First Off...

Congestion pricing: good for residents and region. CMAP has launched a new website, www.cmap.illinois.gov/congestion-pricing/, based on computer-model analysis that demonstrates the need for congestion pricing as a tool to manage traffic for faster, reliable travel times. If implemented on five new GO TO 2040 construction projects, express-lane drivers during the morning rush would reach their destinations 31 to 66 percent quicker, at a modest additional cost. The site includes a detailed technical report on two new facilities -- the IL 53 north extension and IL 120 bypass and the Elgin-O'Hare West Bypass -- plus new lanes on the I-90 Addams Tollway, the I-290 Eisenhower Expressway, and the I-55 Stevenson Expressway. With help from our partners, CMAP is reaching out to Governor Quinn, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and the Illinois Tollway to emphasize how important it is that they commit to congestion pricing. To be part of that effort, please contact CMAP principal planner Erin Aleman (312-386-8816 or ealeman@cmap.illinois.gov).

Read more in the press release, and see related coverage from the Chicago Tribune, WGN-TV, WLS-TV, FOX-32, WBEZ, Chicago Magazine, and Chicagoist. The Trib's Jon Hilkevitch was also interviewed by WGN's Mike McConnell and Dave Kaplan regarding his column.

 

Other News and Announcements

 

LTA in the news. The Journal & Topics Newspaper wrote about a meeting in Mount Prospect last week for development of the Homes for a Changing Region project with the Northwest Suburban Housing Collaborative. The article quotes CMAP's Jonathan Burch. The Northwest Herald covered development of a downtown plan for the Village of Algonquin, funded by a Community Planning Program grant. Both projects are part of CMAP's Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program.

NARC livability report. The National Association of Regional Councils points to CMAP and the Metropolitan Planning Council in a new report, Livability Literature Review: A Synthesis of Current Practice.

Metra strategic plan. For the development of its new strategic plan, Metra is hosting a new round of open house meetings to solicit public feedback from November 1-12. Following public meetings this summer, Metra has revised its mission statement and started to develop goals, objectives, and capital funding priorities.

Tollway signage. The Tollway is accepting public comments through November 7 on a proposal to promote lodging and tourism attractions through an expansion of its signage policy.

Bike sharing meetings. The Chicago Department of Transportation will host public meetings from October 29 to November 7 about its upcoming bike sharing program, which is funded in part through Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program funds. The public can also submit feedback at share.chicagobikes.org.

IDOT Career Day. Yesterday, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) held its annual Career Day in Chicago. Over 300 students attended the event, which featured more than 40 exhibits (including one featuring CMAP).

Clean water initiative. A new $1 billion Illinois Clean Water Initiative to overhaul the state's aging water infrastructure was launched at an event in Chicago yesterday. The initiative expands the State Revolving Fund program for long-term, low-interest loans to local governments for wastewater and drinking water systems.

Chicago plans. Through October 24, City of Chicago residents can comment on the draft Healthy Places food plan. Comments should be sent to foodplan@healthyplaceschicago.org. Additionally, the City developed Sustainable Chicago 2015 Action Agenda, a plan with 24 specific goals and key actions to reach them by 2015.

Water technology conference. On November 1 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., the German American Chambers of Commerce and partners will host “Water and the City” at the UBS Tower Conference Center (1 North Wacker Drive, Chicago) to discuss technologies and infrastructure that offer innovative, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions for sustainable urban water management.

CNU Illinois Charter Awards. CNU Illinois is accepting plan and project submissions for its 5th annual CNU Illinois Charter Awards. Submissions are due on November 8.

Future City. Local teams are now being accepted for the 2013 Future City competition. Learn more at www.futurecity.org/illinois-chicago. 

 

CMAP Blogs

Soles and Spokes. CMAP’s bike-ped planning blog highlighted a guide produced by America Walks, in collaboration with Sam Schwartz Engineering, called “Steps to a Walkable Community: A Guide for Citizens, Planners, and Engineers.” The guide is a compendium of innovative and multidisciplinary tools, ideas, and tactics that have been used to improve conditions for and to encourage more walking in communities around the country.

 

Reminders

EI2 rebates. Energy Impact Illinois (EI2) is offering rebates up to $1750 (an estimated 70-percent cost savings) for upgrades you can make to improve the comfort of your home. For more information, contact Emily Plagman at eplagman@cmap.illinois.gov. To see if you qualify for the rebate, please call 1-855-9-IMPACT. Read more about this offer in Chicago Agent Magazine.

Green infrastructure call for proposals. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced a third round of Illinois Green Infrastructure Grants (IGIG) for stormwater management. Applications are due December 14, 2012.

 

Events

Soles and Spokes workshop: Designing Pedestrian Facilities for Accessibility
November 1-2, 2012
CMAP: 233 S Wacker Drive, Suite 800, Chicago
Hosted by CMAP
More information

UIC Urban Forum
December 6, 2012
UIC Forum: 725 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago
Hosted by the University of Illinois at Chicago
More information