Below are descriptions for the ten types of CMAP assistance, including thematic priorities and the specific communities encouraged to apply. To help communities identify which type of CMAP assistance is ideal for their priorities, view this guide.
ADA self-evaluation and transition plans
Creating communities that are not just compliant, but fully accessible to all and aware of accessibility challenges and the benefits of accessibility.
CMAP will work with local governments to develop a plan that complies with the Title II obligations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This assistance type involves developing a self-evaluation of non-compliant transportation assets, helping communities identify improvements that can make sidewalks, crosswalks, curb ramps, and landings easier to navigate. CMAP will also encourage local staff to go beyond their legal mandates and integrate key principles of universal design into their planning processes.
All communities are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Bicycle and pedestrian plans
Cultivating innovative approaches that implement the principles of ON TO 2050, identify networks for safe travel for all, and prepare communities for various implementation funding sources.
Local governments interested in creating a plan that identifies improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians may want to consider this type of assistance. Projects awarded will receive planning support for intersections, transit stations and transfer points, signage and signalization, streetscapes and furnishings, route planning and infrastructure, as well as ADA accessibility.
While all communities are eligible and encouraged to apply, communities in cohorts 3 and 4 will receive priority consideration when evaluating applications for bicycle and pedestrian planning assistance.
Capital improvement plans
Cultivating innovative approaches that implement the principles of ON TO 2050 and support data-driven, transparent capital improvement planning and prepare communities for greater plan implementation success.
Under this assistance type, CMAP will support local governments by evaluating existing capital planning processes, providing recommendations and training that can help develop a transparent, strategic and successful planning process, and working with the community to create a multi-year capital improvement plan (CIP).
While all communities are eligible and encouraged to apply, communities in cohorts 3 and 4 will receive priority consideration when evaluating applications for capital improvement planning assistance.
Corridor plans
Cultivating innovative approaches that implement the principles of ON TO 2050 and interweave roadway safety improvements, inclusive economic growth, and regional housing needs.
CMAP will work with local governments to develop a plan that addresses transportation and other improvements in a neighborhood, business district, corridor, riverfront, or other focus areas. Under this offering, CMAP also will help develop goals for improvement, propose specific projects to address the goals, and create a strategy to implement recommendations.
All communities are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Grant readiness
Cultivating innovative approaches that implement the principles of ON TO 2050 and prepare communities to prioritize projects, apply for grants, and successfully manage external funding.
CMAP will help local governments secure additional resources and funding opportunities under this assistance type. Municipalities will receive support to prepare for grant opportunities, establish consensus on priority transportation projects, identify the next steps for implementation, and receive resources to seek out and manage grant funding.
While all communities are eligible and encouraged to apply, communities in cohorts 3 and 4 will receive priority consideration when evaluating applications for grant readiness assistance.
Housing and jobs studies - AHPAA
Cultivating innovative approaches that implement the principles of ON TO 2050 and plan for the housing needs that will support a robust and inclusive regional economy.
In December 2023, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) determined which communities are non-exempt under the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act (AHPAA). Non-exempt communities are required prepare an affordable housing plan and submit it to IHDA.
CMAP will work with non-exempt communities to prepare the required plan. Extensive community outreach will underpin the plan, particularly the identification of one of three local housing goals specified in the Act. CMAP also will encourage the community to go beyond the minimum mandates and consider the relationship between jobs, transportation, and housing needs.
While all communities are eligible and encouraged to apply, communities in cohorts 1 and 2 will receive priority consideration when evaluating applications for housing and jobs study assistance.
NEXT Program (plan implementation assistance)
Cultivating innovative approaches that implement the principles of ON TO 2050 and support communities capacity to organize plan implementation efforts and achieve plan goals.
Local governments seeking to take the next steps toward achieving the outcomes outlined in local plans, including past CMAP and RTA plans, should consider applying for the NEXT Program. CMAP will work with communities to prioritize improvements, develop an action plan, and assist them with executing the plan.
While all communities are eligible and encouraged to apply, communities in cohorts 3 and 4 will receive priority consideration when evaluating applications for NEXT program assistance.
Pavement management plans
Cultivating innovative approaches that implement the principles of ON TO 2050 and accelerate adoption of infrastructure improvements, particularly evidence-based tools to make transportation investment decisions.
Communities interested in the most cost-effective way to address pavement needs and achieve prioritized pavement condition targets should consider CMAP's pavement management plan. Projects awarded through this offering will receive support from an engineering firm, selected by CMAP, to create a document that emphasizes the importance of pavement preservation, describes the current condition of pavement, evaluates cost, and uses the results to develop a capital plan.
All communities are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Site planning pilot
Cultivating innovative approaches that implement the principles of ON TO 2050 and supports market and fiscal feasibility when planning for the use or reuse of sites that leverage the existing transportation network.
In this assistance type, CMAP will work with local governments to develop a subarea site plan for an infill site or sites in cohort 1 or 2 communities, incorporating the ON TO 2050 principles of resilience, inclusive growth, and prioritized investment into the land planning process. Studying the underutilized infill site will determine how redevelopment could and should leverage the existing transportation network; attract inclusive investment and development; broaden diversity in housing choices; enhance the usability of the public right-of-way by non-vehicular modes; expand transportation connections to key destinations; increase roadway safety for all modes; expand community empowerment and equitable engagement; and provide an action plan to implement plan recommendations.
While all communities are eligible and encouraged to apply, communities in cohorts 1 and 2 will receive priority consideration when evaluating applications for site planning pilot assistance.
Transportation safety plans
Cultivating innovative approaches that implement the principles of ON TO 2050 and prepare communities for funding available under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
CMAP will work with local governments to analyze safety-related issues for pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and all other modes within communities or specific areas like corridors and intersections. The analysis developed through this offering will look at crash histories, perceived safety concerns, and barriers or gaps in networks that hinder mobility. Community-wide safety plans, called Safety Action Plans, will include recommendations to improve safety through design, policy, education, and awareness. Safety Action Plans will include most, or all, of the necessary components for communities to qualify for the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program if the program is funded as planned.
All communities are eligible and encouraged to apply.