Media Coverage

Below are CMAP-related news stories from the current calendar year. See archived media coverage since 2010.

June 30, 2019
McHenry County Transportation Committee met June 26 by Michael Abella
Published by McHenry Times
This article describes the McHenry County Transportation Committee meeting on June 26th, during which an agreement with CMAP was approved.

June 28, 2019
Can this abandoned suburban office park be saved? By Danny Ecker
Published by Crain’s Business Chicago
This article describes a redevelopment plan for a deserted office campus in Hoffman Estates. The plan’s developer cites CMAP on income in the region.

June 24, 2019
Sandwich City Council Votes 5 to 2 to Accept CMAP Planning Report.; Redden and Surratt Vote 'No' by James Wyman
Published by WSPY News
This article describes the June 24th Meeting of Sandwich City Council, during which members voted 5-2 in favor of CMAP’s Planning Priorities Report.

June 23, 2019
Sandwich City Council Set to Vote on Approving Planning Priorities Report at Monday's Meeting by James Wyman​​​​​​​
Published by WSPY News
This article describes upcoming sandwich City Council meeting a vote on CMAP’s Planning Priorities Report.

June 21, 2019
Chicago region gets a new chief planner by Greg Hinz​​​​​​​
Published by Crain’s Business Chicago
This article features CMAP’s new Executive Director, Erin Aleman, and highlights her main priorities.

June 19, 2019
New chief planner to take helm of regional agency by Marni Pyke​​​​​​​
Published by Daily Herald
This article announces CMAP’s new Executive Director, Erin Aleman. 

June 19, 2019
Why Are Residents Leaving Illinois in Droves? by Matt Vasilogambros​​​​​​​
Published by Governing
This article discusses population decline in Illinois and cites CMAP research on Chicago-region demographics and manufacturing.

June 18, 2019
The transit case for One Central has not been made by Joe Schweiterman​​​​​​​
Published by Crain’s Business Chicago
This Op-Ed addresses the plausibility of One Central, a proposed mixed-use development near 18th Street and Lake Shore Drive. CMAP is considered an important organization for the viability of the project.

June 18, 2019
Fox River watershed takes center stage at open house by Brenda Schory​​​​​​​
Published by Kane County Chronicle
This article describes a recent open house in Geneva, Illinois on the Fox River Watershed. The event was attended by a CMAP planner.

June 17, 2019
'Transportation desert': It's tough to be without a car on the Far South and Southeast sides. Residents are looking for answers. by Mary Wisniewski​​​​​​​
Published by Chicago Tribune
This article discusses transportation difficulties in Chicago’s Far South and Southeast sides and it utilizes a CMAP report on Riverdale. 

June 17, 2019
Sandwich City Council Hears CMAP Recommendations for RR Quiet Zone and Comprehensive Plan; Two Aldermen Want More Time to Read & Discuss Report by James Wyman​​​​​​​
Published by WSPY News
This article describes a CMAP presentation to the Sandwich City Council on the Planning Priorities Report.

June 14, 2019
Old Post Office nears big lease with Cisco Systems by Danny Ecker​​​​​​​
Published by Crain’s Chicago Business
This article describes the future home of CMAP and other tenants planning to move to the redeveloped Old Main Post Office.

June 14, 2019
Tech firm Cisco plans large office in Old Post Office by Ryan Ori
Published by Chicago Tribune
This article describes the future home of CMAP and other tenants planning to move to the redeveloped Old Main Post Office.

June 13, 2019
Far South Advocate Deloris Lucas Calls for a Divvy Community Benefit Agreement by Igor Studenkov​​​​​​​
Published by Streetsblog Chicago
This article discusses activists interested in a community benefits agreement for Chicago’s Divvy bike-share program and references CMAP’s Riverdale Community Area Multimodal Transportation Plan.

June 13, 2019
Glen Ellyn's wish: A big grant for new Metra station, pedestrian tunnel by Katlyn Smith
Published by Daily Herald
This article describes Glen Ellyn’s proposed Metra station redevelopment plan and the village’s application for funding through CMAP.

June 12, 2019
Proposed Pedestrian Bridge Awaits Grant Funding by Sean McNealy​​​​​​​
Published by Journal & Topics
This article describes a proposed pedestrian bridge in Rosemont and the village’s application for funding through CMAP.

June 10, 2019
Sandwich City Council Set to Go into Executive Session to Discuss Land Acquisition by James Wyman​​​​​​​
Published by WSPY News
This article describes the agenda for an upcoming Sandwich City Council meeting and plans for CMAP to address the Council on June 17th.

June 7, 2019
McKinley Park Council creates development plan by Rick Romano
Chicago Gazette
This article describes the McKinley Park Development Council and its collaboration with CMAP in preparing a current conditions report.

June 2, 2019
6th St. Water Main Replacement on Sandwich City Council Agenda by James Wyman​​​​​​​
Published by WSPY News
This article describes the agenda for the June 2nd meeting of Sandwich City Council and plans for CMAP to address the Council.

May 31, 2019
Planners address housing needs as part of strategy to revive Southland economy by Ted Slowik
Published in Daily Southtown
This article describes a South Suburban Economic Growth Initiative meeting on housing and neighborhoods that featured planners from CMAP.

May 30, 2019
Public offers input on plans to build roundabout at Route 20 and Reinking Road in Elgin by Gloria Cass
Published in Elgin Courier-News
This article describes plans for a new roundabout in Elgin. The development company working with the city has applied for funding from CMAP.

May 28, 2019
Riverside wins grant to look at commercial zoning by Bob Uphues
Published in Riverside-Brookfield Landmark
This article describes a CMAP grant awarded to Riverside to examine zoning in the village’s commercial districts.

May 28, 2019
Re-imagining North Avenue by Igor Studenkov
Published by Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest
This article describes CMAP’s draft North Avenue Corridor Revitalization Plan.

May 26, 2019
In Illinois, cars and trucks top coal as biggest global warming contributor by Brett Chase
Published in Chillicothe Times-Bulletin
This article describes how transportation plays a role in climate change in Illinois and references CMAP research on the climate outlook.

May 25, 2019
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Executive Committee met April 10 by Angelica Saylo Pilo
Published by Chicago City Wire
This article contains the minutes of CMAP’s Executive Committee meeting on April 10th.

May 25, 2019
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Executive Committee met March 13 by Angelica Saylo Pilo
Published by Chicago City Wire
This article contains the minutes of CMAP’s Executive Committee meeting on March 13th.

May 25, 2019
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Executive Committee met February 13 by Angelica Saylo Pilo​​​​​​​
Published by Chicago City Wire
This article contains the minutes of CMAP’s Executive Committee meeting on February 13th.

May 23, 2019
A priority Lightfoot should fight for now by Joe Cahill
​​​​​​​Published by Crain’s Business Chicago
This Letter to the Editor calls on Mayor Lori Lightfoot to invest in transportation and features a quote from Jesse Elam, CMAP’s Executive Director of policy and planning.

May 22, 2019
Chicago population falls for fourth year in a row by Greg Hinz​​​​​​​
Published by Crain’s Business Chicago
This article describes Chicago’s population decline and CMAP research on unequal population changes in the city.

May 21, 2019
RTA chairman on agency’s piece of pie from Pritzker’s capital plan: It’s great, but not enough by Mitch Dudek​​​​​​​
Published by Chicago Sun Times
This article describes the transportation funding included in Governor JB Pritzker’s capital budget plan.

May 17, 2019
Old Post Office lands another tenant, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago by Staff Writer
Published in RE Journals
This article describes the future home of CMAP and other tenants planning to move to the redeveloped Old Main Post Office.

May 17, 2019
Old Post Office closes in on another big lease by Danny Ecker​​​​​​​
Published in Crain’s Chicago Business
This article describes the future home of CMAP and other tenants planning to move to the redeveloped Old Main Post Office.

May 16, 2019
Uber in talks to take 450,000 SF of Chicago Post Office space by Staff Writer
Published in RE Journals
This article describes the future home of CMAP and other tenants planning to move to the redeveloped Old Main Post Office.

May 14, 2019
North Avenue redevelopment may include tree-lined median, parking lanes and banners by Rachel K. Hindery​​​​​​​
Published in Chicago Tribune
This article describes a report on redevelopment plans on North Avenue and CMAP’s role in supporting plans.

May 6, 2019
​​​​​​​2 new tenants for Old Main Post Office by Bill Kissinger
Published in WGN TV Chicago
This article describes the future home of CMAP and other tenants planning to move to the redeveloped Old Main Post Office.

April 29, 2019
Niles mayor appeals to Gov. for help solving pedestrian safety ‘crisis’ by Tom Robb
Published by Journal-Topics
This article describes the Mayor of Niles’ desire to update the 2014 bicycle and pedestrian plan and the possibility to apply for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) grant

April 25, 2019
Letter: How to create a viable future for Chicago by CMAP
Published by Chicago Tribune
This letter to the editor written by CMAP executive director Jos Szabo describes how implementing ON TO 2050 can help communities and the region prosper.

April 25, 2019
Chicago is the fastest shrinking major metro area by Matt Kiefer
Published by the Chicago Reporter
This article describes a recent CMAP Policy Update on U.S. Census demographics.

April 25, 2019
It’s hard to argue for the clouted-up-status quo in Cook County by Crain’s Editorial Board
Published by Crain’s Chicago Business
This article describes proposed legislation about Cook County assessments, supported by CMAP.

April 20, 2019
Moran: Planned Lake Michigan shoreline trial better a century late than never by Dan Moran
Published by Lake County News-Sun
This article describes an LTA-supported project with North Chicago, Waukegan, beach Park, Zion, and Winthrop Harbor, to create trail connections in Lake County.

April 19, 2019
Lori Lightfoot’s wide-awake take on the ‘Illinois Exodus’ by Chicago Tribune Editorial Board
Published by Chicago Tribune
This article describes Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot’s thoughts on new U.S. Census demographics for the Chicago region, which were analyzed in a CMAP Policy Update.

April 19, 2019
Chicago area drops population for fourth straight year, census data show; Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties also decline by Cecilia Reyes and Angie Leventis Lourgos
Published by Chicago Tribune
This article describes a recent CMAP Policy Update on U.S. Census demographics.

April 19, 2019
Long vacant, Old Post Office will soon have 3,000-plus workers. Home Chef’s HQ is among the latest dealsby Ryan Ori
Published by Chicago Tribune
This article describes new tenants at the Old Post Office where CMAP will move its offices in 2020.

April 18, 2019
Census Bureau estimates Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties lost thousands of residents by Jake Griffin
Published by Daily Herald
This article describes a recent CMAP Policy Update on U.S. Census demographics.

April 18, 2019
The most common Chicago ride-hailing trip is a 1-mile hop from River North to the Loop by Steven Vance and John Greenfield
Published by Chicago Streetsblog
This article describes new data about transportation network companies in Chicago, which are analyzed in a recent Policy Update.

April 17, 2019
Trail plan to be developed for Lake County’s northern lakefront communities by Emily K. Coleman
Published by Lake County News-Sun
This article describes an LTA-supported project with North Chicago, Waukegan, beach Park, Zion, and Winthrop Harbor, to create trail connections in Lake County

April 16, 2019
Chicago is still losing population by John Pletz
Published by Crain’s Chicago Business
This article describes a recent CMAP Policy Update on U.S. Census demographics.

April 12, 2019
Freight traffic, flooding to be studied in Southland areas by Mike Nolan
Published by Daily Southtown
This article describes the new group of LTA projects approved by the CMAP board in April, including a comprehensive plan in Ford Heights and a freight study in Will County.

April 10, 2019
In wake of fatalities, Niles working to improve pedestrian, cycling plan by Tom Robb
Published by Journal-Topics
This article describes the village of Niles’ desire to update its 2015 bicycle and pedestrian plan and the possibility to apply for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) grant funding.

April 8, 2019
Pedway could get cleaned up, with better signage, thanks to ordinance approved by City Council committeeby Mary Wisniewski
Published by Chicago Tribune
This article describes possible pedway improvements that may come from a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) grant.

April 2, 2019
U.S. Department of Energy funds Argonne sensing project at O’Hare
Published by News Wise
This article describes a project at O’Hare International Airport that received CMAP-programmed funding.

March 27, 2019
Spotlight on North Avenue: Oak Park trustee hopefuls address redevelopment along village's northern border by Steve Schering
Published by Chicago Tribune
This article discusses Oak Park Village Board candidates’ vision for redeveloping the village’s northern border and incorporates CMAP’s North Avenue study to inform this redevelopment process.

March 26, 2019
Niles taking 'second look' at sidewalk priority list after pedestrian fatality on Golf Road by Jennifer Johnson
Published by Chicago Tribune
This article describes Niles’ recent pedestrian fatalities, CMAP’s recommendation that sidewalks be built in the area, and the possibility of the village seeking CMAP funds to undergo the project.

March 26, 2019
‘Teflon’ Chicago Heights Mayor Gonzalez Unfazed By Challengers by Erika Hobbs
Published by Patch Chicago Heights
This article discusses two-term Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzalez’s campaign for a third term, as he describes how his administration won an engineering grant from CMAP to examine resurfacing area roads.

March 24, 2019
Toward a more equitable Chicago River by Andrew Broderick
Published by Crain’s Chicago Business
This article discusses efforts and recent development to transform portions of the Chicago River into a civic asset, incorporating ideals of equitable development and environmental care. It includes policy objectives highlighted in CMAP’s ON TO 2050 plan.

March 21, 2019
Hopes Grow (and Doubts Remain) That New York City Will Adopt Comprehensive Planning by Jarrett Murphy
Published by CityLimits
This article discusses New York City’s lack of a comprehensive planning process and unifying blueprint for development. The article argues that other cities have implemented comprehensive planning, including Chicago with the creation of CMAP.

March 14, 2019
New Chicago Task Force Report Has Guidelines for Shared Mobility and AV Policy by John Greenfield
Published by Streetsblog Chicago
This article discusses Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s creation of a new transportation and mobility task force, which includes CMAP executive director Joe Szabo.

March 14, 2019
Ald. Beale: Reports of the O’Hare Express’ Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated by John Greenfield
Published by Streetsblog Chicago
This article describes Elon Musk’s express tunnel transit proposal to O’Hare Airport, which had been declared politically dead before CMAP approved the inclusion of the project on its list of “regionally significant” projects.

March 11, 2019
4th Pedestrian Fatality in Niles Area May Inspire a Crackdown — on Pedestrians by John Greenfield
Published by Streetsblog Chicago
This article describes recent pedestrian fatalities around Niles, including a hit-and-run driver, and the Niles police response that targets pedestrian behavior rather than reckless drivers. It cites CMAP’s recommendations that sidewalks be implemented in that area.

March 10, 2019
Sandwich, Plano Councils Meet Monday Night by James Wyman and Mark Harrington
Published by WSPY News
This article discusses Plano’s and Sandwich’s council meetings discussing relevant issues, including CMAP’s My Daily Travel survey, which asks residents how they get around the region.

March 8, 2019
Elon Musk’s high-speed tunnel project is the big loser in Chicago’s race for mayor by Ryan Smith
Published by The Verge
This article discusses Elon Musk’s O’Hare express transit tunnel, which is not supported by mayoral candidates Lightfoot or Preckwinkle. It describes CMAP’s consideration process of whether or not the project should be included in its ON TO 2050 plan.

March 7, 2019
Too Much Parking Makes Neighborhoods Less Equitable, but eTOD Can Help by Lynda Lopez
Published by Streetsblog Chicago
This article describes a recent workshop exploring the impact of parking requirements on eTOD, which featured CMAP’s Lindsay Bayley, a senior planner.

March 6, 2019
Sandwich Looking at Feasibility Study to Eliminate Loud Train Horns by James Wyman
Published by WSPY News
This article discusses the City of Sandwich’s consideration of a feasibility study for establishing a railroad quiet zone in Sandwich, including CMAP’s Planning Priorities Report on the topic.

March 4, 2019
High-Speed Rail in the U.S. Remains Elusive: Illinois Shows Why by Shayndi Raice and Paul Overberg
Published by The Wall Street Journal
This article discusses the challenges of fast-rail projects in the United States, including environmental and financial. CMAP’s executive director Joe Szabo is quoted speaking about the importance of efficient transportation that balances environmental needs and business needs.

February 28, 2019
Senate intermodal transport hearing addresses trucking issues by Tyson Fisher
Published by Land Line Magazine
This article discusses the Senate Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety’s hearing, where CMAP executive director Joe Szabo testified.

February 27, 2019
Climate change hearing divides T&I by Sam Mintz
Published by Politico
This article discusses the House Transportation Committee’s hearing on effects of infrastructure policy on climate and the environment. CMAP executive leader Joe Szabo testified on rail recommendations.

February 27, 2019
Oswego may boost number of village employees by Linda Girardi
Published by The Chicago Tribune (Beacon-News)
This article discusses Oswego’s expanding staff in response to increased demand for village services, using CMAP’s projection of a 98% population growth in the area by 2050.

February 27, 2019
Plans for tunnel linking two Antioch-area forest preserves moving forward by Frank Abderholden
Published by The Chicago Tribune (Lake County News-Sun)
This article discusses plans for a pedestrian and bike tunnel beneath Route 45 to link two Antioch-area forest preserves, which is receiving assistance through a partnership with CMAP.

February 27, 2019
County Proposes Center Turn Lane for Busse Road by Journal Staff
Published by Journal & Topics
This article discusses the widening of Busse Road in Mount Prospect to add a center turn lane. CMAP projects a minor increase in motor vehicle traffic as a result.

February 26, 2019
Glencoe Park district moves forward with design plans for land along Old Green Bay Road by Daniel Dorfman
Published by The Chicago Tribune (Glencoe News)
This article discusses the Glencoe Park District’s addition of upgrades and amenities to Veterans Park and the board’s pursuit of grants from CMAP and the county to offset the costs.

February 26, 2019
Illinois Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grades Reported by American Society of Civil Engineers; Billions in Infrastructure Investment Needed for Public Health
Published by AP News
This article discusses the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Report Card for Illinois’ infrastructure, which indicated a need for upgrades and investment. CMAP is cited as a proponent of the water rates decided by a true-cost pricing model.

February 26, 2019
Ag shippers seek funding action for stressed out transportation system by John Gallagher
Published by Freight Waves
This article discusses the stress agribusiness shippers are feeling from the domestic transportation supply chains. The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on these issues in February, where CMAP executive director Joe Szabo testified on how to increase flexibility provided to state transportation departments.

February 26, 2019
The one change still missing a decade after Colgan crash by Sam Mintz
Published by Politico
This article discusses federal transportation activities and issues, including the Senate Commerce Transportation and Safety Subcommittee’s first hearing on intermodal connections across the surface transportation network, featuring CMAP executive director Joe Szabo.

February 25, 2019
Duckworth moves to boost funding for O’Hare, rail project by Greg Hinz
Published by Crain’s Chicago Business
This article discusses U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s attempts to procure federal funding for expanding O’Hare International Airport and completing the Create project. CMAP executive director Joe Szabo testified to Duckworth about mobility and regional railroad needs.

February 24, 2019
The political winds in Chicago are blowing against Elon Musk’s high-speed tunnel project by Ryan Smith
Published by The Verge
This article discusses the mayoral election and the lack of support for Elon Musk’s O’Hare tunnel project, which CMAP explored adding to its ON TO 2050 regional plan.

February 19, 2019
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning director, NorthPoint developer to address CAIC by Joseph F. Pete
Published by NWI Times
This article discusses CMAP executive director Joe Szabo’s recent keynote speech to the Calumet Area Industrial Commission, which featured the prioritization of infrastructure investments and the development of a new manufacturing campus in Calumet.

February 15, 2019
Think the shutdown of northbound Lake Shore Drive was bad? Will County bridges are even more alarmingby Mary Wisniewski
Published by The Chicago Tribune
This article discusses the discovery of cracked steel beams along Lake Shore Drive and the resulting worry about bridges and the maintenance of infrastructure in the Chicago region. CMAP called improvements along I-80 “critical” in ON TO 2050.

February 14, 2019
CMAP chief Szabo calling it quits by Greg Hinz
Published by Crain’s Chicago Business
This article discusses CMAP’s executive director Joe Szabo’s decision to retire in summer 2019. As CMAP moves to its new offices in the Old Main Post Office Building and the city gets a new mayor, Szabo says “it makes sense for everyone to transition together.”

February 14, 2019
This is the city’s best-kept networking secret by Lisa Bertagnoli
Published by Crain’s Chicago Business
This article discusses the efforts of Chicago’s Business Leadership Council to create wealth and economic opportunities for African-Americans, citing CMAP’s research on how the city’s racial economic gap hurts economic growth.

February 14, 2019
No tollway board, no problem: controversial Route 53 study keeps bringing consultants millions by Marni Pyke
Published by The Daily Herald
This article discusses the controversial study of extending Route 53, which continues to employ consultants on its feasibility study. CMAP designated the Route 53 project as ineligible for federal funding in ON TO 2050.

February 13, 2019
Schneider Invites Public to ‘New Congress Listening Tour’ Events by Jonah Meadows
Published by Patch, Deerfield
This article discusses U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider’s listening tour, which features panelists discussing policy issues. A February 19th event featured a CMAP project manager discussing the environmental impact of climate change on local communities

February 12, 2019
New downtown office space keeps them coming in Chicago by Matt Baker
Published by RE Journals
This article discusses the expanding office space available in downtown Chicago and the increased number of companies locating in the downtown. CMAP will be moving into the city’s Old Post Office building in 2020.

February 12, 2019
Chicago-Area Pace Suburban Bus Named Clean Fuels Champion by Betsy Lillian
Published by NGT News
This article discusses Pace’s designation as Clean Fuels Champion by Chicago Area Clean Cities (CACC). CMAP was a previous award recipient.

February 10, 2019
Crosby: Faced with a 760-acre warehouse proposal, a passionate opposition prepares for battle in Sugar Grove by Denise Crosby
Published by The Chicago Tribune (Beacon News)
This article discusses attempts to change rezoning in an area of Sugar Grove to allow the development of a warehouse/distribution facility. A concerned resident fighting this rezoning cites CMAP’s research on the functional value of the given area outweighing in medium dollar value the price it would bring.

February 8, 2019
Oak Park to join neighboring communities to ‘create a regional effort’ in fair housing assessment by Steve Schering
Published by The Chicago Tribune (Oak Leaves)
This article discusses a collaborative effort to assess fair housing in the region, including the village of Oak Park, CMAP, MPC, and the Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance.

February 4, 2019
Selle: Doing the polka atop Foxconn’s changing plans by Charles Selle
Published by The Chicago Tribune (Lake County News-Sun)
This article discusses Taiwanese electronic manufacturer Foxconn’s efforts to build a major manufacturing plant in Wisconsin, miles from the Lake County border. It utilizes CMAP’s statistics on suburban job sites.

February 4, 2019
CDOT Assures Us They’re Not Seeking Federal Funding for the O’Hare Express by John Greenfield
Published by Streetsblog Chicago
This article discusses Elon Musk’s O’Hare tunnel proposal. CDOT asked CMAP to add the project to ON TO 2050, not, as assumed by many, to make it eligible for federal funding but because it is a major regional infrastructure project.

February 4, 2019
Elon Musk’s O’Hare Express faces uncertain future post mayoral election by Jay Koziarz
Published by Curbed Chicago
This article discusses the mayoral election and the lack of support for Elon Musk’s O’Hare tunnel project, which CMAP explored adding to its ON TO 2050 regional plan.

February 1, 2019
CDOT Is Trying to Convince CMAP to Add the O’Hare Express to ON TO 2050 by John Greenfield and Steven Vance
Published by Streetsblog Chicago
This article discusses the deliberation of whether CMAP should include Elon Musk’s O’Hare tunnel proposal to ON TO 2050.