The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) latest public opinion survey of northeastern Illinois reveals residents’ attitudes toward key quality-of-life issues — including transportation, the economy, and climate — and identifies successes and challenges across the region.
CMAP conducted the State of the Region 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.
Overview
Residents in northeastern Illinois value many of the region’s assets — particularly access to open space, transportation, and good jobs — but are increasingly concerned about economic issues, according to the 2023 survey.
While public opinion on most measures has remained largely consistent since the last survey in 2021, residents are increasing worried about affordable housing, personal finances, and other economic issues. This isn’t unique to the region: the survey reflects a time of growing economic uncertainty, inflation concerns, and other issues affecting households across the country.
In the survey, most northeastern Illinois residents say their neighborhood and town, village, or city is heading in the “right direction.” But they are more critical of metropolitan Chicago and Illinois.
Residents also showed support for more equitable transportation investments, regional collaboration, and local action on climate change.