Top 5 CMAP pieces of 2021
As northeastern Illinois took steps toward recovery in 2021, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) provided data-driven insights on critical issues — from unemployment to traffic safety. As we enter 2022, let's revisit some of our most impactful pieces of the last year:
1. 2020 census reveals slow population growth, increased diversity in northeastern Illinois
This analysis of 2020 census data offered a glimpse into population and demographic shifts in the region, including significant growth in the Asian and Hispanic populations.
2. Travel safety is worsening in northeastern Illinois
This piece introduced the Regional Traffic Safety Action Agenda, a CMAP initiative to improve traffic safety in response to alarming increases in injuries and fatalities.
3. Women face serious challenges during COVID-19 recession
In Illinois and across the nation, women became unemployed or dropped out of the workforce at higher rates than men. This piece dove into some contributing factors.
4. Homelessness on the decline prior to COVID-19, but challenges remain
This policy brief examined homelessness trends between 2007 and 2019, while providing local officials with strategies to address and prevent homelessness.
5. Making northeastern Illinois accessible to all
In celebration of the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman shared why accessibility matters to her and highlighted opportunities to make the region more accessible.
Students share their vision for the region
Today's young people will be the region's leaders in 2050. We talked to a few of them to hear their thoughts on our region and what they'd like to see in the future. Watch the video.
30 transportation projects to receive COVID relief funding
Northeastern Illinois' 11 subregional councils and Chicago Department of Transportation chose 30 local projects to receive $37.6 million in funding through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). Most projects advance at least one of the CRRSAA program's goals — equity, innovation, and safety — by investing in marginalized communities; strengthening access to hospitals, schools, and other critical facilities; using innovative technologies; or addressing unsafe roads and intersections.
Additionally, the CMAP STP Project Selection Committee programmed $5.3 million for three regional projects that will improve safety. View a summary of the regional and local CRRSAA Program projects.
Attend CMAP Board, MPO Policy Committee meetings next week
The CMAP Board meets next week on Wednesday, January 12, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. The MPO Policy Committee meets the following day, Thursday, January 13, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
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.
Share your thoughts on biking and walking in Bartlett and Streamwood
Bartlett and Streamwood are interested in learning what community members think makes a comfortable place to walk and bike and where they would prioritize additional investment. Visit the project website to share your thoughts through new engagement opportunities, including surveys and interactive maps.
Chicago seeks comments on its climate action plan
The City of Chicago is updating its climate goals to reduce carbon emissions with a strong focus on increasing household savings, advancing environmental justice, and improving community health. With historic investments coming in 2022, the city would like to know what is most important to community members. Share your thoughts today on the Chicago climate action plan.
Harvey receives funding for green infrastructure project
The Nature Conservancy recently selected the City of Harvey’s 154th complete streets project to receive $400,000 in funding to build new green infrastructure. ON TO 2050, the region's comprehensive plan, recommends investing in green infrastructure to reduce flood risk.
Communities vote to switch to Lake Michigan water
In December, three municipalities in northeastern Illinois voted to source water from Lake Michigan. These communities — Montgomery, Yorkville, and Oswego — currently get their water from groundwater aquifers. However, water is being used faster than it can be replenished by rain and other natural processes. In fact, the current aquifer will not meet regional demand as early as 2030. After considering the available options, the communities decided to purchase water from Lake Michigan through the DuPage Water Commission. ON TO 2050 recommends coordinating and conserving water resources to ensure long-term sustainability of the region's water supply.
Events
Unified Work Program
January 10, 2022 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Host: CMAP
CMAP Board
January 12, 2022 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Host: CMAP
CMAP Executive Committee
January 12, 2022 from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Host: CMAP
Soil erosion and stormwater webinars
January 13 and 14, 2022 from 8:30 a.m. to noon
Host: Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District
MPO Policy Committee
January 13, 2022 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Host: CMAP