New planning projects help communities achieve regional goals
More than 20 communities throughout northeastern Illinois will receive new planning assistance from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to help them prosper in the years ahead.
CMAP approved 21 new technical assistance projects following a joint call for projects earlier this fall with the Regional Transportation Authority. The projects include work to build local capacity in Dolton and Dixmoor, improve access for bicyclists and pedestrians in Round Lake Beach and Glendale Heights, and create safer roads for all users in Cicero.
CMAP's technical assistance program helps strengthen resiliency, prioritize investment, and support inclusive development — regional principles identified in ON TO 2050, the region's long-range plan.
Why collaboration supports a stronger future for regional transit
Yousef Salama, CMAP's deputy executive director of research, analysis, and programming, was a guest contributor this week for the Regional Transportation Authority's blog, Connections.
Salama described his passion for transportation and shared why new and innovative partnerships can support a stronger future for regional transit in northeastern Illinois. He also explained why the Chicago Transit Authority Red Line is his favorite transit mode.
Jacky Grimshaw honored by the Transportation Research Board
Jacky Grimshaw, vice president of government affairs at the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT), is the 2022 recipient of the Transportation Research Board's Sharon D. Banks Award. This award recognizes leadership in people-oriented transportation initiatives.
Since joining CNT in 1992, Grimshaw has developed the organization's capacity to engage in public policy advocacy, transportation planning and research, and environmental justice, among other areas. She led CNT's campaign on mass transit funding reform in the state legislature and a few years later sought to help identify a dedicated revenue stream to expand transit in Cook County. Her work has included advocacy for equitable transit-oriented development in core communities as part of Elevated Chicago's Steering Committee.
Grimshaw played a key role in CMAP's formation as one of the leaders in the region who advocated for land use and transportation planning to be done by one agency. She helped to ensure a strong beginning for CMAP and over the years has served on agency committees and resource groups, including involvement with the improving equity in transportation fees, fines, and fares work.
The longtime activist and public policy advocate is known for championing those most impacted and least represented by decision makers. Grimshaw fights for equity in funding and tries to ensure that transportation policies and investments improve outcomes for all.
CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee meeting recaps
The CMAP Board met on Wednesday, January 12. The Board received presentations from staff on the draft FY2023 budget and work plan and on the regional transportation vulnerability assessment. Staff also sought approval of the recommended 2022 CMAP committees, the 2022 highway safety targets, and the semi-annual ON TO 2050/TIP conformity analysis and TIP amendment.
The MPO Policy Committee met on Thursday, January 13. Staff sought approval of the appointments of the chair and vice chair of the Transportation Committee. Staff also presented an overview of the ON TO 2050 plan update.
CMAP has moved to a new system for sharing meeting information. You can now find meeting materials, webinar links, minutes, and recordings for these and forthcoming meetings on CMAP's Legistar page.
Request for proposals: Public opinion survey, software and professional services
CMAP is requesting proposals from interested consultants for a public opinion survey. CMAP will hold a non-mandatory pre-bid information webinar on Wednesday, January 19, at 11:00 a.m. Proposals are due by 3:00 p.m. on Monday, February 7.
CMAP is also requesting proposals from vendors capable of satisfying the needs for software and professional services to implement a new software systems environment. Proposals are due by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 9.
2022 Invest in Cook call for projects and workshop
The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways has announced a sixth round of Invest in Cook funding. The $8.5 million grant program covers some of the cost of planning and feasibility studies, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction associated with transportation improvements sponsored by local and regional governments and private partners. This program is seeking applications for improvements consistent with the five priorities of Connecting Cook County.
The 2022 application period for Invest in Cook ends Wednesday, March 16. Learn more about the program and application.
A virtual workshop for potential applicants will be held Wednesday, January 26, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Direct any questions to 312-603-1223 or investincook.CC@cookcountyil.gov.
$10 million award to support community-led development on Chicago's South and West sides
The Pritzker Traubert Foundation has announced Chicago Prize 2022. The award will provide $10 million in capital to a collaborative community-led initiative that uses real estate development to produce significant economic impact on Chicago's South and West sides.
The application portal opens Tuesday, February 15, and closes Tuesday, March 1. Visit Chicago Prize 2022 to learn more and register for a webinar on Thursday, January 20.
Online events
Soil erosion and stormwater webinars
January 14, 2022 from 8:30 a.m. to noon
Host: Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District
Energy Reduction & A Clean Energy Transition
January 20, 2022 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Host: Forest Preserves of Cook County Council of Mayors
Council of Mayors
January 25, 2022 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Host: CMAP
Northwest Water Planning Alliance Technical Advisory Committee
January 25, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
Host: Northwest Water Planning Alliance
