The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act offers an incredible opportunity to strengthen our transportation system in northeastern Illinois. The region soon will start seeing millions of dollars in resources that can create a more inclusive and resilient transportation network.

But what we don’t know is exactly what shape this transformation will take. Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) Executive Director Erin Aleman shares why regional collaboration is critical for northeastern Illinois to maximize the benefits of the new law. 

A colorful piece of artwork on North Avenue is part of a new mural series spearheaded by the North Avenue District. In 2018, CMAP partnered with the North Avenue District to create a revitalization plan for the North Avenue corridor.

The plan recommended strategies to improve the corridor's economic vitality, enhance quality of life, and increase connections between communities. The mural series implements a plan recommendation to use art to create a more attractive and inviting streetscape.

The CMAP Board met on Wednesday, February 9. The Board approved the FY2023 budget and work plan. The work plan will continue to focus on implementing the ON TO 2050 plan in the areas of transportation, regional economy, and climate.

The board also received a presentation from staff about the federally required update to ON TO 2050 that's due in October.

This week, CMAP hosted the first in a series of workshops to develop a scope for northeastern Illinois' first regional transportation vulnerability assessment.

Extreme weather and climate change cause a whole host of disruptions, from reducing mobility to increasing repair and maintenance costs. A vulnerability assessment will help our region identify weather-related risks to our transportation system and identify opportunities for coordination and adaptation. Creating a transportation vulnerability assessment is one of the strategies recommended in ON TO 2050, our region's long-range plan.

CMAP's first workshop focused on objectives, transportation assets, and climate hazards and extreme weather to include in the assessment. It included representatives from federal, state, and local transportation, stormwater, and emergency management agencies.

CMAP bids farewell to Gordon Smith, who is leaving after 17 years at the agency. Gordon has been the director of government affairs since CMAP began in 2005. He worked to pass the enabling legislation that merged CMAP's two predecessor agencies. Before joining CMAP, Gordon worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Office of the Illinois Governor.

At CMAP, Gordon plays a crucial role in advancing the agency's legislative priorities and building important relationships with policymakers at the state level. In 2019, Gordon worked with a coalition of transportation partners to advance the ON TO 2050 recommendation to raise the motor fuel tax and index it to inflation, providing sustainable funding to the transportation system.

Gordon was actively involved with the development of two regional long-range plans, GO TO 2040 and ON TO 2050, and he has served as a strong advocate of CMAP's policy and planning work with legislators and state partners. We can't thank Gordon enough for his contributions to the agency.

If you are interested in leading government affairs at CMAP, please visit our careers page to learn more about the position.

The Illinois Department of Transportation and local leaders in Peoria are asking for feedback as they assess the possibility of new passenger rail service from Peoria to Chicago. Answers from the survey will help inform critical decisions regarding route viability and frequency of service.

Red Line Extension Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f) Evaluation Public Hearings

February 15 and 17, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Host: Chicago Transit Authority

Lunch & Learn: Embracing Dark Nights for Humans & Wildlife

February 17, from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Host: Forest Preserves of Cook County

Northwest Water Planning Alliance Technical Advisory Committee

February 22, at 10:00 a.m.

Host: Northwest Water Planning Alliance

2022 CRTI Tree Risk Short Course: Changing Climate, Changing Urban Forests

February 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Host: The Morton Arboretum