RTA and CMAP Co-Host Technical Assistance Symposium: Call For Projects Underway!

May 16, 2017

Today, the RTA is co-hosting the 2017 Technical Assistance Symposium with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP).   RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden gave the opening remarks at the event. The daylong gathering is a golden opportunity for local communities, community based organizations, non-profits and more to learn about the Call for Projects for RTA’s Community Planning and CMAP’s Local Technical Assistance (LTA) programs.

Attendees are learning first-hand about how to apply for technical assistance and public funding for programs that meet the very real need of residents. Further, successful applicants are on hand to share insights about how to write an application and share how they implemented the assistance.   The call for projects opened May 5 and closes June 29.

Those who can’t attend the symposium can participate in a free, one-hour, virtual informational session on Thursday, May 18 from 2 to 3 pm, during which RTA and CMAP staff will deliver a brief presentation of the call for projects and then answer questions. To view this informational session go to the RTA website (www.rtachicago.org) at the meeting start time and click on the “Call for Projects Live Meeting” button to view a live stream of the session. During the live session you may submit questions to applications@rtachicago.org. Questions will be answered live after the presentation. If you prefer to attend the informational session in person at RTA offices, contact Michael Horsting (horstingm@rtachicago.org) for details.

The RTA has a nearly 20-year history of providing funding and technical assistance to local governments and communities for transit and transit-oriented development related planning and implementation throughout the Chicago region. Overall, the RTA has allocated nearly $20 million in federal, RTA and local funds for 180 projects throughout the region through this program.  CMAP launched its LTA program in 2010, providing similar, but broader technical assistance for land use and transportation planning in the region.  To date, this program has initiated 188 local projects and 144 are complete.

By coordinating our two programs, we are able to provide technical assistance to a broader audience and make it easier for communities to access assistance. Together, our work in the region supports the Regional Transit Strategic Plan and the initiatives identified in GO TO 2040 and emerging priorities for ON TO 2050. For more information on the RTA’s Community Planning program visit http://rtachicago.org/plans-programs/grants-projects/community-planning