Lake Bluff recently passed an ordinance approving accessory dwelling units (ADUs). An ADU — commonly known as a coach house or in-law suite — is a second housing unit on a single-family residential lot. ADUs can help communities meet the growing demand for housing, increase access to jobs and services, promote compact development, and support multigenerational living.  

"Our residents are becoming more diverse as to age, income, and household structure, but our housing stock isn't adapting to these growing needs," said Village President Regis Charlot. "Lake Bluff is pursuing strategies to adapt, including 'missing middle' and ADU housing products that complement our continued interest in supporting traditional multifamily development at a reasonable scale." 

Lake Bluff is part of a growing number of communities in northeastern Illinois diversifying their housing stock through ADUs. Learn what your community needs to know about ADUs.   

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced this week its first-ever roadmap to fully electrifying its bus fleet, facilities, and supporting infrastructure by 2040. CTA's "Charging Forward" planning study will examine how best to replace a current fleet of more than 1,800 buses — one of the nation's largest systems — and the capital investments needed to support full electrification.  

CTA's initiative lifts up CMAP's regional principles to strengthen resilience and support inclusive growth. Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) Executive Director Erin Aleman applauded CTA for setting a bold vision. "The CTA has been a national leader in deploying electric vehicle technology and plans to prioritize efforts in historically disinvested communities to support our regional goals," Aleman said. "This is a critical undertaking toward a transportation system that serves everyone better."  

Transit spurs economic growth, mitigates climate change, and enables opportunity in ways and at a scale nothing else can. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is developing a strategic and financial plan to guide the region's transit system over the next five years and beyond.

After a six-month period of listening and engagement, the agency has released a new document, An Emerging Vision for the Chicago Region's Transit System, which includes a proposed vision statement, principles, and outcomes for the plan. The RTA is seeking feedback via a quick survey through Friday, March 11.

Gain insight into how federal funding will help shape the future of public transportation during an upcoming webinar, "The Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Opportunities for Transformative Change."

Art Guzzetti, vice president of mobility initiatives and public policy at the American Public Transportation Association, will lead the discussion Thursday, March 17, at noon.

The webinar is hosted by the Urban Transportation Center at the University of Illinois Chicago. Learn more and register. 

Did you know that the Little Calumet River is deeply tied to Black history? The river, which flows through several southside neighborhoods, connects Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. The river was a gateway to freedom, as hundreds of Black people used the river to head north as part of the Underground Railroad. Over the years, the area around the Little Calumet River has been pivotal to the civil rights and environment justice movements.

Check out the African American Heritage Water Trail to learn more about the remarkable stories of Black people who settled along the river.

Curtis Kelley, a longtime member of CMAP's finance and administration team, is retiring on March 4.

Curtis has been an integral part of the agency since he began at the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, CMAP's predecessor agency. Over 30 years of service, Curtis has become well known for his hard work, friendliness, and attention to detail. CMAP greatly appreciates all Curtis' contributions and wishes him well during this next chapter. 

Online events

Transportation Committee
February 25, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. 
Host: CMAP

Coordinating Committee
March 9, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. 
Host: CMAP

CMAP Board
March 9, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. 
Host: CMAP

CMAP Executive Committee
March 9, from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. 
Host: CMAP

MPO Policy Committee
March 10, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Host: CMAP

In-person events

Water Solutions Forum
March 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Host: Corrosion Illinois Network