Posted on July 22, 2011 2:13 PM
CMAP Weekly Update, 7-22-11
Table of Contents
First Off...
Updates for MetroPulse. You can now review a recent webinar for updates on the latest MetroPulse 1.1 release. Updates include bookmarking your visualizations and viewing a map or a grid in two clicks. To learn more, visit http://www.metropulsechicago.org/ and try clicking on the grid, map, and star icons. Also, those interested in working with open data and the Apps for Metro Chicago contest can attend a session entitled Apps for Metro Chicago: The Data at Merchandise Mart (Conference Room D) on July 24, 2011, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Learn more about CMAP’s involvement in the contest and how to enter your own app that leverages public data to benefit the region.
Policy Updates. We posted an analysis of the two federal transportation reauthorization bills proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, looking at how both align with GO TO 2040 priorities for funding our transportation system. We also wrote about two GO TO 2040 capital projects in the news: the Elgin-O'Hare advisory council released its final report, and an advisory council was formed for Illinois Route 53, on which I will be serving as a member.
Other News and Announcements
Berwyn planning. The City of Berwyn will kick off the work of creating a comprehensive plan with meetings to solicit feedback on August 13 at the North Berwyn Park District Community Center (1619 S. Wesley Avenue, Berwyn) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and August 20 at Berwyn Public Library (2701 S. Harlem Avenue, Berwyn), from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. With CMAP staff funded by a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant, our Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program is helping the village in this effort.
LTA in the news. The Herald-News and Chicago Tribune covered a recent tour of the Joliet Correctional Center that underscored the City’s plans to redevelop the prison and surrounding land. CMAP is assisting the City in the creation of a redevelopment plan for the prison and U.S. Steel sites through our LTA program. For more on the Joliet project, see CMAP’s first video in a series highlighting LTA projects. The video was also covered in the New Lenox Patch and the eNews Park Forest.
GEAR South. The Delta Institute and Mindful Metropolis will hold the Green Economy Road Show (GEAR) South at Moraine Valley Community College on September 9 and 10. I will be the keynote speaker Friday morning for this two-day event, which is "designed to connect, transform, and empower green business, government, and lifestyles in different parts of the Great Lakes region." More information is available on-line. Also, Mindful Metropolis magazine recently quoted me in a story about transportation alternatives.
CMAQ in the news. Evanston, Skokie, and the RTA are conducting a market-demand study for a potential new station on the Yellow Line. The study is funded by a grant from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program through CMAP. Read more in the Evanston Roundtable.
No Child Left Inside Act. On July 14, the bi-partisan No Child Left Inside Act of 2011 was introduced into the 112th Congress. The bill would provide incentives for states to promote environmental education in the classroom.
IDOT open house. On August 5, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will host an open house at CMAP offices to receive early input from stakeholders and the public on the development of the Multi-Year Highway Program from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. RSVP to Jamie Krell (jkrell@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-454-0400).
I-80 Meeting. On Thursday, July 28, 2011, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Joliet, IDOT will hold public meeting on the Interstate 80 preliminary engineering and environmental Phase I study. Location is the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate, Victoria Ballroom, 15 S. Richard St., Joliet, IL 60433. This meeting will be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Anyone needing specific assistance should contact Carrie Hansen at (630) 510-3944. Persons planning to attend who will need a sign language interpreter or other similar accommodations should notify the TTY/TTD number (800) 526-0844/or 711; TTY users (Spanish) (800) 501-0864/or 711; and for Telebraille dial (877) 526-6670 at least five days prior to the meeting.
Food deserts in the news. Some major retailers are committing to provide fresh foods in areas of the U.S. that are categorized as food deserts. According to a Tribune story, Supervalu, Wal-Mart, and Walgreen's are among the stores in our region that are participating in this effort led by the Partnership for a Healthier America with support from First Lady Michelle Obama.
CMAP Blogs
Green Signals. CMAP’s transportation operations blog told readers about two upcoming webinars. The first webinar will cover the 2011 TIGER Discretionary Grants program, and the second webinar will be about dynamic ridesharing and congestion pricing.
Soles and Spokes. CMAP’s bike-ped planning blog alerted readers to new resources -- including toolkits, webinars, and reports -- developed by the American Public Health Association on the connection between health and transportation. We also announced the new Safe Routes to School Local Policy Guide and highlighted upcoming events around the publication of the U.S. Access Board’s Proposed Public Rights-of-Way Guidelines.
Reminders
Draft Municipal Directory. CMAP's updated draft Municipal Directory is available for download. We would appreciate feedback from municipalities, including corrections if needed. The final version will be posted later this summer. Please contact Sherry Kane (skane@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8600).
Apply for FLIP. The 2011-2012 FLIP (Future Leaders in Planning) application is available. Please share materials with local high school students who would like to learn about planning and contribute to a better future for our region. Keep up with FLIP at its Facebook page.
GIS workshops. CMAP offers a low-cost, introductory, hands-on ArcGIS 10 workshop. The next two-day sessions will be September 21-22, October 26-27, and November 30 to December 1, 2011. Cost is $350 per person, which includes a manual. Please contact Jan Drennan (jdrennan@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8686) or David Clark (dcclark@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8682).
Northwest Suburban Housing Collaborative Position. The Northwest Suburban Housing Collaborative, with funding from The Chicago Community Trust, has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a housing coordinator position. While supporting the Collaborative in its work with CMAP's LTA program, the coordinator will be involved in the Homes for a Changing Region project. For more information, see the Metropolitan Planning Council’s blog, The Connector. Proposals are due July 29, 2011.
Events
Building a Sustainable Community Roundtable
July 27, 2011
8:00 a.m. to noon
V3Companies: 7325 Janes Avenue, Woodridge
Hosted by West Suburban Branch of the U.S. Green Building Council's Illinois Chapter, CMAP, Farr Associates, and the Congress for New Urbanism
Registration
Planning Local Food Production for Healthier Communities
July 27, 2011
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
CMAP Offices: 233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 800, Chicago
Hosted by the Center of Excellence in the Elimination of Disparities at the University of Illinois - Chicago
Registration
Municipal Plans for Energy and Greenhouse Gas Reductions
August 3, 2011
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
CMAP Offices: 233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 800, Chicago
Hosted by CMAP, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, and ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability Midwest Regional Office
Registration
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