CMAP provides staff support to the Executive Committee, its subcommittees and its members when they are conducting regional Council of Mayors business. CMAP staff also oversees the Planning Liaison (PL) program.
The subregional councils are staffed primarily by the PLs, professional transportation planners. Federal planning funds and local funds have supported the PLs since the program was initiated in 1977. The primary reason the PL program was established was to assure the appropriate programming and implementation of the councils’ FAU (STP) funds. The scope of services provided by the PLs for FY 2008 is:
Communication
The PL program will be the basic communication link between CMAP and the suburban mayors. PL staff will provide information about CMAP policies, programs and initiatives to local officials, provide feedback regarding those issues to the CMAP staff and Board and ensure that CMAP is apprised of regional and sub-regional issues of importance to their communities.
General Liaison
The PL program will provide staff assistance as part of the regional comprehensive planning effort. This includes being involved in the CMAP committee structure, providing technical and other support to help achieve CMAP objectives, and providing input on regional planning efforts.
Program Development
The PL program will assist in the development of sub-regional annual and multi-year multi-modal transportation improvement programs based upon locally approved methodology and consistent with regional strategies. These efforts will be focused on, but not limited to, the Surface Transportation Program, the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, the Enhancement Program and Safe Routes to Schools.
Program Monitoring
The PL program will work with local officials, regional, state and federal agencies and consultants to ensure the timely, efficient and effective implementation of transportation projects. This will include providing regular project status reports, as well as close coordination with CMAP and IDOT staff.
Technical Assistance
The PL program will provide technical support and assistance to CMAP and local governments. It will provide data and analysis regarding issues of importance to regional or sub-regional agencies. The PL staff will assist in the coordination and outreach activities of CMAP in the sub-region.
Current Planning Liaisons
- North Shore Region: Chris Staron, (847) 296-9200
- Northwest Region: Mike Walczak, (847) 296-9200
- North Central Region: Leonard Cannata, (708) 453-9100
- Central Region: Tammy Wierciak, (708) 453-9100
- Southwest Region: Vicky Smith, (708) 403-6132
- South Region: Bud Fleming, (708) 922-4677
- DuPage County: Kama Dobbs, (630) 571-0480
- Kane/Kendall County: Mike Sullivan (Kane), (630) 584-1170 and
Jan Ward (Kendall), (630) 584-1170
- Lake County: Bruce Christensen, (847) 377-7445
- McHenry County: Chalen Daigle, (815) 334-4970
- Will County: Hugh O’Hara, (815) 722-7280