Regional Transportation Authority

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is the Community Planning Program?
   The Community Planning program provides funding and/or planning assistance for transportation related planning projects that benefit both the local community or subregion and the regional transportation system.
   
   
2. What other types of funding programs does the RTA offer?
   The RTA offers three funding assistance programs: Community Planning, Job Access Reverse Commute/New Freedom (JARC/NF); and Innovation, Coordination and Enhancement (ICE). In 2012, the RTA will only be accepting applications for the Community Planning and JARC/NF programs. For more information about these four programs, visit the RTA funding programs webpage.
   
   
3. Does the RTA still offer the Subregional Planning Program?
   The Subregional planning program has been incorporated into the Community Planning Program. All applicants formerly eligible under the Subregional Program are now eligible in the Community Planning program.
   
   
4. What other types of technical assistance is available to communities?
   The RTA offers technical assistance to past RTA grant recipients through the TOD Implementation Technical Assistance Program; for more information please visit Implementation Assistance  CMAP offers additional technical assistance outside of the Community Planning Program through their Local Technical Assistance (LTA) Program; for more information please visit http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/lta .
          
5. Who is eligible to apply?
   Municipalities, counties, townships, councils of government / municipal associations, the City of Chicago, groups of two or more municipalities, and the RTA Service Boards (Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace) located within CMAP's seven county service region are eligible to apply to the Community Planning Program. The CMAP Region encompasses Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties in northeastern Illinois. Transit-oriented development and transit improvement plan applications submitted by applicants in Kendall County will be evaluated and—if selected—managed by CMAP.
   
   
6. How are Community Planning projects funded?
   A variety of sources are used to fund the projects. RTA funds and local match funds are used as the primary sources of funding for RTA funded Community Planning projects. Federal Unified Work Program (UWP) funds, as well as other state and federal grants may be used. For CMAP's Community Planning funded projects, Federal Unified Work Program (UWP) funds and other local and state sources are used as the primary sources of funding.
   
   
7. Is there a local match requirement?
   Projects accepted into the RTA Community Planning Program are required to provide a 20% local matching cash contribution. No matching contribution is required for projects admitted into the CMAP Community Planning Program. Additionally, applicants are responsible for providing 100% of any costs of the project over the not to exceed budget set for the project.
   
   
8. What is the anticipated timeframe for projects to begin?
   Once a project is selected into the program, project development begins. Our goal is to initiate the project within six months and complete the study within twelve to eighteen months of project initiation.
   
   
9. How do CTA, Metra and Pace get involved in RTA funded projects?
   Each transit agency that can potentially be impacted by the study is invited to participate. In some instances, it may be appropriate to have representation from other regional planning agencies such as the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP).
   
   
10. Who is responsible for managing the project?
    The local municipality will be responsible for overall project management. Administrative and invoicing responsibilities will vary depending on the assigned funding agency (CMAP or RTA) and procurement method selected. Procurement Process
    
    
11. How are project budgets determined?
    Project budgets are set by the RTA and CMAP during the project selection process in consultation with the applicant. The "not to exceed amount" establishes the upper limit for the RTA and CMAP's funding for the project. Each project's cost will vary depending on the scope; however a municipality should expect to provide matching funds in the range of $15,000 to $50,000.
    
    
12. What if the cost of a project will be higher than the "not to exceed amount"?
    The applicant will be responsible for providing 100% of project costs over the "not to exceed" amount.
    
    
13. We submitted an application before the August 1st due date. What are the next steps, and how will we know if our project is accepted into the program?
    If a project is selected to be included in the 2013 Community Planning Program of Projects, a series of actions need to occur prior to beginning the study. A CMAP or RTA staff member will contact you to let you know if you have been accepted or denied admittance into the program. Subsequent steps for projects admitted into the program will depend on which agency funds the project. For a detailed timeline for successful applicants please refer to the application.
    
    
14. How are projects selected?
    Immediately following the receipt of all submittals, RTA and CMAP Staff will begin a review of the Applications. While RTA and CMAP Staff prepare the recommended Program of Projects, staff considers feedback from all three Service Boards (CTA, Pace, and Metra) and other agencies as appropriate. During this time RTA and CMAP Staff will also contact all applicants to ask questions as necessary. The applications are quantitatively reviewed and ranked by a set of criteria that are based on how well the project adheres to the Community Planning Programs Goals specific to project types. The full evaluation criteria are located in the application.
    
    
15. How frequently does the RTA release a call for projects?
    Traditionally, the RTA makes an annual call for projects in the spring. This schedule is subject to change based on available funds.
    
    
16. Who should I contact for more information or questions about the Community Planning program?
    Please contact Ms. Heather Tabbert, Manager, Local Planning and Programs Division, at 312-913-3244 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it