UIC address by CMAP's Randy Blankenhorn On May 5, 2009, CMAP executive director Randy Blankenhorn gave a commencement address for the University of Illinois at Chicago's College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs. See below for the video, and click

CMAP's Regional Water Supply Planning Group was featured on WTTW's Chicago Tonight as part of the Chicago Matters: Beyond Burnham news series. To watch, click here or on the embedded video below.

Help restore the Comprehensive Regional Planning Fund Senator Harmon has introduced Senate Bill 2455, and Representative Saviano has introduced House Bill 4560, which will reinstate the Comprehensive Regional Planning Fund (CRPF) and appropriate the necessary funds to ensure dedicated funding

Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) present their ideas for improving the region High school students complete school year program by meeting with officials from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) High school students completing a regional leadership development program

At www.cmap.illinois.gov/recovery/, CMAP maintains a website about the regional response to the ARRA.  Also at the site is a weekly update email that gets sent to stakeholders and any interested parties.  CMAP's goal is to work with its partners and add value by:

• Cataloging infrastructure-related resources pertaining to the ARRA
• Identifying best practices from across the U.S. pertaining to the ARRA
• Promoting the use of consistent criteria to evaluate, select, and report on ARRA-funded projects
• Making the region's ARRA processes publicly transparent and accountable

A second version of the proposed Developments of Regional Importance (DRI) process is being released for a 45-day comment period ending April 6, 2009. The Programming Coordinating Committee has substantially revised the DRI process from its original public release last fall. For more information, contact Tara Fifer (tfifer@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8758). Please send comments via email or postal mail to Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Attention: DRI Public Comments, 233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

CMAP has issued a set of principles (opens 195KB PDF) for how funds should be spent on infrastructure in metropolitan regions through the anticipated $700 billion federal economic recovery package. The CMAP statement emphasizes transparency and accountability in the selection of projects for improvement of roads, transit, freight rail, water treatment, and other systems. "The federal recovery package is being crafted in response to a once-in-a-lifetime economic crisis," said CMAP Board chairman Gerald Bennett. "A national consensus has emerged that investing in infrastructure -- especially road and transit projects where construction can begin soon -- is vital for creating jobs, among many other economic benefits. CMAP agrees with the need for near-term results via federal funding to regions and their municipalities. But we are adamant that this should also be the starting point for significant reforms of how infrastructure investments are made at the federal, state, and regional levels. Now more than ever, the public deserves to know that its tax dollars are being spent wisely."  Read more in a CMAP press release and an article in the Daily Herald.

One of CMAP's key responsibilities is to develop and maintain the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which tracks federally funded transportation projects and regionally significant projects that do not use federal funds. There is now an interactive map of TIP projects. This mapping system will help the public understand what projects are underway and how their tax dollars are being spent. Please note that this is a "beta version," which means it is not quite final and we very much welcome your feedback. Send comments or questions to Patricia Berry (312-386-8742 or pberry@cmap.illinois.gov) or Richard Krell (312-386-8640 or rkrell@cmap.illinois.gov).

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is asking a federal review board to require the Canadian National (CN) railway to prepare a binding plan for mitigating the effects of its proposed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern (EJ&E) railway. CMAP also recommends that CN be required to put $150 million in escrow for 10 years to help fund grade crossings and other improvements.  The agency’s position is stated in a letter sent to the Surface Transportation Board (STB), which recently issued a draft environmental impact statement (EIS). The EIS will be the basis for the STB's decision on whether to approve the CN's proposed acquisition of the EJ&E.  Read more in a CMAP news release issued October 1, 2008.

The proceedings are now available from a one-day symposium CMAP hosted on August 27, 2008, with leading U.S. authorities in the development of "activity-based travel models" for regional planning. Panelists and respondents included university researchers, consultants and planning practitioners who will address a variety of questions regarding the potential for advanced travel modeling practice in Chicago. Following on the recent completion of our Travel Tracker Survey, this symposium was an important aspect of CMAP's ongoing model development work program. If you have questions regarding CMAP's model development work program, please contact Kermit Wies (kwies@cmap.illinois.gov). 

CMAP staff have posted analysis of new 2007 county population data released on August 7, 2008 by the U.S. Census Bureau. Click here to visit the bureau's American Factfinder website. Our findings include:

• Since 2000, the regional growth rate is estimated at 4.5%.
• Kendall County total population grew by 77%, the fastest pace of all seven counties in the region from 2000 to 2007.
• Will County population accounted for 47% of all growth in the region (an increase of 171,000 persons) for the seven-year period.
• Cook County was the only county to decline (-1.7%) in total population since 2000.

For further information, please contact Jon Hallas (312-386-8764 or jhallas@cmap.illinois.gov).

Depending on whether the region plans effectively, demand for water in 11 counties of northeastern Illinois could increase as much as 64 percent by mid-century, creating potentially serious shortages. So says a new report commissioned by CMAP and funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).  The report is a product of CMAP's work with its Regional Water Supply Planning Group (RWSPG), which is preparing a strategic plan for avoiding problems that have plagued other parts of the U.S. The research was conducted by the Southern Illinois University department of geography and environmental resources. Click here to download the document, or here for a CMAP news release.

CMAP executive director Randy Blankenhorn was interviewed on Comcast's "Political Update" public affairs show, with the segment airing during the week of June 20, 2008. He talked about CMAP's vision for metropolitan Chicago, and the agency's innovative GO TO 2040 planning campaign to implement that regional vision.

Leaders of GO TO 2040, Metropolitan Chicago’s first truly comprehensive regional planning campaign, are encouraging the public to participate in making choices that will impact the future of our region. Led by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), the GO TO 2040 campaign will guide investment and development decisions across the seven-county region.  The campaign is being launched in partnership with The Chicago Community Trust, which is providing financial and research support. CMAP and the Trust are developing a set of regional indicators that will predict the effects of policies and investments that the region should implement to achieve its vision for the future.

In the GO TO 2040 blog are links to some recent articles and broadcasts about CMAP's launch of the region's first truly comprehensive planning campaign.  Among the highlights are WTTW's Chicago Tonight, WBEZ's Eight Forty-Eight show, a column and news story in the Chicago Tribune, and a cover story in the Daily Herald.  To view all the news links, click here.  

CMAP has published the region's first base map in over 20 years. The agency developed this map as a resource for planners and local officials. If you work for a municipality, please contact your local council of government, which is helping to hand out the maps to their members. If demand is sufficient, CMAP may print additional copies that would be available to other groups for a fee. To express interest, contact Tom Garritano at 312-386-8609.

On January 31, 2008, Randy Blankenhorn testified at a Chicago hearing of the Illinois House Committee on Rail Safety regarding the proposed Canadian National (CN) Railway acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern (EJ&E) Railway. Click here to see his testimony (85KB PDF). CMAP's position is that much more detailed study is necessary as part of the federal Surface Transportation Board's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. Our agency is committed to playing a strong role in that EIS process to help ensure that the potential impacts -- both positive and negative -- are weighed carefully so STB can make the best decision for our region.  (Posted 1/31/08)

Seventy-one surface transportation projects across the region will receive new federal grants totaling over $54.3 million from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) under the Fiscal Year 2008 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program.  The awards were approved by CMAP Board and the MPO Policy Committee.  Created in 1991, CMAQ is a federally-funded effort to make surface transportation improvements that improve air quality and mitigate congestion.  It supports transit improvements, commuter parking lots, traffic flow improvements, bicycle and pedestrian facility projects, bicycle parking projects, and other projects that result in emissions reductions that can be estimated and are otherwise eligible for CMAQ funds. Read more in the CMAP news release.  (Posted 1/10/08)

Many residents of metropolitan Chicago have gained a new appreciation for the old-time concept of a walkable town center with compact development and mixed uses. While those centers have often developed along Metra rail lines, the availability of mass transit is not an absolute requirement.  Read more in an article about mixed use development (725KB PDF) by CMAP's Randy Blankenhorn and Tedd Carrison for Office and Commercial Real Estate Magazine's Winter 2008 issue.  (Posted 1/9/08)

On January 9, 2008, CMAP announced the winning entries in its regional "Images of Northeastern Illinois" photography contest. Read more details in a press release.  In the fall of 2007, residents across the seven-county region were encouraged to submit photos that depict what they value about living in metropolitan Chicago.  The selected photo submissions are on-line at http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/photo-2007.aspx and will now be showcased in CMAP publications, including the region's first truly comprehensive plan for land use and transportation, due for completion in 2010. The contest had five themes, each with a first-, second- and third-place winner. The themes are Diversity (people, places and culture), Community Vitality (transportation, livable communities, retail and neighborhood pride), Natural Environment (lakes, rivers, preserves, parks, sky and wildlife), Global Appeal (business centers, commerce, production, movement of goods and finance), and Architecture/Urban Design (plazas, buildings, neighborhoods and boulevards).

On December 11, 2007, at the University of Illinois at Chicago, CMAP will host the second in a series of Innovation + Integration summits. The event will begin a dialogue on defining a regional agenda address impacts of climate change. See the summit web page for the agenda. For more information, call 312.386.8704 or email  summit@cmap.illinois.gov.

In a strongly worded statement, leaders of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) today called the on-going stalemate over mass transit funding "totally unacceptable and extremely harmful to our region, both in the short- and long-term."  In addition to immediate hardships for riders affected by looming service cuts, the CMAP Board said the transit system's uncertain future is placing the region's continued prosperity at risk.

Online registration is now open for Regional Equity ’08, the Third National Summit on Equitable Development, Social Justice, and Smart Growth from March 5-7, 2008, in New Orleans.  Hosted by Policy Link, the summit promises to be an amazing opportunity to join with more than 1,000 diverse leaders and advocates from the nonprofit, public policy, philanthropic, business, and academic arenas to commit to providing all Americans the opportunity to participate and prosper. CMAP will present their data and mapping work at the event, and other confirmed speakers include Tavis Smiley, Manuel Pastor, Salon’s Joan Walsh, Rep. Earl Blumenauer, and many more national leaders.

CMAP is seeking volunteers to serve on its Citizens’ Advisory Committee. Prospective volunteers should have a history of civic involvement, be available to attend the monthly CAC meeting and bring a local perspective to regional issues. Volunteers are needed to fill two vacancies in DuPage County, one in Kane County, one in McHenry County, two in south Cook County, one on the south side of Chicago, and one on the north side of Chicago. For an application form, call John Allen at (312) 386-8740 or click here.

Through a partnership with the Poplar Creek Watershed Coalition, CMAP has published a plan for the watershed.  (Click here to download the plan (7.5MB PDF).  The Poplar Creek watershed is situated primarily in northwestern Cook County, Illinois, with a small portion in northeastern Kane County. Poplar Creek has two designated uses -- aquatic life and primary contact recreation -- and the IEPA considers both to be in nonsupport, meaning Poplar Creek is "impaired" due to various pollutants.  See also the CMAP report Guidance for Developing Watershed Action Plans in Illinois (4MB PDF), which is useful to anyone interested in starting or participating in a locally-led watershed planning initiative.

On Friday, November 30, CMAP will host a roundtable called "How to Seal the Deal: The Role of Planners, Municipal Managers and Economic Development Practitioners." The discussion will focus on best practices in planning and economic development. It will highlight successful developments to show how developers, municipal managers, and planners can come together in a team approach. The event is co-hosted by Commonwealth Edison and is geared to municipal managers and economic and community development practitioners. The event will be 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at ComEd Commercial Center, 1919 Swift Dr., Oakbrook. A registration fee of $25 includes lunch. Attendees should RSVP to Brian Rademacher (brademacher@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8668).

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Fall Planning Conference will be held September 13-14, 2007 at the Clock Tower Resort in Rockford. The invited keynote speaker is Rodney Slater, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Conference topics include future strategies of MPOs, best practices in planning, linking land use and transportation, and updates on the Illinois Tomorrow and Safe Routes to Schools programs. See the  for more information. The contact is Betsy Tracy, 217-785-2368.

Gerald Bennett, chairman of the CMAP Board, and the chairmen of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties jointly signed a letter to Governor Blagojevich calling for a new program of capital investment in Illinois roads, transit, and other badly needed infrastructure.  In addition to Mayor Bennett, the letter's signers are John Church, Kendall County Board chairman;  Kenneth D. Koehler, McHenry County Board chairman;  Karen McConnaughay, Kane County Board chairman;  Robert J. Schillerstrom, County Board chairman;  Suzi Schmidt, Lake County Board chair;  Todd Stroger, Cook County Board president;  and Lawrence M. Walsh, Will County chief executive. The CMAP Board earlier  articulated its position on the necessity of a new capital program for the State of Illinois.  Click here to see a statement by the Transportation for Illinois Coalition regarding the letter to Governor Blagojevich.  (May 2, 2007)

On October 7, 2007, ABC-TV Channel 7's Newsviews aired host Alan Krasheski's interview with CMAP executive director Randy Blankenhorn and UIC's Joe DiJohn regarding potential solutions to congestion. They talked about the need to make strategic investments -- starting with stable funding of mass transit -- and to explore innovative solutions such as congestion pricing. Click here for streaming video.  Randy was also interviewed on September 19 by WGN Radio's Bob Sirott.  Click here for the audio interview.  (September 19, 2007)

CMAP Board member and Resurrection Project executive director Raul Raymundo contributed an editorial in La Raza newspaper. The op-ed piece calls on residents to speak out in support of stable funding for mass transit. Raul points out that the recent temporary bailout has only delayed the day of reckoning: "This unthinkable day has nearly arrived because leaders in Springfield still have not reached agreement on how to raise revenue for desperately needed funds to keep trains and buses in operation." (September 30, 2007)

CMAP has launched Travel Tracker, a year-long survey of the region's residents to learn about travel habits and transportation needs. Because the last large-scale travel survey was conducted in the early 1990s, Travel Tracker results are eagerly anticipated by many of the region’s planning and transportation agencies, as well as university researchers seeking solutions to pressing transportation problems. See http://www.chicagoareaplanning.org/travelsurvey/for more information.
(January 18, 2007)