Why improved accessibility matters for northeastern Illinois
Accessibility improvements make it easier for everyone to go about their daily lives. But one-third of Americans over age 65 experience a disability that limits their mobility at a time when our region's population is becoming older. Research from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) also shows that residents with disabilities are significantly more likely to stay at home on an average day.
CMAP is working with communities to make infrastructure more accessible. The agency has been busy laying the foundation for this collaborative initiative, hiring staff, and developing resources to support Americans with Disabilities Act compliance throughout northeastern Illinois.
Analyzing Governor Pritzker's 2023 proposed budget
Governor J.B. Pritzker recently released his state budget proposal for fiscal year 2023. CMAP analyzed how the proposed budget would affect transportation and other policy priorities in our region and across Illinois.
Board and MPO meeting recaps
The CMAP Board met on Wednesday, March 9. The Board supported bills that could implement ON TO 2050 recommendations. It also heard presentations on CMAP's mobility recovery project and the federally required update to ON TO 2050 due in October.
The Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee met on Thursday, March 10. The committee approved American Rescue Plan Act federal funding allocations, updates to the regional intelligent transportation system architecture, and the FY 2023 Unified Work Program budget. Watch the recordings.
Registration open for new Ride Lake County paratransit service
A new countywide paratransit service, called Ride Lake County, will provide borderless service for seniors over 60 and people with disabilities in Lake County, allowing them to reach any area in the county for work, shopping, medical appointments, and more.
Registration for the service begins Monday, March 14. Riders can register and schedule trips in advance through the Pace Call Center. All Ride Lake County vehicles are wheelchair accessible and provide curb-to-curb service from riders' pick-up and drop-off locations. Trips will begin Sunday, May 1.
Additional information, including how to sign up, a rider’s guide, and more will be available on Lake County's website.
Lake County has been working with communities to evaluate and enhance paratransit options since the mid-2000s. In 2019, the county completed a study that identified strategies to improve paratransit service, funded by CMAP's Unified Work Program funds. The new Ride Lake County service is the culmination of these efforts.
Online events
Cook County Assessor's Office Racial Equity and Real Estate Conversations with Shermann 'Dilla' Thomas
March 11, at 6:00 p.m.
Host: Cook County Assessor's Office
Climate Change: Myths, Reality & Local Action
March 16, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Host: Forest Preserves of Cook County
30 by 30 Conservation Task Force listening session: Cities and towns
March 17, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Host: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
In-person events
10th Annual Fox River Summit
March 17, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Host: Southeast Fox River Partnership