improvements like CREATE can mean for the Southland. WTTW clip. In case you missed it, here is the Channel 11 feature in which I was interviewed by reporter Eddie Aruzza about the proposed Illiana Expressway. The segment was part of the Chicago Matters: Beyond Burnham series. Launched by The Chicago Community Trust in 1990 to spark discussion and understanding on matters of vital interest to Chicago-area communities, Chicago Matters is the nation's longest-running multimedia public affairs series. Recovery blog. Be sure to visit our regularly updated Recovery blog. This week’s posts include the latest CMAP Economic Recovery Update, information about transportation funding from the stimulus, and Mercy Housing’s annual reception, which is commending regional collaboration over the stimulus. Infrastructure event. On Thursday, November 5, 2009, Archeworks and the U.S. Green Building Council are co-hosting “ Infrastructures for Change," a one-day workshop that explores key principles underpinning alternative and sustainable cities of the future. The workshop will bring together design practitioners and theorists, engineers, environmental scientists and ecologists, policy makers, and public health specialists, with the goal of increasing our knowledge of alternative infrastructure solutions to improve the livability and sustainability of the American City. Dr. Eric Sanderson, founder and director of the Mannahatta Project, will be the keynote speaker. Registration is$45, with a deadline of October 31. To register on-line, visit http://www.archeworks.org/workshop/register.html. HSR event. The newly formed U.S. High Speed Rail Association will hold the High Speed Rail 2009 conference October 22-23 in Washington, DC. Leading experts will convene to describe efforts to "reinvent the American economy through High Speed Rail," according to the conference website.
Posted: 10/16/2009 1:57:26 PM
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| Randy Blankenhorn |
CMAP meetings. At 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2009, the CMAP Board will meet. Click here for Board meeting materials. Prior to the Board, CMAP's Programming Coordinating Committee will meet at 8:00 a.m. Click here for committee materials. Immediately after the Board meeting, the Executive Committee will meet.
MPO Policy Committee. The Committee met yesterday, approved a number of plans and programs included on their agenda, and heard updates on GO TO 2040, the federal legislative outlook, and various ARRA programs. The Committee elected Richard Rodriguez, CTA President, as the new vice-chair. Additionally, the Committee voted to activate the SAFTEA-LU subcommittee and utilize the CMAQ Project Selection committee to make a recommendation at their next meeting in January on how to address the rescission that took effect October 1.
Transportation in the news. The Sun-Times ran a story by Mary Wisniewski about the future of transit. The Tribune's Rich Wronski wrote about the new Cambridge Systematics report about the planned Illiana expressway. Today I was interviewed about the Illiana by Eddie Arruza of WTTW for a Chicago Tonight segment that will air next Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Crain's had a story about the latest CREATE project to reduce freight rail-related bottlenecks.
Also in the Trib was a letter to the editor by George Ranney of Chicago Metropolis 2020, about how the region needs to move forward and build on the 2016 Olympics effort. As I said last week, many of our goals remain unchanged, and CMAP is eager to lead with the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan. I hope, as George suggests, the 2016 energy can flow into implementation of the region's plan.
Recovery blog. Be sure to visit our regularly updated Recovery blog. This week’s posts included stimulus in the news and information on an upcoming event to examine and recognize regional collaboration on the stimulus.
CBA talk. Today I participated in a panel about the stimulus at the Chicago Bar Association's "Breaking Barriers" conference. It was chaired by Lela Johnson (Assistant U.S. Attorney), with my fellow panelists Gordon Wright (CEO and founder of Grant Park Capital Partners LLC) and Gloria Friedman (Director of Development for the Legal Assistance Foundation). Attendees heard from Gordon, who manages significant hedge funds and other market assets, just how close our economy came to a meltdown. Gloria gave a grantee's perspective, sharing how stimulus funds had helped her organization avoid layoffs and furloughs, but also how the state budget situation has them nervous about 2010. And I described our lessons learned from regional successes and some missed opportunities, including the need for greater coordination of local, state, and federal programs.
FLIP at APA. CMAP's Erin Aleman will make a presentation about our Future Leaders in Planning program at the American Planning Association "Tuesday’s at APA" series. The session is called "Effective Youth Engagement in the Planning Process," to be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Click here for details.
Water supply event. Illinois water supplies are finite, fragile, and under pressure. Join the Metropolitan Planning Council and Openlands on October 13, 2009, for a discussion of the forthcoming "Before the Wells Run Dry," which recommends a series of strategies to protect our shared water resources. The forum takes place at 191 North Wacker Drive, Suite 3700, Chicago (the offices of Drinker Biddle) from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Cost for MPC and Openlands donors is $15 and for non-donors is $20. Details and registration are online.
Conservation Congress reminder. Help create a better future at the Conservation Congress, hosted in Springfield by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on Saturday, October 24 (registration 8:15 a.m., program 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and Sunday, October 25 (check-in 8:30 a.m., program 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.). Click here to register, or visit the Conservation Congress website. Participants will review, propose and vote on recommendations to elected and appointed Illinois officials in three issue areas: Public Access, Youth Recruitment and Retention, and Conservation Funding.
Stimulus event reminder. Don't forget the reception on October 27, 2009, hosted by Mercy Housing in coordination with CMAP and the Regional ARRA Coordinating Council to recognize public and private collaboration in the Chicago region for leveraging economic stimulus funding. View the invitation here.
No Impact Man. Catch possibly one of the last local screenings of new indie documentary No Impact Man at the Highland Park Library, on Wednesday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. The film follows a year in the life of the Beavan family in New York City as they attempt to live without taking cabs, the subway, elevators, using plastic bags or washing machines, watching television or using electricity. Certainly no small feat! Watch the trailer online.
Posted: 10/9/2009 3:05:29 PM
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| Randy Blankenhorn |
Transportation bill and rescissions. Unfortunately, yesterday's start of the federal fiscal year came and went without a repeal by Congress of the $8.7 billion rescission that took effect with the end of the 2009 fiscal year. With no replacement bill in sight for SAFETEA-LU, Congress passed a one month extension of the bill as a stopgap spending measure that gives them time to debate a longer extension. On the CMAP website, we've posted a table that lists the amount rescinded from each program category, along with a document from FHWA to answer frequently asked questions about the rescission. Of particular note to northeastern Illinois is the $83.6 million to be rescinded from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program, $25.5 million from the Transportation Enhancement program, $20.3 million from the local Surface Transportation Program (STP), and $37.0 million from the Highway Safety Improvement program. Our staff and various CMAP committees are working to assess exactly how these rescissions will affect local transportation programs.
2016 Olympics. Today's announcement was stunning, but the disappointment should not overshadow significant planning progress that the Chicago bid has helped to stimulate. Let's gather ourselves quickly as a region and move forward, because the stakes are extremely high and many of our goals remain unchanged.
Recovery emails. I hope you enjoyed the return this week of the CMAP Economic Recovery Update, which will be sent every other Wednesday. Produced in partnership with the Regional ARRA Coordinating Council, the updates include program analysis and other helpful information for stakeholders involved in or seeking funding from stimulus programs. If you are on my weekly update distribution, you'll automatically receive the recovery emails.
Moving Forward Together reception. In coordination with CMAP and the Regional ARRA Coordinating Council, Mercy Housing will host a reception on October 27, 2009, to recognize public and private collaboration in the Chicago region for leveraging economic stimulus funding. I'll be among the speakers who include Kristi LaFleur, deputy chief of staff for Governor Quinn, who is leading Illinois stimulus efforts. View the invitation here.
In the GO TO 2040 blog. We have posted the last of the Invent the Future workshop recaps from Chicago's 6th Ward, Berkeley, and Morton Arboretum. Also, guest blogger Ingrid Danler writes about cultivating awareness to solve our region's problems.
Traffic Club events. You are invited to join the Traffic Club of Chicago for their fifth annual Transportation Night on Wednesday, October 7, 2009. The networking event will take place in Rosemont at the Rosewood Restaurant, 9421 W. Higgins Road, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. No reservations are required and a cash bar, complimentary sandwich bar, coffee bar and desserts will be offered. For more information about the event visit the Traffic Club website or call 630-529-1333. And just a reminder that on Thursday, October 15, I'll be speaking at the club's luncheon meeting in Homewood about "Current Transportation Developments Affecting the Southland." Click here for details and a registration form.
GAO report on MPOs. A new report by the Government Accountability Office adds to the debate over Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
Conservation Congress. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources needs public input. Does your organization represent land conservation, hunters or fishers, parents or educators, or people who recreate in the outdoors? Help create a better future at Conservation Congress on Saturday, October 24 (registration 8:15 a.m., program 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and Sunday, October 25 (check-in 8:30 a.m., program 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) at the IDNR Headquarters in Springfield. Click here to register, or visit the Conservation Congress website. Participants will review, propose and vote on recommendations to elected and appointed Illinois officials in three issue areas: Public Access, Youth Recruitment and Retention, and Conservation Funding. Recommendations will protect and conserve natural resources while ensuring that sustainable use, recreational opportunities, and enjoyment of these resources are available for this and future generations.
Posted: 10/7/2009 1:15:28 PM
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| Randy Blankenhorn |
2016. Hard to believe we're just one week away from the announcement of which city -- Chicago, Tokyo, Madrid, or Rio de Janeiro -- will host the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics Games. Today CMAP Board chairman Gerald Bennett spoke during a rally held by Mayor Daley at Washington Park. These are exciting times, and they'll get even more exciting if Chicago 2016 is selected.
Context for federal reform. CMAP has issued a short document, "Comprehensive Regional Planning in Metropolitan Chicago: Helping to Create a Context for Federal Reform." It describes how planning efforts here can be magnified by U.S. government programs -- and vice versa. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have agreed to implement joint transportation, housing, and environmental initiatives across the nation in a new "Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities." In that effort, USDOT, HUD, EPA, and the federal government in general will need strong regional partners like CMAP.
On a related note, USDOT secretary LaHood's blog has a recap of the Chicago visit he made last week with HUD and USEPA officials, including the time they spent at Bethel New Life, a partner in CMAP's Full Circle community mapping and planning project.
Transportation rescission. We wanted to provide you with the latest information and as a disclaimer, this is subject to change based on Congressional action before October 1. As a reminder, the current federal surface transportation bill, SAFETEA-LU, ends on September 30, 2009. It includes an end-of-bill $8.7 billion rescission as amended by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The Illinois share of this rescission amounts to $290 million. Illinois MPOs could lose over $4.5 million in planning funds, and governments in Illinois could lose tens of millions of dollars in roadway improvements, congestion reduction and air quality improvements, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Until recently, the expectation was that Congress would repeal the rescission before SAFETEA-LU ended, but the House has now approved a three-month extension that does not address the rescission. The major sticking point is that, if Congress were to repeal it, they would have to make budget revisions to pay for the $8.7 billion. If Congress does not pass an extension, the continuing resolution (which would fund all federal agencies for one month) will be based on the Appropriations conference report. Because conference reports cannot be amended, the rescission would therefore take effect on October 1. We have been and will continue working with our national and regional partners to alert our Congressional delegation and other members in leadership of the potential impact of this rescission.
Economic Recovery Update emails. Produced by CMAP in partnership with the Regional ARRA Coordinating Council, these emails will be sent every other Wednesday starting on September 30. They will provide useful information on funding announcements, collaboration efforts, and tracking of where and how stimulus funds are being spent in the region. For more information, visit our Recovery blog. This week, the blog had a new grant opportunity to create more healthy communities and news about additional funding to the region for homelessness prevention.
TIGER applications. In a sign of the pent-up demand for funds to support transportation innovation, the USDOT has received 1,400 applications requesting $57 billion from its TIGER stimulus program.
GO TO 2040 process brochure. We've published an update of this brochure, which includes a start-to-finish timeline toward the plan's October 2010 completion and beginning of its implementation. The next major milestone will be the preferred Regional Scenario, which will be submitted to the CMAP Board for approval in January. We're developing that now, based on many months of research and public input.
Water supply news. The Northwest Indiana Times had a story last week about the Regional Water Supply Planning Group, with quotes from CMAP's Tim Loftus. Tim was also an invited participant in the Clean Water America Alliance "National Dialogue on an Integrated Water Policy: Urban Water Sustainability" in Washington, DC, on September 14-15, 2009. Urban water sustainability issues were discussed, including the water-energy nexus, overlapping water quality/quantity issues, the increasing role of green infrastructure, and integrated watershed approaches. A report based on the discussion is expected in the near future.
Burnham book discussions. CMAP is a partner in the Chicago Public Library's "One Book, One Chicago" program, and the library is hosting 11 community discussions on Carl Smith's book The Plan of Chicago: Daniel Burnham and the Remaking of the American City. CMAP has been asked to help facilitate several of these discussion groups. Click here for a schedule of the ones involving CMAP staff, or see the complete list.
Green infrastructure series. The intrepid Patrick Reardon is blogging throughout this Burnham centennial year, and his latest subject is a four-part series on green infrastructure. Part one is "The green infrastructure --- the fabric of Nature," part two is "the next step in Burnham's vision" (including comments by CMAP's Bob Dean on the importance of open space and parks in our GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan), part three is "in your own backyard," and part four is "the nurturing (city) forest."
Southland talk. On Thursday, October 15, 2009, I'll be speaking about "Current Transportation Developments Affecting the Southland" at the Traffic Club of Chicago's executive series luncheon program in Homewood. Tickets are $40 for club members and $45 for non-members. Click here for details and a registration form.
CN news. Park Forest has agreed for the Canadian National railway to take mitigation steps (costs undisclosed) along the village's stretch of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern railway. The Journal of Commerce says 19 of 33 affected villages have reached agreements.
Twitter milestone. This week we surpassed 400 followers in our Twitter account. Are you one of them?
In the GO TO 2040 blog. Monday's Flickr photo was taken earlier in the year, but definitely reflects some of the foggy weather we've had lately. And we recapped another one of our Invent the Future Workshops, this time in the Little Village/Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago.
Project Notification mailing. CMAP continues a monthly Project Notification summary to apprise state legislators, local governmental officials, and other interested parties of applications for federal and state grants that may have an impact on their communities. Click here for the latest, and contact Jamie Krell (312-386-8658 or jkrell@cmap.illinois.gov) for more information.
Posted: 9/25/2009 3:23:23 PM
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| Randy Blankenhorn |
Federal policy makers. Congratulations to the Metropolitan Planning Council on yesterday’s annual luncheon celebrating their 75th anniversary. Additional congratulations to Chicago Metropolis 2020 on winning the Burnham award for excellence in planning. The event brought the secretaries and top administrators of USDOT, HUD, USEPA, and the White House Office of Urban Affairs to Chicago. They discussed the federal focus on coordination across agency lines and addressed other issues of concern to metropolitan areas. Following that luncheon, I was fortunate to attend a roundtable with Adolfo Carrion (director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs) and Derek Douglas (special assistant to the President for urban affairs), and other White House staff to discuss some of the activities happening on the ground here and how we can move the region’s agenda forward. I was extremely pleased with the discussion as a whole and particularly our DC guests' understanding of the need to change how the federal government supports regional and local activities in metropolitan areas.
CREATE stimulus. On Tuesday, IDOT announced the proposal for $300 million in stimulus funds to support CREATE's efforts to address freight rail-related congestion in our region. Here's the grant application for this project, which I believe can significantly benefit not just our region, but the entire nation due to metropolitan Chicago's status as the national freight hub.
Recovery blog. In addition to the news about CREATE, this week we provided some helpful tools related to ARRA grant recipients' reporting requirements and discussed the White House Council of Economic Advisors' first quarterly report on impacts of the stimulus.
CDBG opportunities. Click here for a letter from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) notifying interested parties that the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Plan will be posted on the web for comment by close of business today. Illinois will receive $169 million in additional CDBG funding on behalf of communities (listed in the letter) that were impacted by 2008 flood, storm and other disaster. The letter provides important deadlines over the next two weeks leading up to the submission of this plan and the receipt of this funding.
CMAQ in the news. Paul Merrion of Crain's wrote about a high-profile CMAQ project, the Navy Pier bike path, which is moving through our committees' stages of approval.
Green city. Congratulations to the city of Chicago for having the most LEED-certified buildings of any U.S. urban area. An interesting contrast is this NPR story (with audio) about the rate at which Houston consumes energy, and a related one about development patterns there.
Greening for the Olympics. The New York Times has a lengthy article about efforts to improve the Chicago 2016 bid chances by expanding green projects. One example is the recent replacement of a West Side parking lot with a park, allowing water to drain through soil instead of running off asphalt. Other proposed ideas include clustering venues to make them pedestrian and bike friendly. Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO Pat Ryan remarks that the goal of planning for the 2016 games is to "leave a sustainable legacy for our environment for generations to come." The article also discusses plans put forth by our partners at the Center for Neighborhood Technology and Openlands.
Environmental conference reminder. Early-bird registration ends on September 25, 2009, for "Bringing Green Down to Earth," the 2009 Environmental Leadership Conference. To be held September 30 in Oak Brook, the conference has been approved for "Certification Maintenance" credits through the American Institute of Certified Planners and "Certified County Official" credits through the University of Illinois Extension's Local Government Information and Education Network. Attendees will get "shovel ready" ideas, make contacts with other local officials, and learn about energy, green buildings, stormwater management, sustainable landscaping, and solid waste. Attendees will receive a copy of "Green Recovery: Get Lean, Get Smart, and Emerge from the Downturn on Top" by keynote speaker Andrew Winston. Visit http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/elc/ for conference details and registration.
RTA comment period. Until September 30, 2009, the Regional Transportation Authority is seeking public comments on new projects from its Community Planning, Subregional Planning and Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) and New Freedom Preliminary programs. Public comments may be submitted by telephone (312-913-3143), email, or at one of the scheduled RTA Public Budget Hearings.
Car-Free Day.Don't forget that Tuesday, September 22, 2009, is the first "Car-Free Day" in metropolitan Chicago. By taking the pledge at the Active Transportation Alliance website, you can get $1 off any large beverage at Caribou Coffee.
Conservation Congress. Does your organization represent land conservation, hunters or fishers, parents or educators, or people who recreate in the outdoors? Help create a better future at Conservation Congress on Saturday, October 24 (registration 8:15 a.m., program 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and Sunday, October 25 (check-in 8:30 a.m., program 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) at the IDNR Headquarters in Springfield. Click here to register, or visit the Conservation Congress website. Participants will review, propose and vote on recommendations to elected and appointed Illinois officials in three issue areas: Public Access, Youth Recruitment and Retention, and Conservation Funding. Recommendations will protect and conserve natural resources while ensuring that sustainable use, recreational opportunities, and enjoyment of these resources are available for this and future generations.
Building Green event. On October 21, 2009 at the Hilton Chicago, the Building Green Chicago Conference and Expo will combine a trade and product show with educational seminars. Register online at the early bird rate of $69, which increases to $89 after October 2. Call 312-644-6977 for more information.
In the GO TO 2040 blog. We recapped Invent the Future workshops including Aurora, the Field Museum, Grayslake, Hegewisch, Montgomery, and Palos Hills. CMAP’s Shana Alford also wrote about savings from workplace commuter benefits.
Safer roads program. Visit ROADWAY SAFETY+, a program of the road construction industry that includes videos and webinars with free information about how to promote safety on our roads. Quote of the Week. "Federal investment must be driven by smart regional planning," Adolfo Carrion, director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs, at MPC’s annual luncheon.
Posted: 9/25/2009 3:21:15 PM
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| Randy Blankenhorn |
CMAP meetings. The Board met this week and welcomed new member Mayor Rick Reinbold, mayor of the Village of Richton Park. He is replacing Zenovia Evans on the board, representing the south Cook suburbs. He was also appointed and will serve as the suburban Cook County member on the Wastewater Committee. The focus of this month’s meeting was on federal surface transportation reauthorization. Staff presented CMAP’s reauthorization policy goals, a summary of the current status of the bill and other organizations’ position on the current bill and reauthorization. Following a discussion, the Board endorsed the reauthorization policy goals as outlined, and directed the staff to move forward with developing a strategy to accomplish these goals by building national coalitions with other major metropolitan areas and cities, while working with our regional partners, our congressional delegation. and national organizations.
Staff also presented an update on the status of programming and obligation of transportation projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and those non-transportation related programs that we are assisting in programming and coordinating throughout the region. Additionally, the Board reviewed the annual report and received the finalized FY 2010 Comprehensive Budget.
Both coordinating committees met prior to the Board. The Programming Coordinating Committee discussed the Northeastern Illinois Regional Greenways and Trails Plan update and requested that staff make minor changes to the document before recommending its approval to the Board at its October meeting. The committee also discussed the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) and the FY 2007-2012 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendments and Regional Transportation Plan/TIP Conformity Analysis. All materials can be found here. The Planning Coordinating Committee focused on the results of the public engagement activities, the Invent the Future phase of GO TO 2040, that occurred this summer. Staff also gave the committee an overview of the next step in the process, the development of the preferred scenario. These materials and more information can be found here.
One phase ends. Yesterday marked the official end of this summer's Invent the Future phase of public input. CMAP is indebted to its partners and especially to the thousands of residents who took the time to have their say at 57 workshops, on the web at www.goto2040.org, via multimedia kiosks, and at community fairs and festivals across the region. Visit the GO TO 2040Idea Zone page to learn the many ways for people to stay involved in planning a brighter future.
Another begins. Now we are on a fast track to finalize the Preferred Regional Scenario that will be presented to the CMAP Board for approval in January. Don't forget to see and comment on our sample scenarios, as the preferred one will likely be an amalgam of those three (based on input from the public and on our extensive strategy research). Refer to our GO TO 2040 planning process document for a timeline that we've stuck to since September 2007 and that is leading toward October 2010, when the plan will be finalized and its all-important implementation will begin.
Regional Snapshots. The two latest reports in CMAP's Regional Snapshot series have been published. Read about Air Quality and the Jobs-Housing Balance.
Annual report. Our FY09 annual report is now on the web.
Recovery blog. See this week’s blog entry on developments in Neighborhood Stabilization Program funding, including NSP technical assistance grant award winners and information on the NSP2 application submitted by the CMAP-led Chicago Metropolitan Neighborhood Stabilization Consortium. Illinois’s recovery website also has new great interactive maps to track stimulus spending. Governor Quinn also backed Illinois’ Smart Grid Collaboration, which was detailed on our blog on September 1. And yesterday the Council of Economic Advisors released its initial quarterly report on the economic impact of ARRA in its first sixth months -- be watching our recovery blog for more details.
Stimulus in the news. The Chicago Tribune reports that Illinois will be receiving $2.8 million in stimulus funds for two forest health protection projects in Cook and Kane counties. Work on the northern section of the Blue Line is completed, reports the Chicago Sun-Times, so get ready for stimulus-funded improvements to move south. Most weekends, buses will replace subway service between Clark/Lake and UIC-Halsted stations. NPR reports that our region will be one of the frontrunners for competitive grants totaling $8 billion for the development of high-speed rail.
2-1-1 Community Forums. In collaboration with the United Way of Illinois and Illinois Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS), CMAP is conducting a series of community forums to give interested parties an opportunity to ask questions and find out more about 2-1-1 operations. 2-1-1 phone systems are available in 47 other states and serve as an easy to remember phone number that connects individuals with resources in their community. They also serve as a critical tool in times of disaster. Illinois is one of the last links in the nationwide 2-1-1 network still to be developed. Recently, the Governor signed the 2-1-1 Service Act, which in combination with the 2-1-1 planning process will enable the implementation of a 2-1-1 system in Illinois in the near future. There will be three community forums in the CMAP region: September 29 in Elgin, September 30 at CMAP, and October 1 in Tinley Park. Each forum is from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Click here to RSVP, or contact CMAP's Russell J. Pietrowiak at rpietrowiak@cmap.illinois.gov.
Orange, Red, Yellow line extensions. The CTA will hold scoping meetings related to extending the Orange (September 21, at Hancock College Preparatory High School), Red (September 22 at Historic Pullman Visitor Center and September 24 at Woodson Regional Chicago Public Library), and Yellow (September 23 at Oakton Community Center) lines. Each meeting is from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Future City contest. The annual National Engineers Week Future City Competition each year invites middle school students nationwide to create cities of tomorrow. The competition encourages interest in math, science and engineering through hands-on applications. Registration deadline for Chicago-area schools is October 15, 2009. Contact regional coordinator Don Wittmer at (312-930-9119 or dwittmer@hntb.com). See www.futurecity.org or www.futurecitychicago.orgfor detailed information on the competition.
Burnham film. CMAP is a partner in the Chicago Public Library’s "One Book, One Chicago" program. They're hosting a series of screenings of the new Burnham documentary, "Make No Little Plans: Daniel Burnham and the American City." Click here for the trailer. See it next Wednesday, September 15, at 6:00 p.m. at the Harold Washington Library Center, Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S. State Street.
APA conference reminder. Tuesday is the last day to pre-register for the Upper Midwest Planning Conference, September 24-26, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
In the GO TO 2040 blog. We recapped recent Invent the Future workshops from the Shedd Aquarium, Cicero, and the Will County Center for Economic Development.
Posted: 9/11/2009 3:15:59 PM
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| Randy Blankenhorn |
CMAP meetings. At 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2009, the CMAP Board will meet. Click here for Board meeting materials. Prior to the Board, CMAP's Planning and Programming Coordinating Committees will meet concurrently at 8:00 a.m. See our recently improved events calendar for links to those committees' materials.
Invent the Future's final week. Next week will be the last in our Invent the Future phase of public input for the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan. The final workshop of 57 that we've convened across the region will be co-hosted by Ald. Freddrenna Lyle (6th Ward) at Crerar Presbyterian Church, 8100 S. Calumet Ave., Chicago, on Thursday, September 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Through that date, you can still use our MetroQuest tools to weigh in at www.goto2040.org. Click here for a preliminary summary of the public engagement results. After this phase ends, there will still be ample opportunities for stakeholders and the public to stay involved through completion of the plan in the fall of 2010.
GO TO 2040 in the news. The Southtown Star's Gina Kenny wrote about our Invent the Future workshop that was held last week in Palos Hills.
IRTBA conference. Yesterday I spoke at the "Future of Multi-modal Transportation" conference, hosted by the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association. USDOT secretary Ray LaHood gave a keynote talk just before me, and he was preceded by IDOT secretary Gary Hannig and Division of Highways director Christine Reed. This was a good opportunity to apprise the audience -- made up mostly of senior engineers -- of the progress we're making with the GO TO 2040 plan, and how the region could look in 30 years, with shifting emphases in the transportation system and development patterns. Maybe not surprisingly given yesterday's news coverage of the Olympics, every audience question directed to me was about the Chicago 2016 bid.
IOC releases 2016 evaluation. On Wednesday, the International Olympic Committee released a report on each of the candidate cities. Although the report detailed some concerns regarding the Chicago 2016 bid, including finances and transportation, the IOC did tout the lakefront (in fact mentioning Daniel Burnham’s 1909 plan) as a unique asset for Chicago. While the transportation issues identified were not a surprise, the report does outline the work that needs to be done to ensure an efficient movement of both our residents and guests during the Games. The host city will be announced on October 2. You can vote for your favorite candidate city in an online poll at Inside the Games, an Olympics trade magazine.
Freight survey. CMAP continues to seek transportation, freight, economic development, land development professionals and other parties interested and engaged in the region's freight system to participate in an online survey. The survey should take about 15 minutes to complete. Results will be used in developing the final set of freight-related recommendations. You can find the survey here. CMAP and our consultants are also seeking feedback on a draft framework, policy bundles, and freight performance measures. To review these and for more information about the Regional Freight System Planning Recommendations Project, visit www.cmap.illinois.gov/cmp/freightsystem.aspx.
Full Circle website. CMAP has unveiled a new website for the Full Circle Community Mapping and Planning project. The new website, which represents a complete design overhaul of the old website, contains general information about the Full Circle project, case studies, tutorials, map gallery and an interactive form that the public can use to submit requests for maps and information from CMAP. The new URL is www.cmap.illinois.gov/fullcircle. Please visit the new look website to learn more about the Full Circle project or contact Sef Okoth at 312-386-8729.
Water conservation workshop. Yesterday more than 40 people attended our Evaluating Water Conservation workshop, co-hosted by CMAP, the Alliance for Water Efficiency, and the City of Chicago Department of Water Management. The workshop centered on a tool that will help public water suppliers evaluate the benefits/costs of various conservation measures. It also provides a tracking tool for water saved and can aid in the comparison of returns on investment in demand management versus the more traditional investment in supply augmentation. The tool is free to those who are members of the Alliance for Water Efficiency. For more, contact Tim Loftus (312-386-8666 or tloftus@cmap.illinois.gov).
Commuter Benefits for a Better Chicago. The Center for Neighborhood Technology will host a breakfast roundtable for employers on September 14 at the Omni Hotel in Chicago about a federal tax law that they can offer that will provide tax savings for employees and offer a greener way to commute. Click here to RSVP.
Chicago, sped up. This collection of timelapse videos of Chicago is really something.
Foreclosure laws helping. The Woodstock Institute says that new laws are helping home owners avoid foreclosure. The Homeowner Protection Act (S.B. 2513) prohibits lenders from proceeding with any new foreclosure action until at least 30 days after notifying the defaulting homeowner of their right to seek HUD-certified housing counseling. The federal Home Affordable Modification Program gives incentives to lenders and borrowers who want to modify their loans. Woodstock reports that Chicago region foreclosure filings dropped sharply in the first half of 2009 from the first to second quarter. This drop is a reflection of the extra help that these new laws are providing to struggling homeowners.
Chicago Wilderness service day. CW's Corporate Council Day of Service brings volunteers from across the region together at various sites to collect seed, plant plugs and trees, remove litter, and other activities to protect and restore local nature. Visit www.chicagowilderness.org/dayofservice.php for details, including a map of sites. Registration is requested by email to dayofservice@chicagowilderness.org (include your name, contact information, and choice of site), or use the fax form. The CW contact is Patricia Cassady at dayofservice@chicagowilderness.org or 630-829-1142.
Recovery blog. At our recovery blog this week, we posted an update on all the great collaborative work the Regional ARRA Coordinating Council has been doing, with a focus on information sharing, the creation of a workforce development strategy and work on the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. We also posted a link to a survey the Council created for those who have received or hope to receive stimulus funds. The survey will help the Council to identify areas where assistance is needed and to find pathways for collaboration. See the survey here. Also, we blogged about new maps on Recovery.gov to track the stimulus and about two Chicago companies who applied for Smart Grid stimulus funds.
Stimulus in the news. More stimulus money is coming to Illinois, this time in the form of renewable energy grants. Iberdrola Renewables was awarded almost $300 million for new wind projects in Oregon, Arizona, Texas, and Illinois, according to NPR. The stimulus has created or saved 77,470 construction jobs, according to Reuters, with Illinois accounting for almost a fifth of the total by creating or saving 15,388 jobs. In other news, Illinois was awarded $200 million in stimulus funds for additional Unemployment Insurance. This will extend the Extended Benefit program from 13 weeks to 20 weeks. And government-backed loans to small Chicago-area firms have been jump-started by stimulus incentives, according to Chicago Business.
In the GO TO 2040 blog. We featured a vibrant picture from the 18th Street "L" stop for our Monday Flickr Photo. The Metropolitan Planning Council’s Karin Sommer also wrote a guest post about their "What Makes Your Place Great?" photo contest.
Posted: 9/4/2009 2:17:00 PM
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