News Updates

Technical Assistance program supports communities with ADA compliance, transportation safety, and long-term planning needs

Dozens of communities throughout northeastern Illinois will receive technical assistance from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to improve traffic safety, make travel more accessible, increase transportation choices, and help them prosper in the years ahead.

CMAP will work with communities across our region’s seven counties to strengthen compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), plan for improvements that protect bicyclists and pedestrians, better prepare for grant opportunities, and address long-term planning needs.

“CMAP is thrilled to continue supporting communities in their planning and implementation efforts through our technical assistance program,” said CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman. “The unprecedented number of applications received highlights the significant demand for planning support throughout our region. CMAP’s technical assistance program aligns with the region’s comprehensive plan ON TO 2050, and its principles of resilience, inclusive growth, and prioritized investment.”

CMAP approved 30 new technical assistance program projects this month following a joint call for projects with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). The RTA continues to review applications and will announce its awarded projects in July.

Since 2012, the program has assisted communities through more than 300 planning projects.

Examples of the projects that selected municipalities will work on with CMAP include:

• Projects in Elgin and Warrenville to assess ADA compliance and identify local improvements that can make sidewalks, crosswalks, curb ramps, and landings easier to navigate.
• Projects in Burnham, Hickory Hills, Matteson, and Worth to develop multiyear capital improvement plans.
• Projects in Lemont and Montgomery to develop site plans, to redevelop underused sites for future investment.

This year’s call for projects generated 122 total applications from 96 different applicants. Although CMAP and RTA have separate technical assistance programs, the coordinated call allows both agencies to reach a larger pool of applicants using a single application. A program guide describing each project in greater detail is also available.