Advocacy Agenda

CMAP’s advocacy agenda details its policy positions, guiding the agency’s work with federal and state partners.

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 various programs, services, and projects. They also help define the overall policy environment that influences the decision-making process.

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) 2025-2026 federal and state advocacy agenda details policy positions and priorities that can help the region address challenges and opportunities at every level of government. The positions and priorities, described below, align with CMAP’s strategic direction which focuses on improving transportation, climate, and regional economic competitiveness in northeastern Illinois.

CMAP supports:

• Securing a dedicated annual appropriation from the state to support a wider range of technical assistance offerings
• Sustainably funding transportation
• Innovations that streamline project delivery and facilitate regional transportation improvements
• Increased investment in Complete Streets and policy changes that enable a Safe System Approach
• Stronger policies that enhance resilience and reduce emissions and congestion
• Increased resources for integrated water resources management
• Stronger inclusive growth that reduces economic disparities
• Increased opportunities for comprehensive planning and economic development
• Improvements that help people and goods move efficiently
• Improvements to local and regional tax policy

Northeastern Illinois priority investments

CMAP collaborated with stakeholders throughout northeastern Illinois to achieve consensus around prioritizing transportation projects for federal investment. The highest priority projects for 2025-2026 are reflected in the Northeastern Illinois Priority Investments booklet. By leveraging funding from federal opportunities, regional transportation partners can implement transformative projects that support our economic strength, climate resilience, multimodal accessibility, and safety for all who travel through our region.

One Regional Voice 2025

One Regional Voice 2025 reflects the shared principles of northeastern Illinois’ transportation implementers and stakeholders for the federal surface transportation reauthorization. These organizations are united in support of a transportation system that works better for everyone, embodies the Safe System Approach, fosters a robust regional economy, and enhances quality of life for residents across northeastern Illinois.

Illinois Regional Planning Act legislation

The Illinois General Assembly will award CMAP $2 million to strengthen communities across northeastern Illinois — an investment that recognizes the agency’s essential role in supporting local governments and fulfilling the promise of the Regional Planning Act.

This critical funding will help CMAP expand its technical assistance, enhance data tools, and deliver the regional planning expertise that 284 municipalities and 7 counties rely on to coordinate infrastructure improvements, guide land use and transportation decisions, and advance community-driven priorities.