At the time GO TO 2040 was published, roughly 250,000 acres of land in the region had been set aside for conservation purposes, with another 50,000 acres primarily for recreation. While the majority is held by public agencies, the fastest growing slice of the pie, at least in percentage terms, has been private conservation. GO TO 2040 noted the critical need to support the work of private conservation organizations...

Many of the planning challenges our region faces, such as mitigating climate change or preserving open space, are issues that extend across the country.  As we work to implement GO TO 2040 in our own region, others are simultaneously working toward similar goals.  Local organizations and municipalities working to protect the environment of metropolitan Chicago are sharing information and...

The youth of Park Forest had an opportunity to share their ideas about the Village’s sustainability on July 12, 2011. Over 120 people ages 10 to 25 gathered at Dining on the Green Banquet Hall in Downtown Park Forest to contribute to the sustainability plan by sharing their goals for the Village’s future.

CMAP’s successful application for a HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Planning grant, which supports the Local Technical Assistance program, has also given our region “Preferred Sustainability Status.” This means that for certain competitive programs, HUD will award bonus points to applications from our region that further the goals of GO TO 2040 and federal livability principles.

CMAP intends to apply in late June for $4 million through the Illinois Disaster Recovery "IKE" Planning Program administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The proposal would create a program of grants for local governments to support community redevelopment and hazard mitigation. CMAP is seeking support from government or nongovernmental partners.

Northeastern Illinois is made up of a network of unique, identifiable communities, each with their own histories and characters.  Each has its own “sense of place,” and that diversity within the region is reflected in the way local governments plan for their development and future.  When CMAP recently issued a call for projects for local technical assistance, the response was overwhelming...