As part of its GO TO 2040 comprehensive planning process, CMAP has instituted a series of Regional Snapshot reports. These studies are meant to depict where the region stands in measurable terms, regarding fundamental issues that will shape our communities in years to come. Numerous partners across the region have done much good work to quantify the status and needs of metropolitan Chicago; CMAP's role is to coordinate and enhance activities across those areas while promoting regional priorities. The Regional Snapshot series is not intended as an all-encompassing overview of northeastern Illinois. Each report is instead a short encapsulation of selected trends and data points that shed light on issues that have been identified as priorities in the region.
NEW! Regional Snapshot on Infill (1.4 MB PDF). The latest Regional Snapshot report attempts to identify potential infill opportunities across the region. Three case studies illustrate the concept of infill and the unique challenges and opportunities that it may have in different communities.
Infill and Redevelopment Regional Snapshot
Published in March 2008, the Infill Snapshot (1.4 MB PDF) attempts to identify potential infill opportunities across the region. Three case studies illustrate the concept of infill and the unique challenges and opportunities that it may have in different communities. Urban infill development is a planning strategy that redirects growth from the urban and suburban fringes, or greenfields, into more dense urban cores to create compact, livable, and sustainable communities. This report identifies land suitable for infill development in Cook County, and estimates the potential for these sites to absorb future population growth. As more data becomes available, the research will be extended into the entire CMAP region. The report uses tax assessor data to locate vacant land and to calculate the Improvement-to-Land Value Ratio (I/L Ratio) to identify potentially under-utilized land. Special consideration is given to preserving existing farmland and open space, to increase habitat connectivity using Chicago Wilderness' Green Infrastructure Vision as a reference, and to assure that affordable housing is not counted as "under-utilized."
This general-interest publication is based on a more-technical report that was reviewed through CMAP's committee structure. That review process has included the following technical documents. For more information, contact Lindsay Banks at 312-386-8826.
Sustainability Regional Snapshot
Published in December 2007, the Sustainability Snapshot (820KB PDF) is intended to define the concept of "sustainability" for use in developing the GO TO 2040 Plan, among other purposes. This snapshot proposes ways to measure sustainability by identifying potential indicators. It includes an analysis of the policy implications associated with addressing sustainability. This general-interest publication is based on a more-technical report that was reviewed through CMAP's committee structure. That review process has included the following technical documents. For more information about the sustainability snapshot, contact Jesse Elam at 312-386-8688.
Original Regional Snapshot
The first Regional Snapshot (9 MB PDF), published in February 2007, was a general overview of the primary issues that CMAP began to address in the agency's first year of existence. It includes data about population, natural resources, transportation, the economy, and housing. Click here for details about the methodology and data sources behind that original snapshot.
Aging Population Snapshot report
The Regional Snapshot report on aging is meant to address the impacts that projected demographic changes will have on planning systems in the region. Addressing the needs and concerns of today's older adult population will be examined in detail.
Available documents:
The scoping slideshow was presented to the Human Services Committee on April 14th, 2008.
For more information, contact: Russell Pietrowiak at 312-386-8798.
Jobs-Housing Balance Regional Snapshot report
The purpose of the jobs-housing balance Regional Snapshot report is to explore the locations of affordable housing and jobs, determine the degree of mismatches between jobs and housing, and identify potential policies to address these mismatches.
Available documents:
For more information, contact: Lee Deuben at 312-386-8623.
Planning Impacts Of Latino Population Growth
Latinos are currently the fastest growing ethnic group in the region and are likely to continue to grow quickly. This report uses some key elements of comprehensive planning as starting points for understanding implications that Latino growth could have on the region. Both draft reports provide data in addition to that included in the slideshow overview of the snapshot.
Available documents:
The draft slideshow will be presented to the Human Services Committee on June 9th, 2008.
For more information, contact Jon Hallas at 312-386-8764.