January 12, 2023 Technical assistance program supports communities with ADA compliance, travel safety, and long-term planning needs More than 20 communities throughout northeastern Illinois will receive technical assistance from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to improve traffic safety, make travel more accessible, and help them prosper in the years ahead. CMAP will work with communities and organizations throughout northeastern Illinois’ 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. “The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning has a long history of preparing communities for better futures,” said CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman. “These projects foster collaboration throughout the region, making our communities safer and more prosperous. We look forward to building a stronger region where all communities can thrive together.” CMAP approved 23 new technical assistance program projects this month following a joint call for projects with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). The agency plans to award two additional applicants for the ADA self-evaluation and transition category later this year. Examples of the projects that the selected municipalities and organizations will work on with CMAP throughout the year include: Projects in Berwyn and Chicago Heights to assess ADA compliance and identify local improvements that can make sidewalks, crosswalks, curb ramps, and landings easier to navigate. Projects in Alsip in Cook County and Richmond in McHenry County to develop bike and pedestrian plans that can create safer routes and intersections, strengthen ADA accessibility, improve streetscapes, and other enhancements. Full list of communities selected for CMAP technical assistance Community or organizationType of assistanceBerwynChicago HeightsLa Grange ParkLemontLincolnwoodADA self-evaluation and transition planningAlsipRichmondWestern Cook County (Bellwood, Berkeley, Broadview, Hillside, Westchester)Bicycle and pedestrian planningLansingCapital improvement planningFranklin ParkCorridor planningFord HeightsMarengoMidlothianSummitGrant readiness planningCoalition for a Better Chinese American CommunityNEXT Program (implementation assistance)DiamondHickory HillsLake VillaMaple ParkNewarkSouth HollandWilmingtonPavement management planningGreater Ashburn Development AssociationSafety action planning This call for projects generated 64 total applications from 55 different applicants. Although CMAP and RTA have separate technical assistance programs, the coordinated call allows both agencies to reach a larger pool of applicants and provide communities with additional staffing resources and capacity to achieve their goals. CMAP’s technical assistance program aligns with its ON TO 2050 principles of regional resilience, inclusive growth, and prioritized investment. Since 2012, the program has assisted communities in developing more than 200 planning projects. Article by Jennie Vana Stay connected with your community Newsletter sign-up Opens in a modal Recent news Click to read A reimagined River Grove through collaborative, comprehensive planning Posted on Click to read A reimagined River Grove through collaborative, comprehensive planning Click to read Waukegan’s new Unified Development Ordinance charts people-focused, modern approach Posted on Click to read Waukegan’s new Unified Development Ordinance charts people-focused, modern approach Click to read Creating a more livable, walkable, and resilient Calumet City Posted on Click to read Creating a more livable, walkable, and resilient Calumet City Click to read Technical Assistance program supports communities with ADA compliance, transportation safety, and long-term planning needs Posted on Click to read Technical Assistance program supports communities with ADA compliance, transportation safety, and long-term planning needs