CMAP Media Tip Sheet

September 27, 2012

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 Hillary Green (312-386-8619 and hgreen@cmap.illinois.gov) for more information.

 

CMAP launches local food systems microsite, video highlighting economic development potential

A new multimedia microsite at www.cmap.illinois.gov/food has resources to help local governments support local food systems, one of 12 primary recommendation areas of the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan. It includes an engaging video that follows produce from farm to table throughout our region, featuring local food entrepreneurs at Nichols Farm, Fresh Picks, Uncommon Ground, and Green City Market. Local food is a significant economic issue:  Of the $48 billion Illinois residents spend on food every year, $46 billion is leaving the state. If metropolitan Chicago produced just 20 percent more local food in the fertile soils of northeastern Illinois, we could see $2.5 billion in increased economic activity in northeastern Illinois. Through the agency's Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program, CMAP has been working with nonprofit, public, and private partners throughout Lake County to explore potential for a more sustainable food system there.  Learn more at http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/lake-county-food.

 

Historical maps collection shows road traffic throughout the decades

Ever wonder how our region's road system has changed since in the past century? CMAP has made its collection of historical traffic maps available on-line.  The archive has maps from the mid-20^th Century for the City of Chicago, the region's seven counties, and the Northeastern Illinois State Primary system (Interstates, U.S. Routes, and Illinois Routes). The website allows users to download maps or view them by location.  To request higher-resolution versions suitable for printing, contact Claire Bozic at cbozic@cmap.illinois.gov.  The site also links to State of Illinois maps from as long ago as 1917.

 

New Policy Updates blog series explores housing trends

CMAP's Policy Updates blog has begun an on-going series of housing analyses.  The initial post shows that -- after several years of mostly negative housing news -- the region is seeing some positive trends even as communities still struggle with effects of the national housing downturn.  Total housing permits and starts have ticked back up, and the for-sale market appears to be slowly recovering.  However, much of this growth has been driven by single-family starts concentrated primarily in the region's outer edges, signaling a potential return to pre-recession trends.  And the Chicago region appears to be falling behind other regions in producing new multifamily rental housing.  Because communities' livability entails a balanced supply of owner-occupied housing and rental housing distributed throughout the region, GO TO 2040 encourages municipalities to plan for their housing needs and to tailor affordable housing policy options into an appropriate plan for their community.  With the Metropolitan Planning Council and the Metropolitan Mayors Council, CMAP is helping clusters of municipalities develop long-term housing policy plans through the Homes for a Changing Region program. 

 

Energy Impact Illinois launches "Dollars for Doing" program

The Energy Impact Illinois (EI2) alliance has a fall campaign called "Dollars for Doing," features community events and outreach help residents apply for rebates up to $1,750 for qualifying energy efficiency measures. Interested individuals can learn more by calling 1-855-9-IMPACT or visiting the website at energyimpactillinois.org. 

 

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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.govfor more information.