433 West Van Buren Street  
Suite 450  
Chicago, IL 60607  
312-454-0400  
cmap.illinois.gov  
CMAP BOARD  
MEETING MINUTES - FINAL  
Wednesday, January 14, 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 January 13 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 9:46 a.m.  
Present:  
Gerald Bennett, Frank Beal, Matthew Brolley, Jada Curry, Gary Grasso, Paul Hoefert,  
Nina Idemudia, John Noak, Richard Reinbold, Nancy Rotering, Joanna Ruiz, Carolyn  
Schofield, Matthew Walsh and Jung Yoon  
Absent:  
Anne Sheahan  
Non-Voting: Kouros Mohammadian and Leanne Redden  
Noting a physical quorum of the Board, Chair Bennett reported requests were received from Paul  
Hoefert, John Noak, Nancy Rotering and Abolfazl Mohammadian to attend the meeting virtually in  
compliance with the Open Meetings Act. A vote is needed to approve their virtual attendance.  
A motion was made by Member Gary Grasso, seconded by Member Carolyn Schofield, to permit  
Members Paul Hoefert, John Noak, Nancy Rotering and Abolfazl Mohammadian to participate in the  
meeting in accordance with Open Meetings Act requirements. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
Aye:  
Gerald Bennett, Frank Beal, Matthew Brolley, Gary Grasso, Nina Idemudia, Richard  
Reinbold, Joanna Ruiz, Carolyn Schofield and Jung Yoon  
Anne Sheahan  
Absent:  
Non-Voting: Kouros Mohammadian and Leanne Redden  
Not Present: Jada Curry, Paul Hoefert, John Noak, Nancy Rotering and Matthew Walsh  
(CMAP Board Members Jada Curry and Matt Walsh arrived at 9:50 a.m.)  
Staff present: Laurent Ahiablame, Erin Aleman, Alex Beata, Bill Barnes, Victoria Barrett, Nora Beck,  
Vas Boykovskyy, John Carpenter, Kama Dobbs, Phoebe Downey, Austen Edwards, Ryan Gougis, Jane  
Grover, Patrick Guziak, Natalie Kuriata, Kasia Hart, Aimee Lee, Maren Lutterbach, Tony Manno,  
Stephane Phifer, Kyle Schulz, Elizabeth Scott, Jennie Vana, Blanca Vela-Schneider  
Others present: Garland Armstrong, MarySue Barrett, Eric Czarnota, Rithvika Dara,  
Michael Fricano, Jane Hirt, George Kandathil, Mike Klemens, Gretchen Klock, David Kovarik, Brian  
Larson, Heidi Lichtenberger, Amy Liu, Brittany Matyas, Leslie Rauer, Michael Sewall, Vicky Smith, Joe  
Surdam  
2.0  
Agenda Changes and Announcements  
There are no changes to the agenda.  
2.01 Executive director’s report  
25-367  
Attachments: Memo - Executive director report  
Executive Director Erin Aleman opened the January Board meeting by welcoming members and  
extending New Year’s greetings.  
Erin Aleman reported that CMAP will undergo its federal certification review at the end of the month.  
This review, conducted every four years by the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal  
Transit Administration, evaluates CMAP’s adherence to federal metropolitan transportation planning  
requirements. She noted that CMAP welcomes the opportunity to demonstrate the strength,  
transparency, and quality of its work. A public comment period will run from January 13 through  
February 10, with comments accepted through a web form or directly through the Executive Director.  
Erin Aleman then provided an update on the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk  
Southern, which would create the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. She explained that the  
railroads submitted their joint application to the Surface Transportation Board on December 19,  
2025. The merger could have significant implications for northeastern Illinois, including potential  
impacts on at-grade crossing delays, truck volumes, passenger rail performance for Metra and  
Amtrak, and the region’s economic competitiveness. She emphasized the region’s role as a national  
freight hub, noting that Illinois handles approximately $3 trillion in goods annually, with $1 trillion  
moving directly through northeastern Illinois and more than 700 million tons of freight crossing the  
region each year. The freight sector supports roughly 125,000 jobs across 13,000 employers. Erin  
Aleman stated that CMAP will continue monitoring the federal review process and will bring a more  
detailed discussion of freight issues to a future board meeting.  
She then previewed the meeting agenda, which included the consent agenda items-approval of the  
November meeting minutes, updates to the line of credit policy, the TIP conformity analysis, and  
concurrence on the region’s proposed roadway safety targets. Information items included highlights  
from the 2025 Annual Report and an overview of the draft FY2027 Work Plan. Erin Aleman noted that  
the agenda was intentionally streamlined to allow time for a discussion with guest speaker Amy Liu.  
Chair Bennett congratulated Erin Aleman on receiving the Motorola Solutions Foundation Excellence  
in Public Service Award in December 2025.  
The executive director's report was presented.  
CONSENT AGENDA  
3.0 Approval of Minutes  
Approval of the Group Vote  
A motion was made by Member Matthew Walsh, seconded by Member Jada Curry, to approve agenda  
items 3.01 through 4.03 under the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye:  
Gerald Bennett, Frank Beal, Matthew Brolley, Jada Curry, Gary Grasso, Paul Hoefert,  
Nina Idemudia, John Noak, Richard Reinbold, Nancy Rotering, Joanna Ruiz, Carolyn  
Schofield, Matthew Walsh and Jung Yoon  
Absent:  
Anne Sheahan  
Non-Voting: Kouros Mohammadian and Leanne Redden  
3.01 Minutes from November 12, 2025  
25-368  
Attachments: 11.12.25 Board meeting minutes draft  
Agenda items 3.01 through 4.03 were approved under the Consent Agenda.  
4.0  
Other Items for Approval  
4.01 Approval of revised Line of Credit (LOC) policy and borrowing controls  
26-007  
25-375  
Attachments: Memo - Revised LOC policy and borrowing controls  
Attachment 1 - CMAP LOC Policy - Revised  
Agenda items 3.01 through 4.03 were approved under the Consent Agenda.  
4.02 ON TO 2050/2023-2028 TIP Conformity Analysis and TIP Amendment  
Attachments: Memo - TIP Conformity Memo 26-03  
Agenda items 3.01 through 4.03 were approved under the Consent Agenda.  
4.03 2026 Roadway Safety Targets  
25-359  
Attachments: Memo Board - 2026 Roadway Safety Targets  
Agenda items 3.01 through 4.03 were approved under the Consent Agenda.  
Board Member Carolyn Schofield asked why the roadway safety target data only extends through  
2022 and why more recent years are not reflected in the baseline.  
Executive Director Erin Aleman invited Program Lead Victoria Barrett to address the question. Victoria  
Barrett explained that, under federal guidance, IDOT revised its target-setting methodology to  
establish three-year targets at one time. The current set of targets was developed at the end of the  
2022 data cycle, and therefore all three consecutive years are based on the same 2019-2022 baseline.  
She noted that the baseline will be updated in the next federal reporting cycle.  
REGULAR AGENDA  
5.0 Information Items  
5.01 2025 CMAP Annual Report  
26-004  
Attachments: Memo - 2025 CMAP Annual Report  
CMAP Annual Report 2025  
Executive Director Erin Aleman presented CMAP’s 2025 Annual Report, noting that the report will  
also be transmitted electronically to the General Assembly, as required by statute. Erin Aleman  
highlighted the report reflects CMAP’s 20 year history of partnering across the region to solve  
complex challenges, deliver technical assistance, and support communities.  
She noted that the report showcases major milestones from CMAP’s two decades of work, including  
the State of the Region event held in November and the ongoing development of the Century Plan.  
Erin Aleman emphasized that engagement with businesses, local governments, and regional  
stakeholders will continue throughout the coming year, leading toward anticipated adoption of the  
Century Plan in October 2027.  
The report also includes information on the NITA transit reform legislation and CMAP’s contributions  
through the PART report, testimony, and data analysis to support lawmakers during the legislative  
process. Erin Aleman stated that these examples reflect CMAP’s longstanding legacy of regional  
leadership and collaboration.  
She concluded by expressing enthusiasm for the report’s format and its usefulness as a  
communication tool for local governments and partners across northeastern Illinois.  
Member Carolyn Schofield expressed appreciation for the inclusion of a “people and culture” section,  
noting that CMAP’s staff play a critical and often underrecognized role in the agency’s success.  
The 2025 CMAP Annual Report was presented.  
5.02 FY2027 CMAP Proposed budget and regional work plan  
26-005  
Attachments: Memo - FY2027 Proposed budget and regional work plan  
FY2027 Proposed work plan draft  
Executive Director Erin Aleman provided a preview of CMAP’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and  
Work Plan, noting that the full draft document will be distributed to board members within the  
coming weeks for review prior to formal approval. She explained that the FY27 fiscal year begins on  
June 1.  
Erin Aleman began by outlining the framework that guides CMAP’s work. For many years, CMAP has  
relied on a single, comprehensive regional plan - most recently ON TO 2050 - to direct long-range  
planning across transportation, housing, water, and other systems. With the development of the  
Century Plan, CMAP is shifting to a more dynamic, multi-plan approach that will allow for deeper  
strategic planning on key issues facing communities. Over time, these coordinated efforts will  
collectively form the Century Plan and replace ON TO 2050 as the region’s comprehensive plan.  
In addition to regional plans, CMAP’s work is guided by a five-year strategic direction and the annual  
budget and work plan. Erin Aleman noted that CMAP manages a portfolio of approximately 30  
program areas, many of which include multi-year projects that reflect the agency’s long-range  
planning responsibilities. Program areas also include agencywide services such as communications,  
engagement, finance, and human resources. The FY27 Work Plan will describe each program area and  
highlight key activities planned for the year.  
Erin Aleman summarized several major initiatives that will appear in the FY27 Work Plan. CMAP will  
continue strengthening communities through the Local Technical Assistance program and the annual  
call for projects, providing data-driven support for capital improvement planning, bicycle and  
pedestrian planning, and other local initiatives. Safety work will continue through two program areas:  
Safe and Complete Streets, focused on hands-on local planning, and Safe Systems, focused on  
regional safety policy.  
In FY27, CMAP will expand its work on economic competitiveness, including development of a  
regional economic framework and continued support for the Greater Chicagoland Economic  
Partnership. Related efforts include coordinated land use strategies to expand housing options across  
the region and direct assistance to communities on housing and land use policy.  
Erin Aleman noted that CMAP will complete the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan during FY27,  
including the identification and evaluation of regional capital projects. Climate work will also  
continue, with efforts to implement the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, reduce greenhouse gas  
emissions, and quantify regional impacts.  
Finally, Erin Aleman stated that significant work will continue on the Century Plan, including support  
for regional partners and serving as a resource as the NITA Board is established. CMAP will also  
continue work on corridor initiatives such as the I-290 and CTA Blue Line Corridor Development  
Office.  
She concluded by noting that a full draft of the FY27 Budget and Work Plan will be provided in the  
coming weeks and that staff will seek Board approval in February.  
The FY2027 CMAP Proposed budget and regional work plan was presented.  
5.03 The Century Plan update  
26-006  
Attachments: Memo - The Century Plan update  
Executive Director Erin Aleman introduced guest speaker Amy Liu, senior fellow at Brookings Metroꢀ  
within the Brookings Institution, explaining that her insights are especially valuable as CMAP advances  
the Century Plan. Erin Aleman noted that CMAP recently completed scenario-planning work to assess  
future risks and opportunities, with findings to be presented at an upcoming meeting. As the Century  
Plan progresses toward its 2027 adoption, CMAP will launch workshops with local governments and a  
stakeholder series focused on key regional issues.  
She emphasized the importance of engaging public, philanthropic, and business partners to co-create  
a plan that positions the region for long-term impact. The first forum, focused on housing and held in  
partnership with Lake County, will take place next month. Erin Aleman thanked Amy Liu for her  
longstanding regional leadership and support, including her role in helping launch the Greater  
Chicagoland Economic Partnership.  
Guest speaker Amy Liu delivered a presentation focused on how CMAP and the region can build the  
institutional capacity necessary to achieve the ambitions of the Century Plan. Drawing on nearly three  
decades of experience working with regional organizations across the country, Amy Liu emphasized  
that successful long-range plans require strong institutional capacity to execute them. She  
encouraged CMAP to not only reimagine the region’s future but also reimagine its own organizational  
evolution to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and positioned for impact.  
Amy Liu described how pioneering institutions in fields such as community development, economic  
development, and regional planning have adapted over time. She noted that traditional models -  
often siloed, transactional, and focused on short-term wins - have proven insufficient in the face of  
structural economic challenges, technological change, and shifting demographics. She highlighted the  
shortcomings of traditional economic development approaches and the need for strategies that  
prioritize job quality, business dynamism, workforce development, and inclusive growth.  
Using examples from regions such as Minneapolis-St. Paul, San Diego, and Central New York, Amy Liu  
illustrated how leading organizations have transformed themselves by redefining their missions,  
restructuring programs and staffing, and building broad coalitions across government, business,  
philanthropy, universities, and community partners. She emphasized that high-capacity organizations  
serve as “quarterbacks” for regional initiatives - articulating a shared vision, assembling cross-sector  
teams, securing capital, and coordinating execution.  
Amy Liu highlighted Central New York as a compelling case study. Over 15 years, the region  
modernized its economic base, strengthened partnerships, and prioritized inclusive growth - efforts  
that ultimately positioned it to secure Micron’s $100 billion semiconductor investment. She  
underscored that this success was not the result of a single incentive deal but rather years of  
intentional capacity-building, collaboration, and strategic alignment.  
She concluded by encouraging CMAP and its partners to embrace similar transformational practices  
as they develop the Century Plan - setting ambitious goals, aligning regional actors, and building the  
organizational capacity required to deliver meaningful, long-term impact for the residents of  
northeastern Illinois.  
Board members engaged in a wide-ranging discussion on workforce development, regional  
competitiveness, and the role of civic institutions in attracting major investment. Several members  
emphasized the importance of human capital and expressed concern about inequities in Illinois’  
education funding model, while stressing the need to assess and strengthen the region’s capacity to  
produce skilled workers at scale in order to attract and retain major employers.  
Amy Liu underscored that while talent is critical, companies primarily look for long-term capacity,  
predictability, and civic cohesion. She highlighted examples from Syracuse, Columbus, and Northern  
Virginia, noting that successful regions demonstrate strong collaboration among governments,  
educational institutions, employers, and community organizations.  
The Board further discussed the importance of ensuring that large investments benefit the entire  
region, not just central cities, and raised questions about the role of incentives in site selection. Amy  
Liu responded that incentives are rarely the primary driver of location decisions and can often leave  
taxpayers worse off; she pointed instead to investments in education, infrastructure, and institutional  
capacity as more effective strategies.  
The discussion also highlighted the importance of energy, water, and infrastructure as emerging  
priorities, with members noting opportunities for CMAP to take greater leadership in these areas.  
Board members emphasized CMAP’s unique position to provide regional frameworks, align partners,  
and help municipalities navigate increasingly complex challenges amid declining federal resources.  
The Century Plan update was presented.  
6.0  
7.0  
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, former Illinois resident, emphasized that individuals with disabilities must be  
more intentionally included in economic development, workforce, and regional planning efforts. He  
noted a lack of outreach to and engagement with the disability community and urged stronger  
attention to ADA considerations, communication accessibility, and inclusion in future strategies.  
Garland Armstrong also highlighted the need for clearer, more accessible communication around  
transit projects and construction, particularly for individuals with disabilities and those with limited  
English proficiency.  
8.0  
9.0  
Next Meeting  
The next meeting is scheduled for February 11, 2026.  
Adjournment  
A motion was made by Member Richard Reinbold, seconded by Member Matthew Walsh, to adjourn  
the meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye:  
Gerald Bennett, Frank Beal, Matthew Brolley, Jada Curry, Gary Grasso, Paul Hoefert,  
Nina Idemudia, John Noak, Richard Reinbold, Nancy Rotering, Joanna Ruiz, Carolyn  
Schofield, Matthew Walsh and Jung Yoon  
Absent:  
Anne Sheahan  
Non-Voting: Kouros Mohammadian and Leanne Redden  
The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 a.m.  
Minutes prepared by Maren Lutterbach