The State of the Region program celebrates the organizations and individuals successfully working to improve northeastern Illinois, its communities, and its people, while bringing attention to public sentiment on key quality-of-life issues.

For the 2023 program, CMAP is taking the celebration on the road! Executive Director Erin Aleman and CMAP employees are visiting with communities throughout the region’s seven counties to showcase awards and share more details on the state of the region and what we can continue to achieve together on the way to 2050 and beyond.

On this page, you can get to know CMAP’s 2023 Regional Excellence Award winners and explore other highlights from the State of the Region program.

The 2023 Regional Excellence Awards celebrate seven projects and leaders that are making northeastern Illinois more inclusive and thriving. Through their accomplishments and careers, the 2023 award winners have helped our region become more accessible, equitable, and sustainable. Congratulations to the winners!

	Equity with Impact Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation’s Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub Bloomhaven development project in Aurora
	Partners for Progress Regional Transportation Authority’s Transit is the Answer strategic plan
	Regional Resilience Project Zero: Pace’s Zero Emissions Commitment Village of Oak Park’s Climate Ready Oak Park plan
	Visionary Leader George Van Dusen, mayor of Skokie Peter Wallers, chairman of Engineering Enterprises, Inc.

View videos of the winners and learn more about their award-winning contributions to our region.

The State of the Region survey reveals residents’ attitudes toward key quality-of-life issues — including transportation, economy, and climate — and identifies successes and challenges across the region.

CMAP conducted the survey to better understand the priorities and experiences of community members and see how ON TO 2050, the region’s long-range plan, can address the most pressing issues.

Learn more and check out key findings.

Stay tuned for photos and additional content from the State of the Region roadshow!

Watch the 2021 State of the Region.