The Next Plans: Regional Transportation Plan

Shaping the future of transportation in northeastern Illinois

CMAP is leading the development of the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) — a long-term blueprint that will guide how our region invests in and improves its transportation system over the coming decades.

Created in partnership with local governments, transportation agencies, community organizations, and residents across northeastern Illinois, the RTP defines shared goals and strategies for a more connected, reliable, and accessible system. It builds on the vision established in ON TO 2050, and fulfills federal requirements for planning a multimodal transportation network — including transit, roads and highways, freight, biking, walking, and accessible transportation for all users.

Public comment is going on now through July 31

At its June meeting, CMAP’s MPO Policy Committee released the draft 2026 Regional Transportation Plan, FFY 2027-32 Transportation Improvement Program, and Air Quality Conformity Determination for public comment.

Everyone is invited to review the draft materials and provide feedback through Friday, July 31, 2026.

Materials available for review include:

• 2026 Regional Transportation Plan
• Plan de Transporte Regional de 2026
• Appendix A: Administrative Policies and Procedures
• Appendix B: Air Quality Conformity Documentation
• Appendix C: Financial Plan for Transportation
• Appendix D: Public and Stakeholder Engagement
• Appendix E: Regional Capital Projects Benefits Report
• Appendix F: Socioeconomic Forecast
• Appendix G: System Performance Report
• Appendix H: Transportation System Inventory
• Appendix I: Travel Demand Model Documentation
  
• FFY 2027-32 Transportation Improvement Program
• 2026 RTP/FFY 2027-32 TIP Conformity Determination 

Other ways to provide comments

CMAP welcomes comments on the draft 2026 Regional Transportation Plan through multiple methods. In addition to the form above, comments may submitted in the following ways:

By email

Send comments to rtp@cmap.illinois.gov.

By mail

Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Attention: 2026 Regional Transportation Plan
433 West Van Buren Street, Suite 450
Chicago, IL 60607

In person

Comments may be submitted in person at CMAP’s office during regular business hours. Please contact CMAP in advance to coordinate your visit.

At a public hearing

CMAP will host a public hearing at its office in the Old Post Office (433 West Van Buren Street, Suite 450, Chicago) from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 6. Members of the public are invited to attend and provide comments on the draft plan. Please register in advance.

What is the RTP?

The RTP is more than just a plan — it’s a tool for answering three essential questions:

• What kind of transportation system does the region want?
• What are the challenges and opportunities ahead?
• And how will we get there?

Through this process, the RTP will establish a shared vision and measurable goals for the region’s transportation future. It will outline policies to guide decision making, propose a financial strategy for funding improvements, and includes a prioritized list of major projects.

Goals and objectives

Five preliminary goals and objectives guide the development of the 2026 RTP.

RTP supporting resources

As the region developed the 2026 RTP, CMAP shared the research, data, and technical work that inform its recommendations. These resources provide a closer look at the region’s needs, the evaluation of major capital projects, the financial outlook, and the policy considerations that shape the final plan. 

Major reports:

• RTP Emerging Priorities 
• RTP Existing Conditions 
• Regional Capital Projects Benefits Report
• Congestion Management Strategy Guidebook

Policy briefs

RTP overall:

• Emerging Technologies* 
• Intercity Rail and Bus*
• Asset Management*
• Innovative Financing and Project Delivery**

Financial plan:

• Transportation Funding Strategies: Revenue Options for Consideration**
• Tolling and Pricing Strategies: Revenue Options for Consideration**
• Advancing a Road Usage Charge in Illinois

Additional ongoing supporting work:

• Updating the congestion management process 
• Assessing the regional freight landscape 

*Prepared in partnership with Cempel ITC
**Prepared in partnership with CDM Smith

A collaborative process

The 2026 RTP was developed through close coordination with public agencies and community partners and was informed by data analysis, research, and public input.

It reflects not only technical expertise, but also the voices of people who rely on the transportation system every day, whether riding transit, driving, walking, biking, or delivering goods across the region.

CMAP will present the final plan for adoption to the CMAP Board and the MPO Policy Committee in October 2026.

Get involved

To stay up to date with the RTP’s development, sign up for our transportation newsletter. 

Have a question or want someone from the CMAP team to present at your upcoming meeting? Email us at rtp@cmap.illinois.gov.

Your voice matters in planning the transportation system our region needs — now and in the future.