A new report from Metropolis Strategies provides some ideas for nurturing industry clusters in our region, one of GO TO 2040’srecommendations to support economic innovation.  Prepared by RW Ventures and Innovation Network for Communities, “The Chicago Region’s “Green” Economic Opportunities” reportidentifies several opportunities for economic innovation in the region’s burgeoning green sectors.  It...

In January, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) established new guidelines for implementing its Sewer Permit Ordinance (SPO) to allow the use of green infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff. Since the 1970s, the SPO has regulated drainage from developed properties in Cook County, requiring the use of detention basins or other facilities to slow down runoff during heavy rain...

The Village of Oak Park is embarking on a community-based process to create its first water conservation and efficiency plan. The plan will focus on water supply issues with the goal of increasing water efficiency and promoting water conservation within village operations and among the Oak Park residents and businesses.

On February 1, Governor Quinn delivered his 2012 State of the State address, outlining his administration's efforts to spur economic growth and improve infrastructure. 

The governor applauded the growth of automotive manufacturing jobs at Ford and Chrysler plants in Chicago and Belvidere, respectively.  He stated that Illinois exports are on the rise, having jumped 30 percent in 2011. Building...

On January 18, 2012, the Regional Infrastructure Improvement Zones (RIIZs) Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.  The bill would allow private businesses or individuals to contribute tax-deductible funds to support the construction or maintenance of public infrastructure, including transportation and water projects.  Eligible infrastructure projects, which include highways, public...

The Access magazine of the University of California Transportation Center recently published a study investigating the impacts that urban design factors, street density, business counts, job counts, and retail sales have on walking behavior in suburban downtowns and auto-oriented corridors. The authors sought to identify the role that urban design and land use factors play to encourage walking, as well as...

Originally incorporated in 1925, the Village of Westchester grew rapidly in geographic size and population to become a thriving community. Today, there is significant potential for infill development and redevelopment and the Village is embracing the need to create a shared vision and will embark on an interactive, community-based process to develop its first comprehensive plan.

CMAP closely monitors state legislative efforts related to the agency’s work and efforts to implement GO TO 2040.  The following describes highlights of recent legislative activity from November, including two budget reallocation bills and efforts to retain businesses through tax breaks.

Budget reallocation bills would provide much-needed funding for water data collection
In June 2011, the State of Illinois...

The Village of Lakemoor is partnering with CMAP's Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program to begin an interactive, community-based process to update its comprehensive plan. The plan will build on Lakemoor's key assets and will provide guidance for decisions on topics such as land use, transportation, housing, and open space.