The RTA Community Planning program provides funding and technical assistance to local governments to help foster the growth of sustainable, equitable, walkable, and transit-friendly communities. Since 1998, we have completed more than 200 projects.
The 2026 Call for Projects is open through April 17, 2026.
The RTA Community Planning and CMAP Technical Assistance programs assist communities with planning and implementation, provide interagency expertise that can strengthen capacity, and help communities better leverage the region's transit network.
The RTA Community Planning and CMAP Technical Assistance programs' joint Call for Projects is now open. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) — the transit agency with responsibility for oversight, funding, and regional planning for the transit service boards (Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace) — and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) — the regional metropolitan planning organization — have partnered every year for the last decade to help local governments build capacity and plan for their communities.
While the RTA and CMAP have separate technical assistance programs, both agencies offer the same online application during the joint call for projects. This coordinated approach allows the RTA and CMAP to offer planning and implementation assistance to a larger base of eligible applicants. Both agencies are also able to align these efforts with Transit is the Answer, the regional transit strategic plan, as well as ON TO 2050, the comprehensive plan for northeastern Illinois.
The application is available now. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 17 at noon.
A PDF copy of the application is available to view the questions before applying. Applicants can also save a draft of their application by clicking save and resume later.
If you would like help with filling out an application, please email applications@cmap.illinois.gov or alex.waltz@rtachicago.org.
RTA and CMAP staff are offering two virtual Open House sessions during which applicants can ask questions about the application process, about specific project ideas, and anything else related to the Call for Projects. Potential applicants can participate at any time during the Open House sessions, at the beginning, at the end, or any time in between, on the following dates:
When evaluating applications, CMAP and the RTA consider whether the proposal addresses the following priorities to:
Date |
Action |
March 30, 2026 |
Application period opens |
April 17, 2026 |
Application period closes at noon |
April–May 2026 |
CMAP and RTA review applications; RTA awards parking and zoning projects |
June 2026 |
All other awardees announced |
CMAP and the RTA reviews applications in three phases:
Phase 1: Once the application period closes, CMAP and the RTA evaluate each application to determine which project types each agency will evaluate and eventually manage (e.g., the RTA reviews transit-related projects while CMAP reviews all other project types).
Phase 2: CMAP selects a limited number of applications for follow-up interviews to gather and evaluate additional information before selecting projects. CMAP anticipates these interviews will take place May 4–8. The RTA will conduct follow-up interviews with all applicants applying for transit-related technical assistance.
Phase 3: CMAP and the RTA work with applicants to refine applications and subsequently determine the final list of project awards.
Below are descriptions of the five types of RTA assistance available through the call for projects.
Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Plans (ETOD) are based on the basic tenets of transit-oriented development, with mixed land uses, higher residential densities, and pedestrian friendly environments near transit stations and stops. ETOD plans typically contain transportation-focused recommendations that encourage improved or increased access to both housing and jobs near transit and also generally contain land use-focused recommendations that enable more housing, jobs, and public spaces to be located near transit services. These plans produce recommendations for a greater mix of land uses and transportation improvements to support increased transit ridership within a quarter- to half-mile radius of a rail station or major bus station. They also address urban design elements, including streetscape improvements, and recommend pedestrian, bicycle, and transit mobility improvements to and within the station area. ETOD plans emphasize an equitable planning process that ensures communities are empowered to shape the plan’s recommendations such that they benefit all area residents.
Transit corridor plans present recommendations for transit-served corridors that aim to enhance local mobility and advance transit-supportive land use and development guidelines along the corridor. The RTA is focusing on corridors that have a high level of transit service (service frequency of 15 minutes or better), such as those identified as future Pace Pulse corridors or other corridors with Bus Rapid Transit potential. These plans identify ways to improve multi-modal access to existing or planned transit routes and facilities and identify opportunities to enhance transit-related infrastructure. Transit corridor plans can also identify options to improve "first-mile/last-mile" connections and foster increased transit ridership by examining connections among the transit services in the corridor, and by addressing barriers to transit use. Planning for vulnerable populations, identifying innovative ways to include economically disconnected residents, and/or studying areas that have experienced disinvestment is highly encouraged. The RTA encourages transit corridor plans to be multi-jurisdictional and have a study area that crosses through two or more adjoining municipalities.
Neighborhood access to transit improvement plans examine pedestrian and bicycle access to transit stops or stations, identify gaps in accessibility, and present recommendations for small-scale, short-term improvements that will benefit transit riders in the near-term. Possible improvements identified include new sidewalk connections, new or upgraded crosswalks, improved ADA compliance, installation of pedestrian signal heads, bus shelters, bus pads, and station amenities such as benches or wayfinding signage. Plans will include graphics depicting the station area improvements and will outline an implementation strategy that recommends funding sources and the relative priority of proposed recommendations. These plans can be used as a basis for Access to Transit program applications, or applications to other funding sources to implement access improvements.
RTA assistance, in partnership with the Urban Land Institute, will be provided to solicit guidance and advice from development experts through a half-day workshop with municipal staff. Panelists and municipal leaders discuss the development climate and potential strategies to prepare for and attract development in a specific site, parcel or block. These sessions most commonly take place after a planning study, such as an ETOD plan, has been completed, but can also occur during the planning process.
The RTA will assist municipalities in rewriting existing off-street parking requirements to comply with the People Over Parking Act, a state-wide regulation passed as part of the Transit Funding Bill, SB2111, going into effect June 1, 2026, that eliminates minimum off-street automobile parking requirements for most new development located near public transit rail stations and along high-frequency bus routes. In addition, the RTA will support local government staff to create development standards and review processes that make investment in the community more attractive to potential developers, business owners, and residents seeking to improve their property. These efforts will involve assessment of the current regulations and existing conditions in the community and will deliver a revised parking ordinance, zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, unified development ordinance, overlay district, or other regulations. For applicants solely seeking zoning support, applicants must demonstrate that the desired code amendments are a strategy recommended in a community-driven planning study. If you are unsure if areas of your community are impacted by the People Over Parking Act, please reach out to RTA staff. Projects selected in the category will go through an expedited project selection and award process so that work can begin as quickly as possible given the effective date of the People Over Parking Act.
Below are descriptions of the eight types of CMAP assistance and their respective goals. To help communities identify which type of assistance is ideal for their priorities, view this guide.
Creating communities that meet compliance standards and advance full accessibility with a clear understanding of the challenges and benefits.
CMAP will work with local governments to support compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The agency will help conduct self-evaluations and develop ADA Transition Plans, helping communities identify and prioritize improvements to make sidewalks, crosswalks, and curb ramps accessible.
Cultivating approaches that identify networks for safe travel for all; consider programming, policy, and design frameworks for non-vehicular travel modes; pilot emerging innovations; and prepare communities for various implementation funding sources.
CMAP will work with local governments to create plans that identify improvements for people walking, bicycling, and getting around without a car, while integrating and testing design and policy innovations. Projects will receive planning support for engagement, mapping, data analysis, and recommendations for transportation, safety, and livability improvements.
Cultivating innovative approaches that implement ON TO 2050 principles and support data-driven, transparent capital improvement planning and preparing communities for greater plan implementation success.
CMAP will support local governments to evaluate existing capital planning processes; provide recommendations and training that can help develop a transparent, strategic, and successful planning process; and engage with the community to create a multi-year capital improvement plan.
Cultivating innovative approaches that implement ON TO 2050 principles and interweave roadway safety improvements, multimodal transportation options, inclusive economic growth, and regional housing needs.
CMAP will work with local governments to develop plans that address transportation and other improvements in a neighborhood, business district, corridor, riverfront, or other focus area. CMAP also will help develop goals for improvements, propose specific projects to address these goals, and create strategies to implement recommendations. As regional collaboration is a priority, CMAP encourages multijurisdictional applications.
Developing innovative approaches that implement ON TO 2050 principles, plan for a robust housing market, and embrace coordinated land use strategies. This technical assistance type is only open to municipalities in which a county-level housing readiness plan is approved or underway.
CMAP will work with eligible municipalities to provide technical assistance to develop housing readiness plans that diversify housing supply to better meet residents' needs. Through these plans, communities can address regulatory barriers such as policy and code changes; identify strategic locations for future housing development; and build critical partnerships and communication tools.
This technical assistance category is open only to municipalities located in counties where a countywide housing readiness plan has been adopted or is currently underway. For the 2026 call for projects, only municipalities in McHenry and Kane counties are eligible to apply, as those counties are in the final stages of adopting their countywide housing readiness plans.
Cultivating innovative approaches that implement ON TO 2050 principles and support communities’ capacity to organize plan implementation efforts to achieve plan goals.
CMAP will work with local governments taking their next steps toward achieving outcomes outlined in local plans, including past CMAP and RTA plans. CMAP will work with communities to help organize implementation efforts, prioritize planned improvements, promote economic prosperity, develop an action plan, and assist with executing the action plan.
Cultivating innovative approaches that implement ON TO 2050 principles to develop local road safety plans and prepare communities for funding available under the Highway Safety Improvement Program and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
CMAP will work with local governments to prepare a proactive, data-driven tool that helps communities identify, analyze, and prioritize roadway safety improvements. The tool incorporates crash data, local insights, and steering committee guidance to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes. By evaluating all roads — regardless of jurisdiction — and applying a Safe System approach that anticipates human error, local road safety plans provide a holistic framework to improve safety for all road users, including pedestrians and bicyclists, in high activity areas.
Please note: Local road safety plans offer recommended strategies but do not commit agencies to implement them; actions depend on priorities, funding, and community feedback.
Advancing ON TO 2050 principles through integrated land use, mobility, and economic strategies that strengthen an existing node (employment center, medical district, higher education campus, or downtown area) to support economic growth and create vibrant, connected places.
CMAP will work with local governments to create node-oriented development plans that integrate strategies for transportation, housing, jobs, and retail/commercial development, and in turn, strengthen each node’s role in the local and regional economy and transportation network. Nodes serve as vibrant centers of activity, promote walkability, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and maximize the use of existing infrastructure.
Each year, CMAP considers the types of assistance offered based on regional needs and opportunities, as well as funding constraints. Through ongoing conversations with communities, CMAP learns about various planning needs. Currently, CMAP is not offering comprehensive planning assistance. Please contact Patrick Day at pday@cmap.illinois.gov with any questions.
Who funds these programs?
Funding for this program comes from a combination of federal, state, local, and foundation funds administered by CMAP and the RTA.
A PDF copy of the application is available to view questions before submitting an application. Applicants can also save a draft of their application by clicking save and resume later.
See a summary and details of CMAP projects awarded in 2025. Please visit CMAP's website, the RTA's website, and RTAMS to learn more about previously awarded plans.
To help CMAP and the RTA understand which types of technical assistance are the highest priority for your community, you may apply for up to two types of assistance by completing a separate application form.
Funds available through these programs are for planning and implementation purposes only. Project phases — such as land acquisition, engineering, or capital investment — cannot be funded through these programs. Additionally, these programs do not offer funds for staff time. Any financial commitment from CMAP or the RTA is dedicated to hiring external contractors/consultants or providing CMAP or RTA staff assistance. This year's programs focus on creating local plans and building local government capacity.
Local governments (municipalities and counties) throughout northeastern Illinois and non-governmental organizations that partner with a local government on a joint application are eligible to apply for CMAP. The RTA accepts applications from local governments and the transit service boards (CTA, Metra, and Pace).
A timeline is outlined above. CMAP and the RTA will begin reviewing applications immediately after the close of the application period at noon April 17. Once the initial applications are evaluated, applicants may be contacted to provide further information via a survey and/or an interview. Applicants will be notified about final selections and subsequent steps for projects admitted into the program by the awarding agency.
Proposed projects are reviewed by RTA and CMAP staff members, partner technical assistance providers, county departments of transportation, planning directors, applicable transit service board(s), and the Illinois Department of Transportation for funding eligibility. Additionally, the Chicago Department of Planning and Development and the Chicago Department of Transportation review proposed projects within Chicago.
Both the RTA and CMAP will evaluate projects based on agency priorities and available resources. Once applications are evaluated, an applicant may be contacted to provide further information via a survey and/or an interview.
CMAP and the RTA have limited resources for these programs, and not all applications will be selected.
Each transit agency that may be impacted by a study is invited to participate in the planning process. Additionally, it may be appropriate to involve CMAP in an RTA-led project and vice versa. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate project applications with the impacted transit service board(s) by emailing a brief description of their project to the appropriate contact listed below.
CTA |
Samuel Smith |
SSmith4@transitchicago.com |
Metra |
Paul Reise |
preise@metrarr.com |
Pace |
Erik Llewellyn |
erik.llewellyn@pacebus.com |
CMAP and the RTA regularly partner with several technical assistance providers on projects, including the Active Transportation Alliance, Center for Neighborhood Technology, Chicago Community Trust, Elevated Energy, Illinois Housing Development Authority, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, Metropolitan Planning Council, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Openlands, and the Urban Land Institute.
Project development begins once a project is selected. The RTA and CMAP's goal is to initiate most of the projects by the summer or fall of 2026.
A CMAP or RTA staff member or representative will be assigned to each project to assist with project development and management. The local partner will be responsible for overall project management. Administrative and invoicing responsibilities will vary, depending on the assigned agency and procurement method.
(On June 1, 2026, the RTA will transition to the Northern Illinois Transit Authority. The Authority will continue to administer the Community Planning program, including any project selected during this call for projects.)
CMAP and the RTA require an intergovernmental agreement and, if a program contribution is required, a resolution to be approved before starting a project.
What is a program contribution?
A contribution for projects selected by CMAP depends on the project type and community cohort. This financial contribution helps demonstrate local commitment and increased local ownership of the projects. Contributions are not required for all projects. Learn more about program contributions and see a schedule of CMAP's program contribution amounts.
The RTA will require a local match for larger planning projects ranging from 5 to 20 percent, based on the CMAP community cohort. The local match may be waived for smaller implementation projects.
No. Applicants are not required to pay the program contribution when applying. CMAP expects applicants to have the program contribution available once a project starts. The program contribution due date will be negotiated as part of the intergovernmental agreement. CMAP and the RTA are flexible with project start dates and can work around local budget cycles. In most cases, the RTA will invoice for program contribution payments once a project is completed.
During the project review and evaluation process, staff members may contact applicants to gain a better understanding of their project. After selection, the agencies confirm with the project sponsors whether the project will be accomplished through assigning staff time, providing a grant, conducting a consultant selection process led by CMAP or the RTA, or other options.
Please contact applications@cmap.illinois.gov . You also can contact Patrick Day at pday@cmap.illinois.gov, Alex Waltz at alex.waltz@rtachicago, or Heather Mullins at heather.mullins@rtachicago.org directly with any questions.
RTA launches joint development study to leverage land near transit
In January, the RTA published its Transit-Friendly Communities Guide, a roadmap for local decision-makers, developers...
Corridor study, eTOD plans: Community Planning projects kick off throughout the region
This summer, three new projects are kicking off that will make communities throughout the Chicago region more equitab...
Plan to improve access to transit, commercial investment in Auburn Gresham underway
In April 2025, the Chicago Plan Commission officially adopted the 79th Street Corridor Plan, a bold vision of the Aub...
