News Updates

Communities encouraged to update the Northeastern Illinois Development Database

Our region is constantly changing, with some communities experiencing rapid growth, while others experience significant changes to land uses. Since 1987, the Northeastern Illinois Development Database has tracked significant developments and redevelopments in the seven-county northeastern Illinois region. 

Municipalities are encouraged to submit proposed, in-progress, or completed developments, as all phases contribute valuable data for the model. The Northeastern Illinois Development Database web map is an opportunity to ensure your community’s growth is accurately represented in regional forecasts. 

The web map is tailored for local government staff to actively participate in the forecasting process by submitting and editing developments. This data informs CMAP’s local forecast model, which predicts household and job placements in developments across the region. 

What does the Northeastern Illinois Development Database track? 

Developments and redevelopments the database tracks include those that meet one or more of the following criteria: 

• Occupy at least 1 acre of land 
• Contain at least 10 housing units 
• Contain at least 10,000 square feet of non-residential space 
• Result in a change in land use 

The database captures all land uses, including residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and recreational/open space. It tracks projects from the initial proposal phase through construction to completion, including new construction, expansion, and rehabilitation involving land use changes. 

Each development in the database includes a variety of data points, such as: 

• Development name, developer, and land use type 
• Housing units and non-residential square footage 
• Location details and construction dates 

The database is a vital resource for CMAP’s long-range forecasting, land use inventory, technical assistance, and general planning efforts. The database offers municipalities, planners, researchers, and the public an accessible resource to explore regional development activity. 

An up-to-date database charts our region’s future 

Contributing to the Northeastern Illinois Development Database helps CMAP and regional planners better understand current and future development trends. This data:

• Improves the accuracy of land use planning and housing trend analysis
• Strengthens community promotion by showcasing planned growth and investment
• Supports CMAP’s evaluation of conditions for future transportation and infrastructure projects

Local government staff who contribute to the database can ensure that their community is part of a collaborative effort to shape the region’s long-term development and that growth aligns with local and regional goals and priorities.

Need help?

If you have any questions about the Northeastern Illinois Development Database or need help updating the map with developments in your community, please contact Carlos Lopez, senior analyst, at clopez@cmap.illinois.gov or at 312-386-8679.