First Off...

New ACS data.The U.S. Census Bureau recently published the 2006 - 2010 American Community Survey (ACS) five-year estimates, which provide a rolling sample of detailed population characteristics over the past several years. A detailed analysis and instructions for accessing data is available on CMAP's Census webpage. We also wrote a Policy Update on how the ACS data helps to chart successes and challenges related to GO TO 2040 implementation. Highlights of the data include an increase in overall use of public transportation in the region, as well as an 89 percent increase in bicycle use.
 

Other News and Announcements

CMAP in the news.In November, I spoke with the Rotary Club of Evanston Lighthouse about GO TO 2040 and its importance for Evanston and the region. Read more about the talk in the Evanston Roundtable.

Housing affordability. The Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Ellen Podmolik recently wrote about the ongoing lack of affordable housing despite the fact that home prices are nearly 30 percent below their peak. Through the Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program, CMAP is currently working with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and Metropolitan Planning Council on Homes for a Changing Region to develop long-term housing policy plans for a number of communities in the region.

RFP deadline 1/5: Community-Based Sustainable Development. The Chicago Community Trust is seeking proposals through January 5, 2012, for Community-Based Sustainable Development. Up to ten communities will be selected to serve as regional models of sustainable development with full engagement of their community residents. Among other evaluation criteria, proposals should be aligned with the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan and livability principles. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and local governments located within and/or primarily serving residents of Cook County.

Electronic disposal law. Beginning January 1, 2012, it will be illegal to dispose of electronics with other trash in Illinois under a new state law. Residents must recycle electronics to keep them out of landfills.
 

Reminders

Air quality attainment.As we told you last week, our region faces harm to its air quality and a significant loss of federal transportation funding if the U.S. EPA follows through on its intention to ignore current, certified 2011 data and rule that northeastern Illinois is "in attainment" with the agency's 2008 guidelines for air quality. We urge you to contact U.S. EPA and members of Congress, calling on the federal regulators to consider the up-to-date 2011 data, which clearly indicate our region has actually not attained the 2008 air standards. The U.S. EPA comment period has begun with publication of a December 20 notice in the Federal Register (marked as "40 CFR Part 81"), which includes details of how to make your views known. Read more in a CMAP Policy Update.

Emerald Ash Borer management grants. Applications for the third round of the Illinois Urban Forest Restoration and Technical Assistance Grants for Emerald Ash Borer management are due January 20, 2012. Emerald Ash Borer is considered one of the greatest and costliest threats to the "urban canopy," depriving communities of trees that provide shade and valuable ecosystem services. Visit the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus website for more information, including upcoming grant workshops and webinars.

EcoSummit 2012. Abstracts should be submitted on-line by January 20, 2012, for poster and oral presentations at the international EcoSummit 2012, to be held in Columbus, Ohio, September 30 through October 5. The international summit plans to "bring together the world's most respected minds in ecological science to discuss restoring the planet's ecosystems."
 

Events

Informational Meeting: IKE Disaster Recovery Housing Repair/Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program
January 11, 2012
1:00 p.m.
Illinois State Museum: 502 S. Spring Street, Springfield
Hosted by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
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2012 Illinois Development Council Metro Meeting
January 30, 2012
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
ComEd Commercial Center:  1919 Swift Drive, Oak Brook
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Village of Westchester planning meeting
February 2, 2012
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Westchester Community Church
1840 Westchester Blvd, Westchester
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