First Off...

LTA proposals. Thanks to 90 different applicants across the seven-county region who submitted 113 project ideas in our second call for projects through the Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program.  CMAP staff will evaluate proposals this month and will contact applicants with follow-up questions.  We will announce project selections on October 10, 2012.

Rethinking property tax classification.  On Wednesday, CMAP launched the second in a two-part series shedding light on how the property tax classification can impede economic development and infill.  Cook County Property Tax Classification highlights how phasing out this system could make established communities more attractive for redevelopment and infill of vacant or underutilized land.  By exploring a clickable map and related data, the user can compare how residential, commercial, and industrial property tax rates vary across West Cook and South Cook communities.  Read more in the Policy Updates blog.  Our previous installment, Decoding Property Taxes and Classification, explained how property tax rates are determined, what the taxes pay for, which government units get the revenue, and why property tax assessment classification matters.

Performance-based funding.  On July 10-11, CMAP hosted a peer exchange event through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Transportation Planning Capacity Building program on the use of performance-based evaluation criteria in the evaluation and funding of transportation projects, which is a GO TO 2040 recommendation to strategically fund our transportation system.  CMAP has summarized major lessons learned from the peer exchange in our Policy Updates blog.  Participating peer agencies included three metropolitan planning organizations paired with their three state departments of transportation.
 

Other News and Announcements

Public Comment:  GO TO 2040 Conformity Analysis and TIP.  The CMAP Transportation Committee released a conformity determination on GO TO 2040 and the FFY 2010-2015 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) at their last meeting.  Conformity analysis is part of the transportation modeling process that evaluates projects' impact on air quality.  On-road vehicle emissions are reviewed in certain years (currently 2016, 2020, 2030, and 2040) to determine that the region will reach national air quality goals.  Please review the cover memo and list of conformity amendments.  From August 3 to September 4, comments may be submitted to CMAP by mail, e-mail, or phone (312-454-0400).

CMAP in the news.  The Elk Grove Journal & Topics wrote about the CMAP's recently released freight "drill-down" report.  CMAP's Matt Maloney and Garett Ballard-Rosa were quoted in the article.  The report was also featured in the Coalition for America's Gateways and Trade Corridors' monthly bulletin and the Daily Herald.  Patch wrote about a public meeting held last week for the development of an Environmental Action Plan for the Village of Niles through LTA.  The article quotes CMAP's Kristin Ihnchak.

CMAQ in the news.  The Daily Herald wrote about the Prairie Crossing and Washington Street bike paths in Lake County, as well as I-GO's expansion into the suburbs, all of which are partially funded through our Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program.  The Chicago Tribune wrote about the CREATE program's Belmont Avenue grade separation project, which is also funded in part through CMAQ.

Kennedy.  WBEZ explained the I-90 reversible lanes, featuring (who else?) historian Andy Plummer.

Fresh Food Fund.  This week, the State announced the Illinois Fresh Food Fund, a new program to increase the availability of fresh food in communities and neighborhoods, which is recommended by GO TO 2040 to spur private investment in supermarkets and grocery stores in underserved areas.  Three informational sessions for applicants will be held this month.

Illiana in the news.  The Chicago Tribune wrote about a new report on three proposed routes for the Illiana Expressway.  The article mentions CMAP's position that a corridor farther north than the proposed B3 route would have a more positive effect on transportation while also improving local travel.

CNT Energy webinars.  The Center for Neighborhood Technology Energy will host webinars next week on how non-profits can save with lower energy cost savings (August 7 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.) and incentives for energy efficiency upgrades in economic redevelopment areas (August 8 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.).

High-speed rail.  The Draft Environmental Impact Statement on alternatives for enhancing high-speed rail between Chicago and St. Louis will be discussed at a series of public hearings this month.

Ecotality meeting.  On August 20, Ecotality will hold a meeting about free smart-charging vehicle stations for residents and commercial sites at the InterContinental in Chicago.

CMAP Blogs

Green Signals.  CMAP’s transportation operations blog highlighted smart work zones, a strategy that the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Tollway have implemented to make travel through and around work zones safer and more efficient.

Soles and Spokes.  CMAP’s bike-ped planning blog featured a study of a new remote infrared audible sign system to guide individuals with visual, mobility, and cognitive disabilities through multi-modal public transportation environments.  We also highlighted the recent work of the Village and Park District of Carol Stream in planning and building bicycle and multi-use paths.

Policy Updates.  Last week’s analysis of the FY13 State of Illinois budget now links to more in-depth analysis in a supplemental memo to the CMAP Board.
 

Reminders

EI2 rebates.  For a limited time, single family homeowners can apply for up to $1,750 in rebates for qualifying energy efficiency measures through Energy Impact Illinois (EI2). Call 855-9-IMPACT, visit energyimpactillinois.org, or contact Emily Plagman at eplagman@cmap.illinois.gov.

Metra strategic plan. Metra is developing a new strategic plan and is seeking input. Individuals can complete a short survey through August 10.

Soles and Spokes workshop.  On August 24, CMAP will host “Designing for Bicycle Safety,” a one-day overview of bikeway design and the new AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities.

Events

Workshop on Native Landscape Design for Stormwater
August 7, 2012
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Lake County Central Permit Facility: 500 W. Winchester Rd., 2nd Floor Conference Room, Libertyville
Hosted by the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission
Pre-registration required

Round Lake Heights planning meeting
August 7, 2012
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Round Lake Middle School: 2000 Lotus Drive, Round Lake Heights
Hosted by the Village of Round Lake Heights and CMAP
More information

Designing for Bicycle Safety Soles and Spokes workshop
August 24, 2012
CMAP: 233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 800, Chicago
Hosted by CMAP
More information