Table of Contents

• First Off . . .
• Events
• News and Other Announcements
• CMAP Blogs
• Reminders

First Off...

Get a sneak peek at MetroPulse.  Space is limited, so reserve your spot now for a webinar previewing the new MetroPulse web data system.  From 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 15, CMAP and The Chicago Community Trust will preview MetroPulse, which they developed together as part of the Regional Indicators Project.  To be launched on November 17, MetroPulse will provide a set of advanced data tools to facilitate local decision making and to track the region's progress in implementing GO TO 2040.
 

Events

Modern roundabout.  On November 10, Lake County will open the region's first modern roundabout intersection of two county highways: Riverwoods Road and Everett Road in the Village of Lincolnshire. The project in Lincolnshire is supported with CMAQ funds from CMAP. Innovative transportation design strategies, like roundabouts, are consistent with the recommendations of GO TO 2040 to modernize our existing transportation system.

Water utility webinar.  On November 10, the Alliance for Water Efficiency will offer an interactive webinar workshop on designing conservation rates and avoiding revenue loss.  Registration closes on November 8 and the cost is $25.

IDPR infrastructure program workshops.  The Illinois "Ike" Disaster Recovery Program (IDRP) is seeking grant applications from local and county governments for public infrastructure funds.  Local governments interested in applying can participate in regional workshops to learn more; the northern Illinois region workshop will take place in Chicago on November 18.
 

News and Other Announcements

Tollway budget.  The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors is seeking public input on its tentative 2011 Tollway Budget, which will be approved in December.

Kennedy Expressway. Today's Chicago Tribune has a story by Rich Wronski about the Kennedy's 50th anniversary.  Don't miss the infographics and vintage photos.

New green building practices handbook.  CMAP created a new handbook on energy efficient green building practices.  The handbook features four case studies from the region with practices that enhance energy efficiency and conservation, including a lighting makeover by the City of Aurora, an HVAC retro-commissioning by the Village of Niles, a geothermal energy installation by Gabriel Environmental Services, and installation of a green roof by the Village of Oak Park.

U.S. EPA funding solicitation.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) announced a $32 million solicitation for its National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program for FY2011.  Proposals are due on January 13, 2011.   

Smart Ideas for energy efficiency.  ComEd's Smart Ideas program offers incentives for businesses to become more energy efficient, which supports GO TO 2040 recommendations on the usage of green techniques to reduce energy consumption.  From June 2008 to July 2010, the program provided over $18 million in incentives to 2,050 energy-efficient projects in northeastern Illinois, saving approximately $27 million in energy costs.  The current Smart Ideas program runs through May 31, 2011, applications are available for download online.
 

CMAP Blogs

Green Signals.  This week, CMAP’s transportation operations blog informed readers about the report, “Synthesis of Active Traffic Management Experiences in Europe and the United States,” which explores Active Traffic Management (ATM) technologies and techniques in use in the U.S. and Europe. 

Soles and Spokes.  This week, CMAP’s bike-ped planning blog highlighted a new initiative between the State of Illinois and the League of Illinois Bicyclists to deliver the “Share the Road” message through the issuance of specialty license plates.  The blog alerted readers to a PBIC webinar on “road diets” and to the CMAP-sponsored panel discussion on the history, culture, and politics of bicycling in the Chicago Humanities Festival.  Finally, we announced the CCDPH Model Communities grant program, encouraging eligible entities to apply for funding to help make their communities healthier.
 

Reminders

Design guidelines workshop.  On November 10, the American Planning Association (APA) Chicago Metro Section and the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development are co-hosting a workshop, "Design Guidelines:  Empowering Effective Place-Making."  Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at 8770 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue in Chicago, RSVP by today, November 5 to apachicagometrosection@yahoo.com.

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