The CMAP Regional Excellence Awards program offers a unique opportunity for municipal leaders, nonprofits, transportation agencies, and advocates to have their exceptional work recognized by peers from across northeastern Illinois. CMAP looks forward to celebrating our region's accomplishments in spring 2023 and honoring our partners who improve the quality of life for our nearly 8.6 million residents in northeastern Illinois.

Equity with Impact Award

Recognizes a plan, project, or initiative that advances inclusive regional growth and investment. A nominated project should demonstrate at least two of the following criteria:

• Improved quality of life for residents in the region's economically disconnected areas

• Strengthened economic opportunities for people of color and residents who live in communities with low incomes.

• Created tangible results that addressed regional inequities

• Used inclusive public engagement and innovative practices that can be replicated elsewhere

Partners for Progress Award

Recognizes a collaborative, multi-jurisdictional plan, project, or initiative that targets regional investment in fiscally sound and equitable ways. A nominated project should demonstrate at least two of the following criteria:

• Improved regional systems and networks that address transportation, housing, natural environments, or water conservation

• Managed public revenues sustainably to maximize regional benefits

• Prioritized collaboration among organizations from different communities

• Incorporated innovative practices that can be replicated elsewhere

Regional Resilience Award

Recognizes a plan, project, or initiative that helps communities prepare for and recover from economic or environmental challenges. A nominated project should demonstrate at least two of the following criteria:

• Strengthened the capacity of communities, infrastructure, and operations to anticipate or respond to challenges

• Strengthened resiliency to address the rising risks of climate change

• Created tangible results that addressed regional challenges

• Incorporated innovative practices that can be replicated elsewhere

Visionary Leader Award

Recognizes a person or organization whose leadership has made northeastern Illinois more inclusive, resilient, and economically competitive. A nomination should demonstrate the following criteria:

• Accomplishments or projects that reflect at least one of CMAP's core values — serving with passion, pursuing equity, fostering collaboration, leading with excellence, and driving innovation.

• Examples that show how the vision was implemented and how it upheld at least one of ON TO 2050's principles — inclusive growth, resilience, and prioritized investment.

Meet the award winners from 2021 and 2023.

Nominations for the 2023 Regional Excellence Awards have closed.

If you have any questions about the nomination process, please email StateOfTheRegion@cmap.illinois.gov.