Media Resources

On this page, you’ll find information that may be useful when writing a story about the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and our topic areas.

How CMAP can help

• Subject matter expertise: CMAP has expertise in climate and natural resources, planning, regional economy, equity, and transportation. Contact us to connect with the right subject matter expert for your story.
• Data: CMAP’s many data-driven projects provide partners with vetted and trustworthy information. Explore our regional data — including individual Community Data Snapshots for each of the region’s 7 counties, 284 municipalities, and 77 Chicago neighborhoods. Our Data Hub offers a range of datasets, including the regional flood susceptibility index and land use inventory.
• Analysis and reports: CMAP’s data and policy experts frequently provide analysis and develop reports on topics related to the implementation of our long-range plan, ON TO 2050.

About CMAP

CMAP is northeastern Illinois’ comprehensive planning organization. The agency and its partners developed and are implementing ON TO 2050, a long-range plan to help the region address transportation, climate, regional economic competitiveness, equity, and other quality-of-life issues.

• History: CMAP was created in 2005 through the Regional Planning Act to streamline, coordinate, and better integrate plans for land use and transportation among the region’s many communities.
• Executive director:  Erin Aleman is CMAP’s executive director. Appointed in June 2019, Aleman is the first woman and first professional planner to lead the agency. She oversees an agency that employs more than 120 staff members.
• Governance: The CMAP Board and Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee share responsibilities defined in the Regional Planning Act and federal legislation.
• Our work: CMAP’s work is guided by ON TO 2050, northeastern Illinois’ 30-year regional plan; a 5-year strategic direction; and an annual budget and work plan.

For the latest at CMAP

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• Submit a media request (please include your deadline).
• Submit a Freedom of Information Act request.
• View current engagement opportunities and published community plans.