Technical Assistance Available to the Region for Planning and Plan Implementation Activities
September 6, 2018
September 6, 2018
Chicago, IL - The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) today announced a joint Call for Projects for the RTA's Community Planning Program and CMAP's Local Technical Assistance (LTA) Program. Funding for technical assistance is available to local governments, non-profit agencies, and the region's transit Service Boards for planning projects and plan implementation activities that benefit their community and the region as a whole. The call for projects runs from September 6 through noon on October 26.
"Over the last 20 years, the RTA's Community Planning program has provided technical assistance for nearly 200 projects that benefit regional riders by helping design communities that interconnect with local transit services," said Leanne Redden, RTA Executive Director. "I highly encourage municipalities across our region, and transit agencies, to apply for assistance to improve access to public transportation and support local economic development."
"CMAP's LTA program helps communities and our region thrive," said CMAP Executive Director Joseph C. Szabo. "The program customizes support to communities while helping them create and implement their own local plans for increased livability, sustainability, and economic vitality. We look forward to strong applications for projects that reflect the ON TO 2050 guiding principles of Inclusive Growth, Resilience, and Prioritized Investment."
While the RTA and CMAP have separate technical assistance programs, applicants are able to apply for either/both programs with a single application accessible at www.rtachicago.org/applications. This agency coordination allows for planning and plan implementation assistance to an expanded base of eligible applicants, aligns all efforts with the RTA's strategic plan, Invest in Transit, and CMAP's draft ON TO 2050 priorities, and provides technical assistance in a coordinated manner that's beneficial to the region.
Municipalities, counties, townships, councils of government (COGs)/municipal associations, groups of two or more municipalities, and the RTA Service Boards (CTA, Metra, Pace) located within CMAP's seven-county region (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties) are eligible to apply for assistance. Nongovernmental organizations in the region are eligible to apply for CMAP assistance, but are required to have support from the local government in which their project will take place. A nongovernmental organization must partner with a governmental organization to submit a transit-related project application to the RTA.
Potential applicants can learn more about the application process by attending an Information Session on Tuesday, September 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at CMAP offices (233 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, Suite 800), co-hosted by the RTA and CMAP. Attendees will learn about potential technical assistance opportunities and will have the opportunity to discuss best practices with past award recipients and get one-on-one input about the application process. Elected officials, municipal and county planners and staff, community-based organizations, nonprofits, civic organizations, and consulting firms that work with communities are encouraged to attend. To RSVP, contact Tony Manno at tmanno@cmap.illinois.gov or by calling (312) 386-8606 by Monday, September 10.
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