RTA and CMAP Solicit Applications for 2014 Call for Projects

May 6, 2013

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) issued a joint Call for Projects for the RTA’s Community Planning program and CMAP’s Local Technical Assistance (LTA) Program today.  Participants can apply to both technical assistance programs using one application.  

“The joint call will encourage new and innovative projects that will provide an opportunity for recipients to create transit-supportive local plans and help to reduce congestion on busy highways and improve our air quality,” said Leanne Redden, Senior Deputy Executive Director of Planning. “These plans will help us evaluate multi-modal options that will address our growing ridership and lead to the creation of jobs and build and sustain livable communities,”

The coordination of the RTA and CMAP offer planning and implementation assistance to an expanded base of eligible applicants, align all efforts with the GO TO 2040 Plan and provide interagency expertise, technical assistance and capacity.  Interested applicants can attend an informational session at CMAP, 233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 800, Chicago on Wednesday, May 15 from 10:30 a.m. to noon or via webinar. Contact Yesenia Ambriz or 312-386-8660 to RSVP or request webinar information. RTA and CMAP staff will be available to answer questions.  

Last year, the RTA Board of Directors approved funding for six Community Planning projects through its funding programs, allocating more than $825,000 in federal, local and RTA funds to support innovative projects that will plan for increased transit usage, multi-modal connections, efficiency and effectiveness of local transit, access to jobs, and increased mobility for our region’s seniors, people with disabilities and the general public.

All applications are due by June 26, 2013 at noon. Learn more about the RTA’s Community Planning program by visiting www.RTAchicago.com/applications or for more information on CMAP’s LTA Program, visit www.cmap.illinois.gov/lta.

About the Community Planning Program

All projects funded through the Community Planning program are consistent with the legislative mandates and the RTA’s updated strategic plan.  The RTA programs range from planning studies and initiatives to transit operating and capital projects.   

Community Planning Program

The Community Planning Program is available to units of local government and the RTA Service Boards to create plans for local station area/transit-oriented development (TOD), local transit improvements, and implementation focused efforts. More information regarding the Community Planning Program can be found at www.rtachicago.com/cp .

About the Local Technical Assistance (LTA) Program

In October 2010, CMAP was awarded a Sustainable Communities Regional Planning grant by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist with the implementation of GO TO 2040. With funding from this grant, CMAP has launched the Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program, which involves providing assistance to communities across the Chicago metropolitan region to undertake planning projects that advance the principles of GO TO 2040. CMAP has initiated 102 local projects with local governments, nonprofits, and intergovernmental organizations to address local issues at the intersection of transportation, land use, and housing, including the natural environment, economic growth, and community development.