CMAP Media Tip Sheet

December 14, 2011

This tip sheet briefly 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.

 

Comprehensive planning highlighted in new video on Local Technical Assistance program

CMAP has released "Planning Locally for Livability," which highlights the benefits of municipalities' planning comprehensively.  The video focuses on comprehensive plans in development by Blue Island and Campton Hills, and on the sustainability plan prepared by Park Forest.  These projects benefit from the CMAP Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program, which is supported by a three-year, $4.25 million HUD Sustainable Communities grant that funds CMAP staff assistance to help local governments, nonprofits, and other organizations to help implement the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan. 

 

Policy Updates blog series analyzes MAP-21 highway reauthorization bill

The Policy Updates blog features a thorough two-part analysis of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century highway (MAP-21) highway reauthorization bill. The series highlights CMAP's concerns and overall position on MAP-21, using the agency's five transportation principles as a framework to analyze the legislation:
 

• Provide transportation investments based on regional priorities using performance-driven criteria that lead to decisions that are transparent, outcome-based, and mode-agnostic.
   
• Evaluate and prioritize infrastructure investments in a comprehensive way that looks beyond transportation benefits to include land use, economy, environment, and other quality-of-life factors.
   
• Provide adequate federal investments in the nation's transportation systems.
   
•  Reform the transportation funding system by placing a new emphasis on sustainable revenue sources.
   
• Establish a national transportation vision that includes the movement of goods and the development of a national high-speed rail network.
   

Energy Impact Illinois debuts web series and pledge

Energy Impact Illinois (EI2) is a CMAP-led alliance that is responding to the GO TO 2040 recommendation to promote efficient buildings that save energy and money.  EI2 has launched its web series starring "The Energy Bills," who provide homeowners with information on how to make their homes more energy efficient and to reap cost savings.  The Energy Bills Facebook page also features a pledge users can sign, committing to become more energy efficient and to potentially win a free home energy audit.  EI2 is a partnership of local and federal organizations, utility companies, and not-for-profit groups that is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

 

Second round of community initiatives added to GO TO 2040 case study map

CMAP has added a new set of local case studies to its web database of completed local projects that reflect recommendations of the GO TO 2040 plan.  Among these additions are the Chicago Water Taxi, the ComEd Smart Meter programand Hadley Valley Forest Preserve.  Case studies are updated quarterly and are available in an interactive map highlighting projects and people that exemplify the goals and objectives of region's comprehensive plan.

 

CMAP releases video on Pace Bus on Shoulder pilot program

CMAP has produced a short video on the recently launched Pace Bus on Shoulder program.  The two-year pilot program launched on November 14, 2011, and allows select buses to drive on the shoulder of the Stevenson Expressway when roads are congested.  The project received funding for signage from CMAP's Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement program.

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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.