Posted on March 13, 2009 7:04 AM
Weekly Update, 3/13/09
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| Randy Blankenhorn |
CMAP Board meeting recap. The CMAP Board met this past Wednesday and discussed a range of topics, including the draft DRI process, the allocation of capital funds (including funds from the stimulus bill), and agency priorities in the General Assembly's current session. Among the bills we're monitoring closely are HB1, HB2359, HB1195, SB1409, SB297, and SB305. The Board also participated in a demonstration of the interactive software that will be used this summer in Invent 2040 Workshops to gain feedback from the public for the GO TO 2040 plan. Click here for Board meeting materials.
MPO Policy Committee. The Committee welcomed the new Illinois Secretary of Transportation, former Rep. Gary Hannig of Litchfield, who presided over yesterday's meeting of the CMAP MPO Policy Committee in his capacity as chair of that body. It was a pleasure to have the secretary here, and everyone commented on what a crisp meeting he ran. The Committee also discussed the implementation of the Recovery Act and approved the transportation funding marks for the local agencies. Click here for the Committee meeting materials.
Hearings on a capital bill. From March 16 to April 16, the Illinois House of Representatives will hold hearings across the state to gather testimony from residents and other stakeholders regarding a capital bill. Click here to see the schedule. CMAP staff and I will be speaking at each of the hearings in our region, starting next Friday in Aurora. We encourage all of our partners to attend and testify at a hearing near them. It is important that our General Assembly members and the Governor witness the region's support for investing in the infrastructure that drives the economy of our state and region.
Daily Herald. As the Governor and General Assembly weigh options for funding a capital program, this week Marni Pyke of the Daily Herald wrote about the ramifications of various revenue sources. It includes a CMAP mention regarding the need for a more equitable formula to distribute capital funds within our state.
CAN-TV segments on-line. If you missed them on CAN-TV, now posted on the CMAP YouTube channel are the segments with myself and Diana Torres of CMAP. See it in English and Spanish. We were discussing the Latinos in Our Region snapshot report.
More TV. This Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., I'm scheduled to be on the WTTW (Channel 11) Chicago Tonight show, discussing freight with host Phil Ponce and my fellow panelist Mayor Karen Darch of Barrington. The March 17 broadcast will be their kickoff of the Chicago Matters "Beyond Burnham" series, which is sponsored by the Chicago Community Trust.
Demystifying Federal Funds conference. Today is the last day to register for "Yes You Can! Demystifying Federal Funds Conference" on March 20, 2009 at the UIC Forum. Online registration is required to attend the conference on March 20th, 2009 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Participants will benefit from hearing first hand from a leading expert on federal accountability. Trainers and policy experts will also be present to teach skills about how to pursue federal grants effectively. To register, go to Illinois ResourceNet. The registration fee for the full-day conference, including breakfast and lunch, is $35.00. For more information, contact Illinois ResourceNet at info@illinoisresource.net.
Tranport Chicago. The Transport Chicago call for papers deadline Monday, March 16, 2009. Please visit TransportChicago.org for information on the conference and call for papers. The new location this year is the American Dental Association Building, 211 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611.
WWJS? Many friends of CMAP know that our softball team is called WWDBD?, which is short for "What Would Daniel Burnham Do?" The great man's photo adorns our jerseys. Just coincidentally, Jan Metzger of the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) will hold a reading (with a discussion and reception) called "What Would Jane Say?", regarding her book of the same title about Jane Addams. The event celebrates Women's History Month, highlighting often overlooked contributions of the women who helped shape Chicago's physical and cultural landscape. It will be held Thursday, March 26, 2009, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at CNT, 2125 W. North Ave., Chicago. RSVP to this free event at (773) 269-4031 or at kathrine@cnt.org.
Call for Smart Growth submissions. US. EPA is seeking applications for a pair of smart growth programs. EPA's Development, Community, and Environment Division is seeking applications for technical assistance from areas that want to incorporate smart growth in their future development to meet environmental and other community goals. Eligible entities are tribal, local, regional, and state governments, and nonprofit organizations that have a demonstrated partnership with a governmental entity. Applications are due at 5:00 pm EST, April 23, 2009. To learn more about this solicitation, visit http://epa.gov/smartgrowth/2009_sgia_rfa.htm. And EPA requests applications for the 2009 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement, which is open to public- or private-sector applicants that have used the principles of smart growth to create better places. Private-sector applicants are encouraged to submit applications for projects that demonstrate a significant public-private partnership. See http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards.htm for information and application materials.
Willis Tower. I know, it just doesn't have the same ring as Sears Tower. It's jarring when regional landmarks get renamed, as reportedly will happen with the building where CMAP is. At least the Tribune is having some fun with it. If the name does change, we trust everyone will still be able to find us -- the Tower is pretty hard to miss.
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