Blogs (Weekly Updates)

Posted on October 14, 2011 12:27 PM
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CMAP Weekly Update, 10-14-11

Among the highlights from CMAP executive director Randy Blankenhorn, a recap of the joint meeting for the CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee, the approval of the FY2012-2016 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement program, the latest water-related progress and news in the Water 2050 update, and the beginning the fourth session for Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP).  Subscribe to get Weekly Updates by e-mail.

 

              
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Joint Board and MPO Policy Committee recap. Honoring tradition and the one-year anniversary of the adoption of the GO TO 2040 plan, both of our policy boards convened this week in a joint meeting. Acting Secretary of IDOT Ann Schneider was welcomed to her first meeting as the chair of the Policy Committee. Additionally, this month marks the sixth anniversary of the CMAP Board’s existence. The main focus of the meeting was on the progress made toward implementing the plan and a discussion on strategic next steps. I presented a number of CMAP’s first-year implementation accomplishments, organized by plan chapter. Staff is also working in conjunction with our working committees to create an annual report, to be issued after the first of the year, to recap the region’s progress on implementing GO TO 2040. Although we have made a lot of progress on meeting the plan's goals this year, we still have a lot of work to do to implement the region’s long-range comprehensive plan. Following the presentation, both boards engaged in a policy discussion of various transportation issues that we were seeking more direction as we continue to move forward with GO TO 2040. Other highlights of the meeting were the approval of the multi-year FFY 2012 CMAQ program, highlighted in another item below, and approval of GO TO 2040/TIP Conformity Analysis and TIP Amendments. 


CMAQ program approved.  The CMAP Board and MPO Policy committee voted on October 12, 2011, to approve the FY2012-16 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement program. Through these transportation projects, residents of metropolitan Chicago will benefit from improved transit, roads, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. The $411 million in federal transportation funds are being targeted to support the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan's goals for reducing congestion and improving air quality. Read more in the CMAP press release (along with lists of projects by county), as well as coverage from Senator Dick Durbin's office, the Daily Herald, UrbDeZine Chicago, and Chicago Public Radio.  


Other News and Announcements

Water 2050 Update.  Among other topics, our water newsletter describes how the Illinois Department of Natural Resources highlighted Water 2050's recommendation to create a model water conservation ordinance, as well as how Chicago's proposed budget would improve the City’s water system to address aging infrastructure.
 
CMAP at USHLI Student Leadership Conference.  On October 21 and 22, the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) will host its Midwest Regional Student Leadership Conference.  The conference will feature a variety of speakers, team-building exercises, networking opportunities, and workshops on financial literacy, nutrition, healthy living, advanced leadership skills development, including a presentation by CMAP’s Ricardo Lopez on Latinos in our region and GO TO 2040.

Future Leaders in Planning 2011-2012.  On October 15, CMAP will begin its fourth Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) session.  This year students will explore the region’s water system and how actions such as salting the roads in the winter can impact the whole water supply and our environment.  Using field trips, science experiments, conversations with regional officials, and multimedia, students will produce a final project that shares information about the northeastern Illinois water supply and alternative actions to keeping it clean.  See a list of participants.

Economic report.  Metropolis Strategies has released Restoring Chicago's Momentum:  A Regional Agenda for Economic Growth.  The report explores how metropolitan Chicago can successfully compete in a global economy by taking a regional approach.

Sidewalk maintenance.  The latest Access magazine from the University of California Transportation Center features an article, "Fixing Broken Sidewalks," in which Donald Shoup describes the need for communities to maintain sidewalks and outlines a "point-of-sale program" to help pay for maintenance by, for example, providing micro-loans to property owners.  


CMAP Blogs

Policy Updates.  We analyzed housing trends in the region, which indicate that demand for multifamily and rental housing options is growing.  Another post described federal actions taken to mitigate climate change.

Green Signals.  CMAP’s transportation operations blog highlighted a report on regional traffic signal operations programs.


Reminders

Moving Forward Together.  Mercy Housing will host its annual event, Moving Forward Together, on October 19 at Swissotel in Chicago.  Purchase tickets online.
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Upcoming Events

(Please see the CMAP Events calendar for Board and committee meetings.)

East Dundee Homes workshop
June 10, 2013
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Village Hall Annex:  120 Barrington Ave., East Dundee
Hosted by the Village of East Dundee, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, the Metropolitan Planning Council, and CMAP
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Carpentersville Homes workshop
June 11, 2013
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Public Works Building:  1075 Tamarac Drive, Carpentersville
Hosted by the Village of Carpentersville, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, the Metropolitan Planning Council, and CMAP
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West Dundee Homes workshop
June 18, 2013
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Public Safety Center II:  100 Carrington Drive, West Dundee
Hosted by the Village of West Dundee, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, the Metropolitan Planning Council, and CMAP
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Elgin Homes workshop
June 19, 2013
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
The Centre Heritage Ballroom:  100 Symphony Way, Elgin
Hosted by the City of Elgin, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, the Metropolitan Planning Council, and CMAP
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