RTA and CMAP Accepting Applications for Community Planning Support until 10/17

September 17, 2019

Today the RTA and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) will open the annual joint Call for Projects for the Local Technical Assistance (LTA) and Community Planning programs. These programs offer support to local governments, non-profit agencies, the region’s transit service boards, and other organizations looking to plan and implement projects that will benefit the community and the region as a whole.

While CMAP and RTA have separate planning assistance programs, applicants are able to apply to both programs with a single application – which is being offered in a simple, online only form for the first time this year. Applications are available through Thursday, October 17, at http://cmap.is/2019application.

Both programs encourage applicants to undertake a balanced, coordinated, and integrated approach to land use and transportation planning benefitting local communities. So proposed projects can address regional priorities, applicants are encouraged to incorporate recommendations in CMAP’s ON TO 2050 comprehensive regional plan and the RTA’s Invest in Transit strategic regional transit plan, both of which were adopted in 2018.

Both agencies have common priorities, including projects which:

• 
  
• Support development of compact, walkable communities
  
• Match regional and local housing supply with the diversity of housing that serves the needs of the community
  
• Advocate for and develop policies that strengthen communities
  
• Incorporate market and fiscal feasibility into planning and development processes
  
• Encourage multi-jurisdictional partnerships and study areas
  
• Strengthen and make transit more competitive
  
• Target disinvested and economically disconnected areas (see links for maps and definitions)
  
• Leverage the transportation network to promote inclusive growth
  

I highly encourage municipalities across our region—along with transit agencies—to apply for assistance to improve access to public transportation and support local economic development.