News Updates

CMAP releases Existing Conditions report to inform the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) released the Existing Conditions report — a key step toward shaping the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) for northeastern Illinois. This snapshot builds on the goal areas identified in the Emerging Priorities report to help inform how the region will achieve its vision for transportation.

The RTP, due for adoption in 2026, will identify the long-term priorities and investments needed to build a more connected, safe, resilient, and equitable transportation system. The Existing Conditions report helps answer one of the plan’s core questions: What are the biggest transportation challenges and opportunities facing the region today?

Key takeaways:

• Population and housing: Northeastern Illinois is home to 8.4 million residents and 3.3 million households. While the population has remained steady, the number of households has grown — especially in Chicago and newly developed areas in the collar counties — potentially reshaping travel patterns.
• Mobility and access: Commute patterns have shifted since the pandemic, with more people working from home and commuting to nontraditional job centers. Access to fast, frequent, and reliable transit varies across the region, particularly for people traveling outside the 9-5 commute and in areas with less multimodal options.
• Safety: Fatal crashes have trended upward in recent years, with pedestrians and bicyclists facing greater risks. The burden of unsafe travel is not shared equally — some residents and historically disinvested areas experience higher rates of traffic fatalities and injuries.
• Climate and resilience: Transportation contributes to air pollution and faces growing risks from flooding and extreme heat. Aging infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to climate impacts, especially in areas served by transit.
• Economy and freight: The region’s economy is powered by its transportation system, which supports over 4.5 million jobs and is one of the most important freight hubs in North America. While regional investments have advanced progress, there are still challenges to improve transportation access and mitigate unintended consequences.
• Funding and maintenance: Much of the transportation system was built in the mid-20th century and is aging. Regional collaboration, effective asset management strategies, and strong revenue sources are critical to address challenges and maintain transportation infrastructure.