Our Work

What guides our work

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) serves northeastern Illinois, its communities, and its people to improve infrastructure, mobility, environment, the economy, and quality of life. Our work — on behalf of 7 counties, 284 municipalities, and 8.6 million residents — is guided by a 30-year regional plan, ON TO 2050.

We organize and prioritize our work through multiyear programs and annual activities the agency continues or commences during the fiscal year. Much of CMAP’s work is continuous, with each year building on the last.

CMAP in summary

CMAP plans regionally and locally

• Developing ON TO 2050 and coordinating implementation
• Strengthening communities through direct assistance, training, and resources

CMAP serves as the region’s authoritative data source

• Informing and shaping policy through data research and analysis
• Using data and assess complex reginal issues related to travel, land use, and policy

CMAP collaborates and convenes

• Working on behalf of and alongside our partners to implement ON TO 2050
• Facilitating dialogue with government partners, community organizations, stakeholders, and the public
• Informing and engaging audiences in planning, consensus building, and decision making

CMAP prioritizes and programs

• Evaluating, managing, and distributing federal transportation funds

About CMAP

Strategic direction

The strategic direction defines CMAP’s approach for advancing ON TO 2050’s recommendations. With its focus on the next five years, it charts a short-term course towards achieving measurable progress on the long-term goals in the ON TO 2050 plan. The current strategic direction covers fiscal years 2023-2027.

Budget and work plan

The budget and work plan, approved by the CMAP Board, identifies the functions and responsibilities for the fiscal year (July 1 to June 30), with funding sources and estimated resources needed to accomplish goals and objectives for these priorities.

The budget and work plan outlines revenues, expenses, and subawards to partner agencies and the associated matching funds for the next fiscal year. This budget advances CMAP’s programs and activities which are detailed in the FY26 work plan. Additionally, it tells the story of who we are, what we do, and how we serve the region, as well as where the money comes from and where it goes.

Unified Work Program budget

The Unified Work Program (UWP) contains the planning projects CMAP and other agencies undertake each year to enhance transportation in northeastern Illinois and fulfill federal planning regulations. The UWP budget includes transportation planning activities to be carried out in the region, detailing each project’s description, products, costs, and sources of funding.

Annual report

CMAP’s annual report highlights progress toward our region’s shared vision and ON TO 2050 goals to make northeastern Illinois a stronger, more resilient place to live.

This report looks back at significant progress made over the last calendar year. It provides highlights toward improving the region’s transportation systems, addressing climate resiliency, and ensuring we have a thriving economy. It also highlights our continued efforts to deliver local assistance and resources and to inform and engage diverse audiences.

2024 annual reportOpens in a new tab 2023 annual reportOpens in a new tab