The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and more than 20 private and public partners recently developed a list of shared principles for Congress to consider when reauthorizing the next federal surface transportation bill. The last reauthorization in 2015 provided $305 billion over five years for projects and programs that affect every aspect of transportation, from road safety to public transit. 

Major legislation that affects the quality of life for all our residents in northeastern Illinois requires a unified regional voice. Our shared principles call on Congress to address the growing gap in funding transportation, increase support for vital public transit systems, and provide assistance with tackling emissions from the transportation sector. 

CMAP and its partners also are committed to addressing issues that have been magnified by the pandemic. The next reauthorization bill should address the need for equitable transportation investments, safer conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, and a transit system that can better support essential workers. We look forward to working with our partners in the coming months to ensure Congress understands the needs facing our region. 

The CMAP Board met on Wednesday, February 10. Staff provided updates on the Coordinating Committee, draft FY 2022 budget and workplan, and transportation reauthorization principles. You can view the presentation here. The CMAP Board meets next on Wednesday, March 10.

CMAP, the Regional Transportation Authority, and the Green Line South Community Table invite the Washington Park community to share input on an action plan for the Garfield Green Line South station.

You can learn more about the project through the new story maps website, which provides a rich history of Washington Park and an overview of current issues. It also links to the Engage with CMAP page, where residents can take a survey, submit ideas, and engage with the project.

Elmhurst is inviting community members to provide feedback on design ideas for the new Metra station. The city will host a virtual public information meeting on Thursday, February 18, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The public can also complete a visual preference survey, which will be open until Sunday, February 28.

The Elmhurst Metra Station Improvement Project is partially funded through grants from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program administered by CMAP.

The Metropolitan Planning Council, in coordination with the Calumet Stormwater Collaborative, is developing the Green Infrastructure Baseline Inventory. This free and publicly available dataset documents existing green infrastructure installations in the Calumet region of Illinois. Do you have data about existing green infrastructure installations? Visit the website to submit information.

Suburban Action Week
Active Transportation Alliance
February 15-20, 2021
More information

Red Line Extension Michigan Avenue Virtual Meeting
CTA
February 16, 2021
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
More information

Livestreamed Conversation with Dr. Carolyn Finney
Chicago Wilderness
February 17, 2021
2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
More information

Understanding Illinois' New Corrosion Rules
Tri-Council Development Fund
February 18, 2021
1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
More information

Green Infrastructure Training
Chicago Region Trees Initiative
February 19, 2021
9:00 a.m. to noon
More information

Improving Transportation Access and Equity in the Chicago Region
Regional Transportation Authority, Metropolitan Planning Council, and McHenry County Department of Transportation
March 9, 2021
1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
More information