CMAP Media Tip Sheet

October 5, 2011

This tip sheetbriefly summarizes newsworthy activities of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). Reporters should contact Justine Reisinger (312-386-8802 and jreisinger@cmap.illinois.gov) or Tom Garritano (312-386-8609 and tgarritano@cmap.illinois.gov) for more information.

CMAP programs $411 million in projects to reduce congestion and improve air quality

On October 12, the CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee will vote on approval of the proposed FY2012-16 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ).  The program will allocate more than $411 million in federal funds for transportation enhancements that include transit stations and equipment, intersections, bicycle facilities, and other projects that will help to reduce congestion and to improve air quality in the seven-county metropolitan Chicago region.  Selected by committees of subject-matter experts and stakeholders based on competitive proposals, the proposed projects respond to priorities recommended by the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan, which emphasizes investments to maintain and modernize the existing transportation system.

MetroPulse adds American Community Survey census data update

CMAP has added approximately 600 data sets on housing, social and economic conditions to MetroPulse, the Regional Indicators Project website. The update also adds much more information about Chicago's 77 Community Areas. See the GO TO 2040 You Tube channel for a brief demonstration and an in-depth demonstration of the new capabilities. MetroPulse is a collaboration between CMAP and The Chicago Community Trust.Reporters are encouraged to contact CMAP for personalized training in the easy-to-use MetroPulse interface.

GO TO 2040 case study library highlights community initiatives

CMAP has created a searchable web database of completed local projects that reflect recommendations of the GO TO 2040 plan.   The first round of local case studies is available in an interactive map highlighting projects and people that exemplify the goals and objectives of region's comprehensive plan.

Lawn to Lake collaborative offers Natural Lawn Care and Sustainable Landscapes workshop

CMAP is among the sponsors of the Lawn to Lake collaborative program's October 13, 2011, workshop on Natural Lawn Care and Sustainable Landscapes.  Targeted to landscape companies, turf managers, homeowner associations, and municipalities, the event will show how to create and implement cost-effective and sustainable landscaping programs in a community.  The workshop will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the College of Lake County, Grayslake Campus (19351 W. Washington Street, Grayslake).

Local food chapter is a resource for municipal planners

CMAP has produced a local food chapter outline to guide municipal planners through the process of incorporating local food into a comprehensive plan.  The materials were developed as part of the Cook County Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) initiative, which seeks to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles by improving public policy and local communities.

--END--

 

About CMAP

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is the comprehensive regional planning organization for the northeastern Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will. By state and federal law, CMAP is responsible for producing the region's official, integrated plan for land use and transportation. The agency's innovative GO TO 2040 planning campaign develops and implements strategies to shape the region's transportation system and development patterns, while also addressing the natural environment, economic development, housing, education, human services, and other factors shaping quality of life. See www.cmap.illinois.gov for more information.