News Updates

CMAP Board Spotlight: Leanne Redden, RTA exec. director represents MPO Policy Committee

In the fifth installment of the CMAP Board spotlight, learn more about Leanne Redden. Leanne is executive director of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). She also represents the MPO Policy Committee on the CMAP Board.

Tell us about yourself: why were you inspired to join the Board?

I have been a member of the CMAP Board since 2008 and have been honored to provide a voice for public transit in important regional conversations about transportation.

What are you hoping to accomplish?

Transit is the answer to many of the most urgent challenges facing our region and plays an essential role in the lives of millions of riders. But the system has been drastically underfunded for decades. I hope to continue to advocate for the importance of transit in regional planning and advance the needs of riders.

What is a hidden gem in your community?

I live in Schaumburg, and it is home to over 90 miles of beautiful multiuse trails that are perfect for cycling, walking, or running that I was part of creating when I was the village’s director of transportation many years ago.

What is a project you are working on right now?

The RTA is working to implement our strategic plan, Transit is the Answer, with a vision for safe, reliable, accessible public transportation that connects people to opportunity, advances equity, and combats climate change. The plan guides my work with leaders at the CTA, Metra, and Pace to improve transit for riders and advocate for a sustainable funding future for our region’s transit system.

Have you received an award or honor that meant a great deal to you?

I was recently named vice chair of the American Public Transit Association. And I am honored to be part of the executive team for the next year as we continue to address challenges transit agencies all over the country are facing. I was most honored receive the Women Who Move the Nation award from the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) in 2016. COMTO is the nation’s only multimodal advocacy organization for minority professionals and businesses in the transportation industry.