Advocacy Agenda

CMAP’s advocacy agenda details its policy positions, guiding CMAP’s work with federal and state partners to implement ON TO 2050.

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) 2023-2024 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:

• Sustainably funded transportation
• Increased investment in safe and complete streets
• Stronger policies to enhance resilience and reduce emissions and congestion
• Increased resources for integrated water resources management
• Stronger inclusive growth to reduce economic disparities
• Increased opportunities for comprehensive planning and economic development
• Improvements to help people and goods move efficiently
• Improvements to local and regional tax policy

Spotlight on Illinois Regional Planning Act legislation

SB3388 and HB5077 would appropriate $5 million in funding to CMAP to support the functions and programs prescribed in the Illinois Regional Planning Act, which established CMAP as the comprehensive planning agency for northeastern Illinois. This would strengthen our valuable policy and planning work on behalf of the region, and leverage the federal funds available through the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other federal legislation.

SB3389 and HB5078 would make changes to CMAP’s enabling statute to support timely decision making by the CMAP Board while maintaining regional consensus for key agency activities, along with some other clarifying revisions and updates. These changes will enhance CMAP’s operations and ability to effectively serve northeastern Illinois. As of May 20, 2024, SB3389 passed both houses and awaits transmittal to the governor for his signature.