The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is a regional government agency that works on behalf of the 7 counties, 284 municipalities, and 8.6 million residents of northeastern Illinois. Our mission To serve the people of the region by driving innovation, fostering shared action, and advancing toward a common vision. We envision an inclusive and thriving region. Our goals CMAP works toward achieving three goals: A transportation system that works better for everyone A robust and inclusive regional economy A region that takes action to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change and preserve high-quality water resources Read more about or work Our region CMAP’s service area includes the seven northeastern Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will. It also includes Aux Sable township in Grundy County and Sandwich and Somonauk townships in DeKalb County. View a detailed map of northeastern Illinois (15 MB). Our history In the 1950s, the region had two separate agencies responsible for transportation and land-use planning: the Chicago Area Transportation Study and the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission. Over time, local government and community leaders saw a need for an agency that did both. In the summer of 2005, the Regional Planning Act was signed into law, combining the agencies into what is now CMAP. CMAP is the state-authorized regional planning agency and federally designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO). State law gives CMAP the responsibility to effectively address development and transportation challenges in northeastern Illinois through streamlined, consolidated regional planning and integrated plans for land use and transportation. As the MPO, CMAP is responsible for allocating federal transportation funds and managing the transportation planning process. CMAP is governed by its Board, which includes balanced representation from the agency’s seven-county area. The MPO Policy Committee is the decision-making body for all regional transportation plans and programs for this area. The CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee jointly adopted a memorandum of understanding as the framework for integrating land use and transportation through CMAP’s regional planning process. In collaboration with its partners, CMAP plans for the region’s future, guided by the ON TO 2050 long-range plan. This plan sets a 30-year vision to improve the region’s transportation systems, address climate resiliency, and ensure a thriving economy. Core values CMAP has adopted a set of core values to guide the agency’s work and decision-making. Serve with passion We are passionate about serving the people of metropolitan Chicago. We build public trust by being good stewards of public resources and proactively sharing information. Pursue equity We are guided by the principle that everyone has a right to opportunity and a high quality of life. We work to realize equity for all. Foster collaboration We believe inclusion and collaboration strengthens our work. We seek out the voices of those who often go unheard or face barriers to public participation. Lead with excellence We lead on issues that advance the region. We believe in the power of data and the story it tells. We identify and share solutions and inspire others to adapt them for their communities. Drive innovation We are driven by the desire to find more efficient methods to achieve the most impact. We do this by seeking new solutions to old problems, taking calculated risks, and daring to try them. Subscribe for updates Newsletter sign-up Opens in a modal Recent awards Click to read Leadership in the Public Sector in a modal Leadership in the Public Sector Click to read w3 Award in a modal w3 Award Click to read Walter Scheiber Leadership Award in a modal Walter Scheiber Leadership Award Click to read Advancing Diversity and Social Change Award in a modal Advancing Diversity and Social Change Award Click to read Regional Achievement Award in a modal Regional Achievement Award Click to read Outstanding Community Plan Award in a modal Outstanding Community Plan Award Click to read Innovative Transportation Solutions Award in a modal Innovative Transportation Solutions Award Click to read Healthy and Active Community Award in a modal Healthy and Active Community Award Click to read Best Practice Award in a modal Best Practice Award Click to read National Award for Outstanding Overall Achievement in a modal National Award for Outstanding Overall Achievement Click to read Strategic Plan Award in a modal Strategic Plan Award Click to read Community Outreach Award in a modal Community Outreach Award Click to read Daniel Burnham Award for a Comprehensive Plan in a modal Daniel Burnham Award for a Comprehensive Plan Click to read Best Practice Award in a modal Best Practice Award Click to read Dr. George B. Rabb Force of Nature Award in a modal Dr. George B. Rabb Force of Nature Award close-menu-circle CLOSE Post Modal Title This is the post content Latest news Click to read More than $385 million available for roadway, transit, and bike and pedestrian projects Posted on Click to read More than $385 million available for roadway, transit, and bike and pedestrian projects Click to read CMAP Board Spotlight: Nancy Rotering, Highland Park mayor representing Lake County Posted on Click to read CMAP Board Spotlight: Nancy Rotering, Highland Park mayor representing Lake County Click to read Executive Director Erin Aleman recognized by March of Dimes with public service award Posted on Click to read Executive Director Erin Aleman recognized by March of Dimes with public service award Click to read CMAP launches new Regional ADA Coordinators Group to share resources and facilitate peer exchange Posted on Click to read CMAP launches new Regional ADA Coordinators Group to share resources and facilitate peer exchange