ON TO 2050, the region's long-range plan, was adopted by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) Board in October 2018. The plan is guided by three principles: inclusive growth, resilience, and prioritized investment. Since the plan's adoption, the region has been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to struggle with racial inequity, demographic changes, and the effects of climate change. At the same time, the region has new opportunities to invest in its residents, infrastructure, and communities.

Please join CMAP for a virtual roundtable discussion of the ON TO 2050 plan update on Thursday, May 12, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Register in advance.

This federally required update to ON TO 2050 will focus on several of the plan's technical components, including the changing conditions of our transportation system. CMAP invites input and discussion of the regional realities and trends that affect forecasting as the agency looks ahead to developing the next long-range plan.

The draft of the plan update will be available for public comment in June, followed by a public hearing in August. Public comments also can be submitted to onto2050@cmap.illinois.gov.

This week, CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman spoke about the future of transportation in the region at the City Club of Chicago. Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle introduced Aleman to a packed room of government and business leaders and transportation experts.

Aleman shared data and insights about transportation, the regional economy, mobility recovery, road safety, and the extraordinary opportunities now available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, while staying focused on the people of northeastern Illinois.

CMAP is excited to announce this year's Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) program. FLIP is a free leadership development program for high school students to learn about the issues that shape our region and gain an interest in urban planning.

Sessions will be held on Fridays, from July 22 to August 12, at CMAP's office in the Old Post Office. There also will be field trips around the region. Students who complete all four sessions will receive a certificate. Applications are due Monday, June 20.  

Come join our team! CMAP has numerous openings, from policy to human resources. The agency is hiring a research analyst, assistant policy analyst, policy principal, senior HR generalist, and more.

In Illinois last year, 103 people were killed or injured in grade crossing and trespassing incidents. This week, CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman joined leaders from the Illinois Commerce Commission (the agency responsible for overseeing rail safety efforts), Operation Lifesaver, and other partners to bring awareness to rail safety.

This year, Operation Lifesaver marks 50 years of reducing railroad crossing incidents through education and public awareness. CMAP wishes Operation Lifesaver a happy golden anniversary and expresses appreciation for its commitment to saving lives.

Safety is a focus area for CMAP, including making our region's railroad crossings safer. We have collaborated with local and state agencies to evaluate our busiest railroad crossings. CMAP's priority grade crossings report identifies the top 47 crossings to improve in northeastern Illinois.

For the first time, the public has the chance to review the master plan for the Illinois International Port District during an open house Wednesday, May 4.

For nearly three years, CMAP has been working with the port district to develop a long-term vision that can help turn the port's nearly 2,000 acres on Chicago's southeast side into an industrial and recreational destination. The master plan seeks to strengthen the port district as a national freight and logistics hub, encourage economic development, and enhance the quality of life of residents.

Residents and community stakeholders are invited to share feedback during the open house from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Harborside International Golf Center clubhouse, 11001 S. Doty Ave., Chicago.

The Daily Southtown recently featured a collaborative planning project between CMAP, Will County communities, and leaders in the trucking industry. The Moving Will County Truck Routing and Communities Plan recommends strategies that can support the county's economic growth, balance freight traffic, and improve the quality of life for residents in the county.

For the story, CMAP senior planner Patricia Mangano shared how the plan can create safer and more efficient travel, and help guide where trucks can travel in a county that has seen significant growth in transportation, distribution, and logistics.

The project supports a recommendation from ON TO 2050 to maintain the region's status as North America's freight hub and improve local truck travel in northeastern Illinois. The Will County Board adopted the plan last week, and CMAP will continue working with more than 20 communities to designate roads as truck routes in Will County.

Online events

Getting Ready for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program — Counties, Cities, Towns, Other Special Districts
May 2, from noon to 2:00 p.m. 
Host: U.S. Department of Transportation

Coordinating Committee
May 11, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. 
Host: CMAP

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

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

Roundtable: ON TO 2050 Plan Update
May 12, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Host: CMAP

In-person events

2022 Green Drives Conference and Expo
May 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
Host: Chicago Area Clean Cities

Public Open House: Illinois International Port District Master Plan
May 4, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Host: Illinois International Port District and CMAP

Crain's Transportation Event: Infrastructure Insights with Secretary Pete Buttigieg
May 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Host: Crain's Chicago Business