433 West Van Buren Street

Suite 450

Chicago, IL 60607

312-454-0400

cmap.illinois.gov

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES - FINAL

Friday, February 27, 2026

9:30 AM

Cook County Conference Room

433 West Van Buren Street, Suite 450

Chicago, IL 60607

Members of the public who attend in-person can pre-register for a visitor's pass at info@cmap.illinois.gov

until February 26, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. or should plan to arrive early to check-in with the building's

information desk for access.

You can also join from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84389866389?pwd=4JDSuktSTdQ4ifjClZt01EzpNa1I1S.1

Conference Call number: 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 843 8986 6389

Passcode: 699709

CMAP provides the opportunity for public comment. Individuals are encouraged to submit comment by

email to info@cmap.illinois.gov at least 24 hours before the meeting. A record of all written public

comments will be maintained and made publicly available.

The total cumulative time for public comment is limited to 15 minutes, unless determined otherwise by

the Chair. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person unless the Chair designates a longer or

shorter time period. Public comments will be invited in this order: Comments from in person attendees

submitted ahead of time; comments from in-person attendees not previously submitted; comments from

virtual attendees submitted ahead of time; and comments from virtual attendees not previously

submitted.

To review CMAP's public participation policy, please visit https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/committees.

If you require a reasonable accommodation or language interpretation services to attend or join the

meeting, please contact CMAP at least five days before the meeting by email (info@cmap.illinois.gov) or

phone (312-454-0400).

1.0

Call to order and introductions

Chair Orbon called the meeting to order at 9:31 a.m. She recognized the new vice-chair, Scott

Hennings, McHenry County Representative.

Present:

Advocacy (ATA) Representative, CDOT Representative, CMAP Representative, CoM

Representative, Cook Co Representative, CTA Representative, DuPage Co

Representative, IDOT-D1 Representative, IDOT - OIPI Representative, IDOT - OP&P

Representative, IEPA Representative, Kane Co Representative, Kendall Co

Representative, Lake Co Representative, McHenry Co Representative, Metra

Representative, Advocacy (MPC) Representative, NIRPC Representative, Pace

Representative, RTA Representative, SEWRPC Representative, Tollway Representative

and Will Co Representative

Absent:

Academic Research Representative 1, Academic Research Representative 2 and FTA

Representative

Non-Voting: FHWA Representative

The Transportation Committee approved the remote participation of Kendall Co Representative Heidi

Lichtenberger. Approval carried by the following vote:

Aye:

Advocacy (ATA) Representative, CDOT Representative, CMAP Representative, CoM

Representative, Cook Co Representative, CTA Representative, DuPage Co

Representative, IDOT-D1 Representative, IDOT - OIPI Representative, IDOT - OP&P

Representative, IEPA Representative, Kane Co Representative, Lake Co Representative,

McHenry Co Representative, Metra Representative, Advocacy (MPC) Representative,

NIRPC Representative, Pace Representative, RTA Representative, SEWRPC

Representative, Tollway Representative and Will Co Representative

Academic Research Representative 1, Academic Research Representative 2 and FTA

Representative

Absent:

Non-Voting: FHWA Representative

Not Present: Kendall Co Representative

Tara Orbon served as CDOT Representative, Amy Rynell served as ATA Representative, Michael Kent

served as CDOT Representative, Aimee Lee served as CMAP Representative, Leon Rockingham served

as CoM Representative, Cara Bader served as CTA Representative, John Loper served as DuPage Co

Representative, Katie Herdus served as IDOT - D1 Representative, Chuck Abraham served as IDOT -

OIPI Representative, Megan Swanson served as IDOT - OP&P Representative, Jack Cruikshank served

as IEPA Representative, Gretchen Klock served as Kane Co Representative, Heidi Lichtenberger served

as Kendall Co Representative, Kevin Carrier served as Lake Co Representative, Scott Hennings served

as McHenry Co Representative, Lynnette Ciavarella served as Metra Representative, Audrey Wennink

served as MPC Representative, Tom Vander Woude served as NIRPC Representative, Erik Llewellyn

served as Pace Representative, Kyle Whitehead served as RTA Representative, Chris Hiebert served as

SEWRPC Representative, Karyn Robles served as Tollway Representative, Christina Kupkowski served

as Will Co Representative, and Jon Paul Diipla served as FHWA Representative

Staff present:

Jessie Altman, Bill Barnes, Victoria Barrett, Alex Beata, Aaron Brown, Marielle Brown, John Carpenter,

Maddy Clowse, Michael Collins, Sean Connelly, Claire Conzelmann, Teri Dixon, Kama Dobbs, Kate

Evasic, Elizabeth Ginsberg, Alex Gomez, Borja Gonzalez, Jon Haadsma, Noah Harris, Kasia Hart, Prithvi

Hegde, Craig Heither, Hayden Horton, Natalie Kuriata, Jen Maddux, Matt Marth, Alexis McAdams,

Martin Menninger, Elizabeth Miller, Jennifer Miller, Tom Murtha, Richard Norwood, Tim O'Leary,

Stephen Ostrander, Stephane Phiefer, Russell Pietrowiak, Julie Reschke, Katie Reigstad, Elizabeth

Scott, Claire Shupe-Diggs, Mike Sobczak, Sarah Stolpe, Ryan Thompto, Blanca Vela-Schneider, Jules

Voigt, Max Wagner, Aspen Walters, David Wells

Others present:

Mawuli Agbefe, Garland Armstrong, Thomas Bamonte, Brandon Bell, Katie Bell, Spencer Blackwell,

Michael Bodle, Sarah Butterfield, Adam Capets, Josh Cordell, Hugo Coronado, Cindy Cortez, Eric

Czarnota, Michael Dunst, Ryan Ferreiras, Jackie Forbes, Dan Forbush, Brandon Geber, Dr. Chloe

Groome, Sanjay Gulapalli, Andrew Harris, Kaveh Hemmat, Neville Hemming, Jennifer Henry, Katie

Herdus, Ian Horvath, Rochelle Jackson, John Paul Jones, George Kandathil, Mark Kane, Quinn Kasal,

Chris Kateyiannis, Michael Kent, Gretchen Klock, David Kovarik, Matt Kowal, David Kralik, Brian

Larson, Eddie Lehwald, Nicholas Lenz, Adrian Levin, Kyle Lucas, Kalen Luciano, Jamy Lyne, Sean

Maher, Laura McFadden, Michael McLean, Katharine McSteen, Jim Merrell, Ben Nagy, Pat Nogueira,

Matt Pasquini, Aisaiah Pellecer, Edith Portales, Leslie Rauer, Paul Reise, Lena Reynolds, Karyn Robles,

Adam Rolstad, Todd Schmidt, Michael Sewall, Tim Shambrook, Ben Shepler, Ellen Steinke, Husain

Taher, Tasnim Tanveer, Alex Thrush, Matt Truskowski, Michael Vanderhoof, and Adalee Wasikonis

2.0

3.0

Agenda changes and announcements

There were no changes to the agenda.

Approval of minutes

3.01 Minutes from December 19, 2025

Attachments: TC Meeting Minutes 12-19-2025 - draft

26-012

A motion was made by CoM Representative Leon Rockingham, seconded by CMAP Representative

Aimee Lee, to approve the December 19, 2025 meeting minutes. The motion carried by the following

vote:

Aye:

Advocacy (ATA) Representative, CDOT Representative, CMAP Representative, CoM

Representative, Cook Co Representative, CTA Representative, DuPage Co

Representative, IDOT-D1 Representative, IDOT - OIPI Representative, IDOT - OP&P

Representative, IEPA Representative, Kane Co Representative, Kendall Co

Representative, Lake Co Representative, McHenry Co Representative, Metra

Representative, Advocacy (MPC) Representative, NIRPC Representative, Pace

Representative, RTA Representative, SEWRPC Representative, Tollway Representative

and Will Co Representative

Absent:

Academic Research Representative 1, Academic Research Representative 2 and FTA

Representative

Non-Voting: FHWA Representative

4.0

CMAP updates

Aimee Lee, Deputy of Transportation and CMAP Representative, welcomed Tara Orbon as the new

chair and Scott Hennings as the new vice-chair of the Transportation Committee.

Lee reported that CMAP has completed its State of the Region report which provides a data-driven

look at northeastern Illinois' changes over the past decade and what those trends mean for the

future. CMAP has also released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting key accomplishments from the

past year and progress made with regional partners.

CMAP collected travel behavior data from more than 3,500 households across the region through the

Phase One My Daily Travel Household Survey. The data captured travel patterns, mode choice,

telework, transit use, and barriers to travel. This information will inform CMAP's travel demand

modeling, policy analysis, and long-range transportation planning efforts, including development of

the Regional Transportation Plan. Additional rounds of the survey are planned.

CMAP staff attended the National Association of Regional Council's Conference of Regions, meeting

with Illinois senators and congressional representatives to discuss the Surface Transportation

Reauthorization, which expires on September 30. Executive Director Erin Aleman joined IDOT Director

of Planning and Programming, Holly Bieneman, to deliver the keynote at the Illinois Section of the

Institute of Transportation Engineers Annual Banquet.

Lee highlighted the silver, bronze, and honorable mention winners of the 2025 Bicycle Friendly

Community Awards from the League of American Bicyclists. As part of the Safe Streets for All

Program, USDOT awarded McHenry County a $2 million grant for the construction of a roundabout at

a high-crash location, and the Village of Evergreen received a $200,000 grant to complete a

pedestrian and cyclist safety demonstration project.

Lee also noted that CMAP is required to undergo federal certification review every four years to

ensure its metropolitan transportation planning process meets federal requirements. FHWA and FTA

conducted their review at the end of January and provided positive feedback. The final report with

recommendations is expected in the coming months.

Lee announced that applications for the 2026 Invest in Cook grant program are now open, with

submissions due by March 20, 2026.

5.0

Items for approval

5.01 FFY 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendments and

26-043

administrative modifications

Attachments: TC Memo (TIP_Amend26-04) 02-27-2026

Russell Pietrowiak, Program Lead Analyst, presented FFY 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement

Program (TIP) formal revision 26-04 and administrative revisions 26-04.1 and 26-04.2. He provided a

brief overview of the TIP modification process. There are 164 formal amendments for the

committee's consideration. Additionally, 194 administrative amendments were submitted, reviewed,

and accepted by staff.

The formal amendments resulted in an increase of $936.5 million in total project costs for all prior,

current, and future years. Highlights include the addition of $88 million by IDOT for the I-190 project

as it moves closer to construction, based on updated engineering estimates; the submission of 75

formal changes by transit agencies to realign project funding with the RTA Board's approvals; and the

inclusion the Bloomingdale Road project over the Canadian National Railroad in DuPage County,

reflecting the recent addition of bridge funding projects to the TIP through the Illinois Special Bridge

Program.

Administrative Amendments resulted in a decrease of $51 million in total project costs for all prior,

current, and future years. The net change from both formal and administrative changes resulted in

$885.5 million being added to the TIP in prior, current, and future years. The TIP remains fiscally

constrained and staff requests approval of formal TIP amendment 26-04.

MPC Representative Audrey Wennink requested that CMAP staff identify new projects entering the

TIP.

A motion was made by Lake Co Representative Kevin Carrier, seconded by IEPA Representative Jack

Cruikshank, to approve the FFY 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Amendment 26-04. The

motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

Advocacy (ATA) Representative, CDOT Representative, CMAP Representative, CoM

Representative, Cook Co Representative, CTA Representative, DuPage Co

Representative, IDOT-D1 Representative, IDOT - OIPI Representative, IDOT - OP&P

Representative, IEPA Representative, Kane Co Representative, Kendall Co

Representative, Lake Co Representative, McHenry Co Representative, Metra

Representative, Advocacy (MPC) Representative, NIRPC Representative, Pace

Representative, RTA Representative, SEWRPC Representative, Tollway Representative

and Will Co Representative

Absent:

Academic Research Representative 1, Academic Research Representative 2 and FTA

Representative

Non-Voting: FHWA Representative

6.0

Information items

6.01 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) update

26-038

Attachments: TC Memo (RTP Update) 02-27-2026

RTP draft objectives and strategies

TC Memo (RTP priority investments) 02-27-2026

RCP constraint list 02-2026

Ryan Thompto, Principal Policy Analyst, and Julie Reschke, Senior Analyst, provided an update on the

Regional Transportation Plan. He reviewed the project timeline and reported that engagement

continues.

Reschke reported that the agenda packet includes a draft list of strategies proposed for the RTP. The

strategies and descriptions are intended to be flexible to allow future implementation efforts while

providing clarity about the types of transportation actions and outcomes the RTP process has

determined are needed.

Last year, CMAP published the Emerging Priorities Report that identified five preliminary goal areas

and their respective objectives based on preliminary research and stakeholder feedback. The draft

strategies were developed through stakeholder feedback, RTP policy briefs and recent and ongoing

regional plans such as ON TO 2050, PART, Speed Management as well as ongoing efforts including the

freight assessment and Climate Action Plan.

Reschke reviewed the high-level draft strategies for the five RTP goal areas: Strengthen connections

between people and places; Prioritize safety and public health; Mitigate pollution and invest in

resilient infrastructure; Support economic prosperity and inclusive growth; and Strategically govern,

fund, and preserve the system.

(Lake Co Representative Kevin Carrier left the meeting at 10:24 a.m.)

A draft RTP plan is expected to be available for public comment in June 2026 and staff requests

feedback on the strategies to ensure that 2026 RTP represents the diverse regional perspectives

about transportation opportunities and challenges. The final RTP Plan will be considered but the MPO

Policy and CMAP Board at their joint meeting in October.

Thompto reported that a key aspect in developing the 2026 RTP included responding to feedback

from the 2022 TMA Certification review which looked at CMAP's process in developing the ON TO

2050 Plan. The most critical projects in the region were identified and prioritized through consensus

and resources are focused on accomplishing them. Another area that CMAP focused on included

smaller scale projects that delivered significant regional benefits. The Prioritization List does not:

guarantee funding or CMAP resources; replace implementer decision-making or local prioritization;

restrict other projects or programs not included in the list from advancing. The Proposed Prioritized

List includes 15 priority investment projects.

Discussion ensued regarding the projects identified on the proposed list of priority investments. It

was noted that the North DuSable/Lake Shore Drive project has not been finalized but that by being

marked as a regionally significant project, it makes it eligible to obtain federal funding in the future.

An update to the Regional Transportation Plan was presented.

6.02 Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CAP) update

26-039

Attachments: TC Memo (Update on the CCAP) 2-27-2026

A motion was made by Will Co Representative Christina Kupkowski, seconded by IDOT - OIPI

Representative Chuck Abraham, to table the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CAP) update to a

date to be determined. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

Advocacy (ATA) Representative, CDOT Representative, CMAP Representative, CoM

Representative, Cook Co Representative, CTA Representative, DuPage Co

Representative, IDOT-D1 Representative, IDOT - OIPI Representative, IDOT - OP&P

Representative, IEPA Representative, Kane Co Representative, Kendall Co

Representative, Lake Co Representative, McHenry Co Representative, Metra

Representative, Advocacy (MPC) Representative, NIRPC Representative, Pace

Representative, RTA Representative, SEWRPC Representative, Tollway Representative

and Will Co Representative

Absent:

Academic Research Representative 1, Academic Research Representative 2 and FTA

Representative

Non-Voting: FHWA Representative

6.03 Blue-Ribbon Commission on Transportation Infrastructure and Funding: an overview

of recommendations

26-037

Attachments: TC (BRC Memo) 02-27-2026

Mike Vanderhoof, Bureau Chief of Planning at the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT),

presented the recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission (BRC) final report.

The BRC Report will serve as IDOT's strategic blueprint. In 2022, the Illinois General Assembly passed

legislation establishing the BRC, assigning it with 11 duties aimed at enhancing transportation

delivery. The Commission was comprised of 15 members, including the IDOT Secretary, legislators,

advocates, and subject-matter experts. Beginning in 2023, the BRC began meeting with stakeholders

to gather perspectives on IDOT's needs and opportunities.

The report includes 27 recommendations across five overarching objectives: accelerate project

delivery; expand workforce capacity; maximize the value of investments; drive sustainable outcomes;

and secure adequate funding sources. Vanderhoof reviewed the recommendations under each of the

objectives, as well as IDOT's accomplishments since January 2025.

Discussion ensued.

IDOT presented an overview of recommendations by the Blue-Ribbon Commission on Transportation

Infrastructure and Funding.

6.04 Legislative update

26-048

Attachments: TC (Legislative Update Memo) 02-27-2026

Kasia Hart, Government Affairs Principal, reported on federal matters. Congress passed the remaining

FY26 appropriations packages including the FY26 T-HUD bill. The House Appropriations Committee

has also released FY27 community project funding guidance. Members may begin submitting their

requests now and submission for T-HUD projects are due by Friday, March 20. For a highway or

transit project, requests must indicate whether the project is included in the TIP or the STIP.

Staff were recently in Washington, DC, meeting with legislators to discuss reauthorization ahead of

the September expiration. Staff emphasized the importance of maintaining transportation funding at

the levels provided under the Infrastructure and Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

At the state level, the bill filing deadline has passed and state legislators are moving to committee

activity. Staff continue to review the newly filed bill. Legislators have signaled their intent to

introduce a trailer bill for the NITA Act focusing on technical corrections. Several transportation

safety-related bills have also been introduced, including proposals to make it easier for municipalities

to lower speed limits, expanding transportation safety education in school curricula, and imposing

additional restrictions on drivers with multiple significant speeding violations.

The Governor filed his FY27 budget proposal of $56 billion, representing a 1.6% increase from the

previous year. The proposal includes a new fee on social media companies with more than 100,000

users in the state. Staff are in the processing of reviewing the proposed budget to assess its impact on

the region.

The legislative update was presented.

7.0

Other Business

IEPA Representative Jack Cruikshank noted he is leaving the IEPA and is stepping down from the

Transportation Committee.

8.0

Public Comment

In Person Comments

Chris Kateyiannis, Ellen Steinke, Mawuli Agbefe, Andrew Harris, and Tasnim Tanveer spoke in

opposition of the Redefine the Drive/ North DuSable Lake Shore Drive Project current proposed in the

Regional Transportation Plan. They asked the Committee to remove the project from the RTP until

there is a plan that addresses the public's concerns including congestion, noise pollution, mode shift,

road expansion, public health, economic disparities, and access to public space.

A motion was made by RTA Representative Kyle Whitehead, seconded by McHenry Co Representative

Scott Hennings, to extend public comment an additional 15 minutes. The motion carried by the

following vote:

Aye:

Advocacy (ATA) Representative, CDOT Representative, CMAP Representative, CoM

Representative, Cook Co Representative, CTA Representative, DuPage Co

Representative, IDOT-D1 Representative, IDOT - OIPI Representative, IDOT - OP&P

Representative, IEPA Representative, Kane Co Representative, Kendall Co

Representative, McHenry Co Representative, Metra Representative, Advocacy (MPC)

Representative, NIRPC Representative, Pace Representative, RTA Representative,

SEWRPC Representative, Tollway Representative and Will Co Representative

Academic Research Representative 1, Academic Research Representative 2 and FTA

Representative

Absent:

Non-Voting: FHWA Representative

Not Present: Lake Co Representative

In-Person Comments continued

Kyle Lucas and Kaveh Hemmat spoke in opposition of the Redefine the Drive/North DuSable Lake

Shore Drive Project current proposed in the Regional Transportation Plan. It was reported that IDOT

presented its preferred alternative in 2024, which remains the version currently being advanced, and

that no further communication has been provided regarding a revised plan for North DuSable Lake

Shore Drive. It was suggested that funding be directed toward creating a strong public transit

infrastructure.

Virtual Attendee Comments

Garland Armstrong, former Illinois resident, emphasized the need for the CTA to be well-prepared

during major bridge repair and at key intersections to ensure pedestrian safety. He also congratulated

Chair Tara Orbon and Vice-Chair Scott Hennings on their new roles on the Transportation Committee.

Kalen Luciano, Eddie Lehwald, and Matthew Truskowski expressed opposition to the current version

of the Redefine the Drive/North DuSable Lake Shore Drive Project. If the project moved forward,

years of traffic disruptions along the lakefront are expected, which would require significant

preemptive investments in public transit and would ultimately render the project unnecessary.

A motion was made by McHenry Co Representative Scott Hennings, seconded by IDOT - OP&P

Representative Megan Swanson, to extend the Public Comment period an additional 15 minutes. The