We're stronger when we work together: a year of great strides and collaboration

December 13, 2023

We’re stronger when we work together: a year of great strides and collaboration

As we reflect on this past year, our region has made great strides toward our shared transportation, climate, and economic goals. These 2023 successes — achieved in partnership with you — spotlight a strong, thriving, and resilient northeastern Illinois.

CMAP team members delivering training on ADA — CMAP team members in the region delivering training on the Americans with Disabilities Act

Together, we advanced big, bold solutions necessary to transform our transit system. The Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART) proposes options to address a looming $730 million fiscal cliff, to secure the long-term financial viability of the transit system, and to strengthen service for the entire region.
Together, we launched and implemented the first-of-its-kind Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, a collaboration among the region’s seven counties (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, Will) and the City of Chicago. Managed by World Business Chicago, the effort is showcasing how northeastern Illinois is stronger when it works together.
Together, we brought greater equity and inclusiveness into regional planning by stronger engagement with communities that have traditionally been excluded from the planning process through the first cohort of the Community Alliance for Regional Equity (CARE).
Together, communities are taking steps to improve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act through CMAP’s training program including workshops, materials, videos, and more.
And together, we launched a collaborative safety planning program — Safe Travel for All Roadmap (STAR) — to help the region address a rise in traffic deaths, particularly among pedestrians and bicyclists through a regional traffic safety framework and countywide safety action plans. This work leverages a $5 million federal grant awarded in response to a joint application submitted by CMAP and the Illinois Department of Transportation in partnership with the region’s counties.

Be on the lookout early next year, for our 2023 annual report to further highlight our region’s success stories and as we implement our shared vision, ON TO 2050. CMAP is proud to be your partner in these efforts.

As we head into 2024, we’re eager to continue to work together to build a more inclusive and thriving region.

Have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!