The federal and state governments have a key role to play in the implementation of ON TO 2050. Policymakers decide how to allocate billions of dollars annually across a variety of different programs, services, and projects. They also help to define the overall policy environment that influences the decision-making process.

To guide the agency as it works with federal and state partners to implement ON TO 2050, CMAP has articulated federal and state policy positions through the CMAP Legislative Framework. Specifically for federal legislators, the CMAP Board has adopted a legislative agenda, and transportation reauthorization principles. For state legislators, the CMAP Board has identified a legislative agenda, as well as principles for a new state capital program. Each is described below. See an archive of previous legislative documents.

CMAP has prepared a 2020 State Agenda to engage in state-level discussions about key agency priorities and policy issues. This agenda focuses on implementation of ON TO 2050 and will help direct CMAP’s priorities over the course of the state legislative calendar.

CMAP has prepared a 2019 Federal Agenda to inform national policy makers about the agency's positions on national policy issues. This agenda focuses on implementation of ON TO 2050 and will help to direct CMAP's priorities over the course of the federal legislative calendar. (Note: a 2020 Federal Agenda and Surface Transportation Reauthorization Principles will be posted in February 2020.)

The CMAP Legislative Framework reflects the agency’s policy priorities based on research developed as part of the ON TO 2050 comprehensive regional plan. The framework is meant to guide CMAP’s response to specific pieces of legislation and inform legislators in Springfield and Washington, D.C., as well as agency partners, the Governor of Illinois, state and federal agencies, and others.

Illinois requires a long-term funding solution to support infrastructure projects with benefits for livability, mobility, and the economy. In January 2020 the CMAP board approved new principles, recommending that any new state capital program must: (1) be sustainable and adaptable, (2) based on user fees paid by those who gain the most from the system, (3) consider ability to pay, (4) use performance-based selection criteria, (5) and promote all modes of travel.

Each session of the Illinois General Assembly, the CMAP Board takes formal positions on some bills relevant to the implementation of ON TO 2050.  Information on the bills tracked by CMAP is available under the Board's "Meeting Materials" area.