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A New Water Conservation Code for Orland Park

The Village of Orland Park is partnering with CMAP’s Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program to create a new water conservation code using the 2010 CMAP Model Water Use Conservation Ordinance. The ordinance will increase water conservation practices for indoor and landscape water use in homes, businesses, and institutions within Orland Park.

Metropolis Strategies Publishes Green Cluster Study

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...

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Approves Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management

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...

Governor Quinn Delivers State of the State Address

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...

Proposed Regional Infrastructure Improvement Zones Act

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...

November Springfield Snapshot

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...

Facing Up to the Need for Investment in Water Infrastructure

Aging infrastructure is a major issue for U.S. cities and Chicago is no exception.  Financing infrastructure improvements for drinking water and wastewater is a particularly challenging issue as aging underground pipes are essentially invisible to the public, especially when compared to  above-ground assets such as transit and roads.  Evidence of the gap between needed infrastructure...

Recent Federal Action to Mitigate Climate Change

Climate change is among the top environmental threats confronting the planet, and GO TO 2040 emphasizes the need to slow the rate at which greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emitted into the atmosphere.  For example, GO TO 2040 recommendations such as retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency and providing good alternatives to automobile travel reduce GHG emissions while also reducing energy consumption and...

Setting, and Meeting, Air Quality Standards

The quality of the air is one of the most important components of life.  Air pollution can hinder normal activity and cause severe health impairment; it can damage trees, crops, and other plants and animals; it can impact water quality and obstruct vistas.  Regulations governing air quality play a role in where industries locate, how much energy is used, how we travel, and how our transportation...

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Local Technical Assistance Program

The LTA home page has details of activities sponsored by the HUD Sustainable Communities grant to CMAP for support of community projects that advance the principles of GO TO 2040.  Municipalities, counties, multijurisdictional groups, or nongovernmental organizations (in partnership with local government) are encouraged to apply for CMAP staff assistance by responding to the new LTA 2012 Call for Projects (DEADLINE: August 1, 2012).  Also, the first LTA Ideas Exchange event will be on May 24, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  For grant assistance, apply to CMAP's Community Planning program, a partnership with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). 
 

CASE STUDIES

An interactive map of local case studies describes projects and people that exemplify the goals and objectives of GO TO 2040. 
 

CMAP's Local Ordinances and Toolkits program provides resources to municipalities interested in pursuing policies that are aligned with GO TO 2040 recommendations.