How walkable is your community?

Today, April 1, is National Walk to Work Day. But not every resident has access to safe and high-quality sidewalks. ON TO 2050, the region's long-range plan, encourages the development of compact, walkable communities.

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) created the sidewalk inventory, which helps communities identify gaps or opportunities for connections in the sidewalk network. Watch our video to learn how to use the database to prioritize where sidewalks are needed most.

Master plan to help reinvigorate port

The Daily Southtown recently spotlighted CMAP's project with the Illinois International Port District to develop a long-term vision and master plan for the port and Lake Calumet.

CMAP associate planner Dustin Calliari, who is managing the project for the agency, shared how the master plan would help strengthen various transportation options and create connections at one of the few ports in the country with rail, water, and highway access. He also highlighted plans to create more recreational amenities for people to use and enjoy.

CMAP and the port district currently are drafting the master plan. The public will be able to provide feedback via the project's engagement page and an open house in early May at the port district.

Garfield Green Line project uses new engagement tactic

Community members around the Green Line South are helping to create an action plan that aims to foster local economic growth in that area.

CMAP is partnering with Elevated Chicago and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) on the Green Line South Action Plan. They are leveraging valuable input from the Resident Advocacy Council, which is made up of residents, local business leaders, and other stakeholders. RTA compensates council members for their time and expertise — a first for the agency.

This new engagement approach encourages people to participate who normally would not — due to childcare needs, opportunity costs, or other barriers — and shows residents that their time and perspectives are valued.

Learn more in an RTA blog post with Lindsay Bayley, senior planner at CMAP, who facilitates the Resident Advocacy Council meetings.

Collaborating with UChicago students

CMAP recently hosted students from the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy to highlight their work to support the agency's plan implementation and legislative affairs division.

Nearly 15 students met with staff at the Old Post Office for presentations and breakout sessions recapping their research related to equitable flood resilience, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and travel demand management.

Since 2016, students enrolled in Harris Policy Lab courses effectively have served as consultants to more than 50 government agencies and nonprofit organizations, helping to conduct research, analyze data, and engage with stakeholders. CMAP was excited to work with University of Chicago students and enjoyed the fresh, innovative perspectives they brought to our policy research.

RTA opens Access to Transit call for projects

RTA opened a call for projects for the Access to Transit program through Friday, May 20. Visit the RTA website for materials, including an application, program guide, FAQ, and recorded webinar describing the call for projects.

The RTA launched the Access to Transit program in 2012 to fund small-scale capital projects that improve access to the regional transit system for pedestrians and bicyclists. To date, the program has funded 37 projects in municipalities throughout the region for a total investment of roughly $22.5 million. Read a blog post about how the program is helping the city of Harvard close sidewalk gaps and help improve access to Metra and Pace in the community.

Contact Michael Horsting, manager of local planning, with any questions about the program.

Plan events to promote safe routes to school and healthy lakes

Bike and Roll to School Day (May 4)

Registration is open for Bike and Roll to School Day events. These events are a great way to celebrate the benefits of walking, biking, and rolling to school and promote safety. Visit the website for tips and ideas to plan your event.

Lakes Appreciation Month (July)

It's not too early to start planning activities for North America's Lakes Appreciation Month in July, and the Libraries Love Lakes initiative is available to help. Libraries Love Lakes is an outreach project that pairs school libraries and public libraries with lake scientists and educators to provide collaborative programming emphasizing the importance of lakes in our everyday lives. For ideas and help with programming and event resources, visit the Libraries Love Lakes website or email the planning committee.

Events

Online events

Green Soapbox 2022: City Resilience
April 5, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Host: Delta Institute

Algal Bloom Action Team webinar
April 6, from 11:00 a.m. to noon
Host: North Central Region Water Network

Tier II Consultation meeting
April 7, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Host: CMAP

Equitable Workforce Development: How Communities Influenced Creating & Passing of the Illinois Climate & Equitable Jobs Act
April 21, from noon to 1:00 p.m.
Host: University of Illinois at Chicago Urban Transportation Center

In-person events

Erin Aleman at City Club of Chicago
April 27, from noon to 1:00 P.M.
Host: City Club of Chicago