433 West Van Buren Street  
Suite 450  
Chicago, IL 60607  
312-454-0400  
cmap.illinois.gov  
CMAP BOARD  
MEETING MINUTES - FINAL  
Wednesday, February 11, 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 10, 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/82917643166?pwd=T5D697gzTxXjvaPBrescB9BeRxuTB1.1  
Conference Call number: 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)  
Meeting ID: 829 1764 3166  
Passcode: 056489  
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 Bennett called the meeting to order at 9:37 a.m.  
Present:  
Gerald Bennett, Frank Beal, Matthew Brolley, Jada Curry, Paul Hoefert, Nina Idemudia,  
John Noak, Richard Reinbold, Nancy Rotering, Joanna Ruiz, Carolyn Schofield, Anne  
Sheahan, Matthew Walsh, Jung Yoon, Kouros Mohammadian and Leanne Redden  
Gary Grasso  
Absent:  
Noting a physical quorum of the Board, Chair Bennett reported requests were received from  
Members Matthew Brolley, Paul Hoefert, and Matthew Walsh to attend the meeting virtually in  
compliance with the Open Meets Act. A vote is needed to approve their virtual attendance.  
A motion was made by Member Frank Beal, seconded by Member Richard Reinbold, to permit  
Members Matthew Brolley, Paul Hoefert, and Matthew Walsh to participate in the meeting in  
accordance with Open Meetings Act requirements. The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye:  
Gerald Bennett, Frank Beal, John Noak, Richard Reinbold, Nancy Rotering, Joanna Ruiz,  
Carolyn Schofield, Anne Sheahan and Jung Yoon  
Gary Grasso  
Absent:  
Non-Voting: Kouros Mohammadian and Leanne Redden  
Not Present: Matthew Brolley, Jada Curry, Paul Hoefert, Nina Idemudia and Matthew Walsh  
Staff present: Erin Aleman, Bill Barnes, Vas Boykovskyy, John Carpenter, Austen Edwards, Elizabeth  
Ginsberg, Ryan Gougis, Kasia Hart, Aimee Lee, Maren Lutterbach, Katie Reigstad, Julie Reschke,  
George Rivera, Kyle Schulz, Jennie Vana, Blanca Vela-Schneider, Elizabeth Scott, Claire Williams  
Others present: Garland Armstrong, Eric Czarnota, Ana Daher, Rithvika Dara, Heidi Files, Dan Forbush,  
Michael Fricano, George Kandathil, Gretchen Klock, David Kovarik, Brian Larson, Heidi Lichtenberger,  
Lucy Newell, Jada Porter, Leslie Rauer, Vicky Smith, Martha Trotter, Adalee Wasikonis, Rocco  
Zucchero  
(CMAP Board MemberꢀNina Idemudia arrived at 9:39ꢀa.m. CMAP Board MemberꢀJada Curry arrived at  
9:41ꢀa.m.)ꢀ  
2.0  
Agenda Changes and Announcements  
There were no changes to the agenda.  
2.01 Executive Director’s report  
26-013  
Attachments: Memo - Executive director report 2.11.26  
Executive Director Erin Aleman reported that CMAP successfully completed its federal certification  
review, receiving positive feedback and recognition for best practices. No findings are anticipated,  
and the final report will be shared when available.  
Aleman highlighted her recent participation in the National Association of Regional Councils  
Conference in Washington, D.C., where she met with Senator Duckworth, Congressman Garcia,  
Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, and staff from Senator Durbin and Representative Underwood’s  
offices. The meetings focused on federal transportation priorities, including surface transportation  
reauthorization, stable funding, safety initiatives, and support for a robust regional economy.  
She announced that CMAP and the Regional Transportation Authority will open the next call for  
technical assistance projects on March 30, 2026, with applications closing April 17 and awards  
expected early summer. CMAP also released Phase 1 data from its My Daily Travel household survey,  
the first post-pandemic dataset on regional travel behavior, now available on the CMAP Data Hub.  
Additional updates included CMAP’s partnership on a five-part virtual series addressing shared water  
resources, an upcoming seminar on stormwater management strategies, and participation in a Lake  
County housing summit focused on advancing regional housing action.  
Before proceeding to the agenda, Chair Gerald Bennett recognized Leanne Redden for her years of  
service as a non-voting member of the CMAP Board, representing the MPO Policy Committee - a role  
she will be retiring from. Bennett expressed appreciation for her 15 years of dedication, noting her  
contributions to collaboration and regional planning efforts. On behalf of the Board, he presented a  
token of appreciation.  
The Executive Director’s report was presented.  
CONSENT AGENDA  
Approval of the Group Vote  
A motion was made by Member Carolyn Schofield, seconded by Member Richard Reinbold, to approve  
agenda items 3.01 through 4.01 under the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye:  
Gerald Bennett, Frank Beal, Matthew Brolley, Jada Curry, Paul Hoefert, Nina Idemudia,  
John Noak, Richard Reinbold, Nancy Rotering, Joanna Ruiz, Carolyn Schofield, Anne  
Sheahan, Matthew Walsh and Jung Yoon  
Absent:  
Gary Grasso  
Non-Voting: Kouros Mohammadian and Leanne Redden  
3.0  
Approval of Minutes  
3.01 Minutes from January 14, 2026  
26-015  
26-020  
Attachments: CMAP Board meeting minutes 01.14.26  
Agenda items 3.01 through 4.01ꢀwere approved under the Consent Agenda.  
4.0  
Other Items for Approval  
4.01 Report on Line of Credit (LOC) utilization  
Attachments: Memo - LOC report - Feb 2026  
Agenda items 3.01 through 4.01ꢀwere approved under the Consent Agenda.  
REGULAR AGENDA  
5.0  
Items for Approval  
5.01 Presentation of the FY2025 financial audit  
26-018  
Attachments: Memo - Financial Audit  
Attachment 1: FY25 Final Audit and Single Audit  
Attachment 2: FY25 Board Communication  
Martha Trotter from Sikich LLP presented the results of the audit for the fiscal year ended June 30,  
2025. She reported that the audit procedures were completed and the annual financial report,  
independent auditor’s report, and single audit were issued. The agency received a clean, unmodified  
opinion, the highest level of assurance, confirming that CMAP’s financial statements are accurate and  
in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles.  
Trotter noted the implementation of GASB Statement No. 101 related to compensated absences,  
which required additional analysis and resulted in a restatement of beginning balances as of July 1,  
2023. This change did not affect the audit opinion. She highlighted that the agency reported an  
operating loss of $811,718, largely due to anticipated increases in contractual expenses for projects  
and system implementation. The restatement reduced net position by $298,677.  
The single audit was also completed with no material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, or  
instances of noncompliance identified. Two major federal programs were tested due to significant  
grant activity, and all compliance requirements were met. Trotter commended CMAP staff for their  
cooperation, particularly during the transition to a new ERP system, which added complexity to the  
audit process.  
She also referenced the separate board communication packet, which includes required disclosures  
under auditing standards. Adjustments related to GASB 87 and GASB 96 were made for lease and IT  
subscription reporting, but these did not materially affect the financial statements. Overall, the audit  
was completed successfully with no issues of note.  
A motion was made byꢀMember Nancy Rotering, secondedꢀbyꢀMember Frank Beal toꢀaccept and file  
the FY2025 financial audit. The motion carriedꢀby the followingꢀroll callꢀvote:  
Aye:  
Gerald Bennett, Frank Beal, Matthew Brolley, Jada Curry, Paul Hoefert, Nina Idemudia,  
John Noak, Richard Reinbold, Nancy Rotering, Joanna Ruiz, Carolyn Schofield, Anne  
Sheahan, Matthew Walsh and Jung Yoon  
Absent:  
Gary Grasso  
Non-Voting: Kouros Mohammadian and Leanne Redden  
5.02 Proposed FY2027 CMAP budget and work plan  
26-019  
Attachments: Memo - FY2027 budget and work plan  
FY27 CMAP proposed budget and regional work plan  
Executive Director Erin Aleman and Deputy Finance Director Vas Boykovskyy presented CMAP’s  
proposed FY27 budget and work plan. Aleman provided an overview of CMAP’s funding structure,  
noting that federal Metropolitan Planning (PL) funds flow through IDOT as Unified Work Program  
(UWP) funds and require a 20% local match, which CMAP meets through contributions from IDOT,  
counties, the Tollway, and municipalities.  
Boykovskyy reported that CMAP’s FY27 projected revenue is $44.3 million, slightly lower than the  
prior year, with federal UWP funding representing 63% of the budget. Approximately $700,000 will be  
allocated to reserves to support future grant opportunities requiring local match commitments. He  
highlighted key changes, including $2.5 million allocated for the I-290 Blue Line corridor development  
office, the conclusion of the Safe Streets for All program after FY26, and anticipated approval of $2  
million in Regional Planning Act funding for non-transportation work.  
Local contributions have grown significantly over the past five years, from $845,000 in FY22 to $1.8  
million in FY26, with a 98% collection rate. CMAP also continues to secure grant funding from  
partners such as the MacArthur Foundation, IDNR, IEPA, U.S. EPA, and U.S. Department of Energy.  
FY27 expenses are projected at $43.6 million, a 4% decrease from FY26, with personnel and benefits,  
consultants, and contractual services comprising 62% of total expenditures. CMAP anticipates adding  
one FTE by the end of FY27.  
The total FY27 UWP budget is $35 million, including $28 million in federal funds and $7 million in  
state and local matching funds. Of this, $6.7 million will be awarded to external agencies through core  
and competitive programs, with $28.3 million supporting CMAP’s MPO activities and operations.  
Boykovskyy also noted that the competitive program is a five-year initiative for one-time projects  
scored under the UWP methodology developed in 2023.  
Aleman reviewed highlights of the FY27 work plan, which includes 30 program areas addressing  
federal MPO requirements and state regional planning priorities such as technical assistance, safety,  
resilience, mobility, and housing. The Board was asked to approve the FY27 budget and work plan.  
A motion was made byꢀMember John Noak, secondedꢀbyꢀMember Nancy Roteringꢀto approve the  
FY2027 budget and work plan. The motion carriedꢀby the followingꢀroll callꢀvote:  
Aye:  
Gerald Bennett, Frank Beal, Matthew Brolley, Jada Curry, Paul Hoefert, Nina Idemudia,  
John Noak, Richard Reinbold, Nancy Rotering, Joanna Ruiz, Carolyn Schofield, Anne  
Sheahan, Matthew Walsh and Jung Yoon  
Absent:  
Gary Grasso  
Non-Voting: Kouros Mohammadian and Leanne Redden  
6.0  
Information Items  
6.01 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) update  
26-035  
Attachments: Memo - Regional Transportation Plan update  
Julie Reschke, Senior Policy Analyst, provided a brief update on the Regional Transportation Plan  
(RTP). She reported that the RTP questionnaire has closed, receiving nearly 1,800 responses from  
across all seven counties in the CMAP region. Several policy briefs have been published on CMAP’s  
website, covering topics such as asset management, intercity bus and rail, and the potential for a road  
usage charge in northeastern Illinois.  
The project team is updating the RTP’s list of capital projects and refining revenue and expenditure  
forecasts to ensure fiscal constraint. At the March meeting, the Board will review a draft list of RTP  
strategies and priority investments, leading to a public comment period in June and a vote on  
adoption in October.  
The RTP update was presented.  
6.02 The Century Plan update  
26-022  
Attachments: Memo - The Century Plan update  
Elizabeth Scott, Principal on CMAP’s Policy Team, and Julie Reschke, Senior Policy Analyst, provided  
an in-depth update on the Century Plan. Scott reminded the Board that CMAP launched the planning  
process with the State of the Region event in November and emphasized that 2026 will focus on  
developing the substance of the plan, while 2027 will be dedicated to articulating and finalizing it for  
regional adoption. She noted that this is a critical and generative phase of the project, aimed at  
shaping a long-term vision for Northeastern Illinois.  
Scott referenced January’s discussion with Amy Liu of Brookings, which explored how regions can  
“organize for impact” through cross-sector collaboration and strategic capacity building. She  
highlighted that while the region has significant assets-such as its transportation network, economic  
base, and natural resources-it also faces challenges and trade-offs that require thoughtful planning.  
The Century Plan process will incorporate both regional data and local perspectives to ensure  
strategies are grounded in community realities.  
Julie Reschke then summarized key findings from the State of the Region report, which serves as a  
foundation for the Century Plan. The report focuses on areas where CMAP and its partners can  
influence outcomes, including transportation, economy, housing, climate, and quality of life. Reschke  
noted that Northeastern Illinois has unique strengths that position it competitively on a national and  
global scale. The region’s economy, valued at $742 billion in 2023, surpasses that of 39 U.S. states and  
ranks among the top 25 economies worldwide if considered independently. This economic strength is  
supported by an extensive transportation network and abundant natural resources, including Lake  
Michigan and over 200,000 acres of protected land.  
However, Reschke outlined several emerging challenges. The region’s population is aging, with the  
share of residents aged 65 and older increasing while the proportion of children declines. This  
demographic shift will impact housing, transportation, and workforce needs for decades to come.  
Economic growth has slowed compared to peer regions, and while the economy is highly  
diversified-providing resilience against sector-specific downturns-it also recovers more slowly from  
broad disruptions. Recent job growth has been concentrated in local clusters such as healthcare and  
retail, while traded clusters that drive global competitiveness have stagnated. Additionally, most  
living-wage jobs now require a bachelor’s degree, yet only 44% of residents hold that level of  
education, creating equity and workforce challenges.  
Reschke also highlighted affordability concerns. Between 2000 and 2023, the regional cost of living  
increased by 63%, with housing costs rising sharply - homeownership costs up 80% and rents nearly  
doubling. Nearly half of renters and one-quarter of homeowners are cost burdened, spending more  
than 30% of income on housing. Transportation costs remain high, with most residents driving despite  
the region’s strong transit network, adding to household financial strain.  
The Century Plan process will use these insights to guide conversations about priorities and strategies.  
CMAP will engage local communities throughout 2026 to contextualize regional trends and identify  
actionable solutions. A draft framework will be developed later this year, with public engagement  
planned for 2027 and final adoption targeted for the end of that year. The full State of the Region  
report is available for review, and CMAP encourages Board members to explore its findings as a  
starting point for future discussions.  
Board members expressed appreciation for the presentation and discussed key challenges and  
opportunities highlighted in the State of the Region report. Members emphasized the need for  
collaboration with the State of Illinois on issues such as education, taxation, and investment to  
support regional competitiveness. Several comments focused on housing and transportation linkages,  
with suggestions for CMAP to provide policy guidance to municipalities, particularly around affordable  
housing and transit access for seniors and youth.  
Concerns were raised about workforce trends, including the decline in jobs for workers without  
college degrees, automation’s impact on manufacturing, and the need for certificate programs and  
skill-based hiring.  
Members noted that CMAP’s Century Plan should serve as a practical guide for local leaders,  
addressing land use, housing, and economic development strategies. The discussion also highlighted  
outmigration, housing affordability, and the importance of attracting high-paying industries to the  
region. Members agreed that the plan must prioritize aging demographics, affordability, workforce  
readiness, and competitiveness while engaging state partners on broader policy issues.  
Elizabeth Scott outlined next steps in the Century Plan process. Beginning in March, CMAP will  
conduct outreach across all Councils of Government (COGs) and the City of Chicago to engage local  
communities in discussions about regional trends and priorities. These sessions will compare regional  
data with local conditions and identify urgent issues from a community perspective. CMAP will also  
review existing local planning efforts to align them with emerging trends and explore opportunities to  
provide additional resources.  
Scott noted that CMAP will host a series of topical events throughout 2026, starting with a housing  
summit in Lake County. Future events will address climate action, water resources, and land use in  
the context of technological change. These conversations will help CMAP determine which issues are  
most critical for the region’s future and shape strategies for the Century Plan.  
The Century Plan update was presented.  
6.03 Legislative update  
Attachments: Memo - Legislative update  
26-010  
Chair Gerald Bennett departed the meeting early, and Anne Sheahan assumed the chair for the final  
agenda item. Kasia Hart, Principal with CMAP’s Intergovernmental Affairs team, provided a legislative  
update.  
Hart reported that Congress recently passed the remaining FY26 appropriations package, which  
includes $25.1 billion in discretionary funding for USDOT. While slightly reduced from last year due to  
rescissions, core highway and transit formula programs were largely protected. Some unobligated IIJA  
discretionary funds were reallocated to construction-ready programs, though Illinois was minimally  
impacted due to timely obligation of funds. Hart noted that discussions on surface transportation  
reauthorization are progressing, with House markup anticipated in March and Senate committees  
drafting language for April or May. She emphasized the importance of maintaining IIJA funding levels  
given ongoing regional needs.  
At the state level, Kasia Hart highlighted significant legislative activity following the General  
Assembly’s bill filing deadline. A trailer bill for the NITA Act is expected, focusing on technical  
corrections. Several bills aligned with CMAP’s transportation safety priorities were introduced,  
including measures to allow municipalities to lower speed limits, expand safety education in schools,  
and impose restrictions on repeat speeding offenders. Upcoming deadlines include March 13 for  
Senate bills and March 27 for House bills. Hart also noted that the Governor’s FY27 budget address  
will occur next week, and CMAP will review its alignment with regional priorities. No questions were  
raised.  
The legislative update was presented.  
7.0  
8.0  
Other Business  
There was no other business before the CMAP Board.  
Public Comment  
This is an opportunity for comments from members of the audience.  
Garland Armstrong, speaking virtually from Des Moines, Iowa, offered remarks. He emphasized the  
importance of ensuring ADA compliance and improving communication for individuals with limited  
English proficiency, including translation of materials to enhance accessibility. Armstrong also  
highlighted the need for affordable housing for seniors and people with disabilities, noting the  
importance of providing resources to support these populations.  
9.0  
Next Meeting  
The next meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2026.  
10.0 Adjournment  
A motion was made byꢀMemberꢀNancy Rotering, seconded byꢀMemberꢀRichard Reinbold, toꢀadjourn  
the meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye:  
Frank Beal, Matthew Brolley, Jada Curry, Paul Hoefert, Nina Idemudia, John Noak,  
Richard Reinbold, Nancy Rotering, Joanna Ruiz, Carolyn Schofield, Anne Sheahan,  
Matthew Walsh and Jung Yoon  
Gary Grasso  
Absent:  
Non-Voting: Kouros Mohammadian and Leanne Redden  
Not Present: Gerald Bennett  
The meeting was adjourned at 10:59 a.m.  
Minutes prepared by Maren Lutterbachꢀusing Microsoft Copilot M365.