CMAP's quarterly "e-blast" newsletter for metropolitan Chicago's 284 municipalities briefly highlights local planning resources that can help communities implement livability recommendations from the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan. To learn more or request printed copies of the highlighted resources, please contact Justine Reisinger (jreisinger@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8802). 

Municipal survey highlights priorities for local planning assistance

CMAP received responses from 177 communities (a response rate of 62.3 percent) for its biennial Municipal Plans, Programs, and Operations Survey. In addition to helping track the progress of GO TO 2040 implementation, CMAP uses survey results to identify and target technical assistance for local planning. 
 
A summary of survey results highlights that demand for technical assistance remains high. For example, of communities who identified producing a plan in the next two years as a priority, nearly 68 percent of respondents expressed interest in CMAP‘s support. Municipalities expressed the most interest in creating a new comprehensive plan, in addition to planning for economic or transit-oriented development and water resources. CMAP has increasingly focused on implementation of existing plans through its Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program, and many survey respondents indicated an interest in completing strategic plans (56 percent), capital improvement plans (68 percent), and attracting development to a specific site (48 percent).
 
CMAP also uses these surveys to create additional planning resources based on topics of most interest to local communities through its Local Ordinance and Toolkits program. When developing the Parking Strategies to Support Livable Communities toolkit, staff spent a year identifying the best ways to analyze demand and develop strategies that reduce congestion. The toolkit has since been used in several parking management projects. The Immigrant Integration Toolkit is our latest resource, which can help municipalities address demographic changes to improve health outcomes, economic mobility, and civic participation. 
 
CMAP again thanks all communities that participated in our biennial survey this year. A freight-specific summary of survey results is also available. When asked about 15 different types of freight challenges, respondents most commonly cited impact on pavements and inadequate turning radii.
 

Over two dozen new projects added to CMAP LTA program

Twenty-five new projects led by local governments and nonprofits will receive CMAP staff assistance or grants to drive implementation of the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan.  The fourth wave of projects through the LTA program emphasize implementation of past plans, such as updates of zoning and regulations, creation of capital improvement plans, and analysis of municipal review procedures.  Several plans span multiple jurisdictions, highlighting the importance of collaboration across municipalities.  Read more about the program and this year's projects in a press release.

GO TO 2040 updated in accordance with federal law

The GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan was updated in accordance with federal law this month. Please visit www.cmap.illinois.gov/2040 for all GO TO 2040 plan materials. Final plan update materials include:
 
 
The update addresses requirements of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) that was signed into law in 2012. Due to GO TO 2040's long time horizon and positive impacts of plan implementation to date, the plan's themes and recommendations did not change as part of the update. The Federal Fiscal Year 2014-19 Transportation Improvement Program was also approved.