433 West Van Buren Street  
Suite 450  
Chicago, IL 60607  
312-454-0400  
cmap.illinois.gov  
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE  
MEETING MINUTES - FINAL  
Friday, May 29, 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 May 28, 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 comments by emailing info@cmap.illinois.gov. Individuals are  
encouraged to submit written public comments. Public comments received at least 24 hours before the  
meeting will be shared at the meeting (as time allows) and incorporated into the meeting minutes. Written  
comments received less than 24 hours before the meeting will be retained and available upon request.  
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 930 a.m.  
Present:  
Academic Research Representative 2, 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, Kane Co Representative, Lake Co  
Representative, McHenry Co Representative, Metra Representative, Advocacy (MPC)  
Representative, NIRPC Representative, Pace Representative, RTA Representative and  
Tollway Representative  
Absent:  
Academic Research Representative 1, IEPA Representative, Kendall Co Representative,  
SEWRPC Representative and Will Co Representative  
Non-Voting: FHWA Representative  
Absent (NV): FTA Representative  
Tara Orbon served as Cook County Representative, P.S. Sriraj served as Academic Research  
Representative 2, Amy Rynell served as Advocacy (ATA) Representative, Lindsey Frey served as CDOT  
representative, Aimee Lee served as CMAP Representative, Leon Rockingham served as CoM  
Representative, Jennifer Henry served as CTA Representative, John Loper served as DuPage Co  
Representative, Steve Schilke served as IDOT D1 Representative, Patricia Nogueira served as IDOT  
OIPI Representative, Brandon Geber served as IDOT OP&P Representative, Heidi Files served as Kane  
Co Representative, Mike Klemens served as Lake Co Representative, Scott Hennings served as  
McHenry County Representative, Lynnette Ciavarella served as Metra Representative, Hugo Coronado  
served as MPC Representative, Tom Vander Woude served as NIRPC Representative, Karyn Robles  
served as IL Tollway Representative, and Jon Paul Diipla served as FHWA Representative  
Staff present: Sema Abulhab, Bill Barnes, Victoria Barrett, Nikolas Merten, Karly Cazzato, Kaitlin  
Cernak, Teri Dixon, Kama Dobbs, Phoebe Downey, Alyson Dressman, Austen Edwards, Agata  
Dryla-Gata, Kate Evasic, Doug Ferguson, Elizabeth Ginsberg, Jane Grover, on Haadsma, Craig Hamill,  
Noah Harris, Kasia Hart, Craig Heither, Hayden Horton, Hyunseo Kim, Molly Long, Maren Lutterbach,  
Matt Marth, Alexis McAdams, Martin Menninger, Nikolas Merten, Jen Miller, Richard Norwood, Tim  
O'Leary, Russell Pietrowski, Jose Rodriguez, Charlie Rotering, Aaron Rumph, Hannah Schagene, Emeen  
Shahbaz, Clarke Shupe-Diggs, Michael Small, Mike Sobczak, Sarah Stolpe, Zach Sutton, Ryan Thompto,  
Blanca Vela-Schneider, TEss Wagner  
Others present: Garland Armstrong, Ian B, Addison Baker, Nathan Bean, CJ Blair, Fabrice Bonvoisin,  
Arnold Bradford, Alex Cannon, Adam Capets, Carlos, Natasha Jane Chrisandina, Tom Christensen, Eric  
Czarnota, Courtney Cobbs, Rithvika Dara, K. Dav, Derrick, Elizabeth,Claire Fauke, Jordan Fields,  
Michael Fricano, Jim Gauer, John Greuling, Sean Griffin, Chloe Groome, Siddhartha Gulhare, Kaveh  
Hammet, Josh Hannan, Andrew Harris, Nathan Hemmings, Katie Herdus, Hunter Heyman, Bronte  
Hoefer, Cedric Hofstetter, Ian Horvath, Teresa Hull, Rochelle Jackson, Taha Husain, Joan, Michael  
Kaiser-Nyman, George Kandathil, David Kovarik, Jill Kramer, David Kralik, Bill Larson, Kit Leonard, Heidi  
Lichtenberger, Kyle Lucas, R Lynger, Arielle Malinowski, Brittany Matayas, Daniel Maziarz, Laura  
McFadden, live Benedict Mendoza, Jim Merrell, Dolan McMillan, David Miller, Leah Mooney, Ben  
Nagy, Wesley Nay, Boyce Oudersluys, Matt Pasquini, Jada Porter, Rafiq Ramadan, Leslie Rauer,  
Nathan Roberts, Aleah Rogalski, Kevin R. Rogers, Sudipta Roy, William Rudnick, Ethan Saltzberg, Erin  
Scheffler, Todd Schmidt, Michael Sewall, Ben Shepler, Roman Shuster, Diana Smith, Vicky Smith,  
Athreya Sreenivasan, Ellen Steinke, Craig Stern, Joe Surdan, Simone Suri, Husain Taher, Felix Tello,  
Alex Thrush, Lucas van Dijk, Michael Vanderhoof, Emilio Vazquez, Ethan Velline, Larry and Gail Volk,  
Louis Warner, Kati Woock, John Yonan, Catherine Zedell, Ben Zeman  
2.0  
3.0  
Agenda changes and announcements  
There were no changes to the agenda.  
Approval of minutes  
3.01 Minutes from April 24, 2026  
26-146  
Attachments: TC Minutes 4.24.26 - draft  
A motion was made by CoM Representative Leon Rockingham, seconded by CMAP Representative  
Aimee Lee, to approve the April 24, 2026 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, Kane Co Representative, Lake Co Representative, McHenry Co  
Representative, Metra Representative, Advocacy (MPC) Representative, NIRPC  
Representative, Pace Representative, RTA Representative and Tollway Representative  
Academic Research Representative 1, IEPA Representative, Kendall Co Representative,  
SEWRPC Representative and Will Co Representative  
Absent:  
Non-Voting: FHWA Representative  
Not Present: Academic Research Representative 2  
Absent (NV): FTA Representative  
4.0  
CMAP updates  
Aimee Lee, Deputy of Transportation and CMAP Representative, congratulated the communities who  
were awarded grants as part of the Safe Routes to School funding. Woodstock received a $250,000  
grant directly related to CMAP's recently completed ADA transition plan project with their  
community. Cicero received both an infrastructure grant and program grant this funding cycle,  
building on their prior planning work, including their Safety Action Plan efforts.  
(Academic Research Representative 2 P.S. Sriraj arrived at 9:35 a.m.)  
Lee's report included CMAP's letters of support for 12 Safet Streets for All implementation grant  
applications, informing the committee of CMAP's updated Land Use Inventory on CMAP's Data Hub,  
and CMAP's ongoing efforts related to the Century Plan, including a recent focus on climate action  
and an upcoming Catalyst Series event on transportation and infrastructure scheduled for June 23rd  
in Joliet. Lee provided a brief overview of today's agenda.  
5.0  
Items for approval  
5.01 FFY 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendments and  
26-147  
administrative modifications  
Attachments: TC(Memo)TIP_Amend26-06  
26-06 Formal Amendment Report  
26-06.1 and 26-06.2 Administrative Amendment Report  
Russell Pietrowiak, Program Lead Analyst, presented FFY 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement  
Program (TIP) formal revision 26-06 and administrative revisions 26-06.1 and 26-06.2. There are 34  
formal amendments for the Transportation Committee's consideration. Additionally, 102  
administrative amendments were submitted, reviewed, and accepted by Staff.  
Formal amendments resulted in an increase of $71.3 million in total project costs for all prior, current,  
and future years. Nine of the ten new projects added to the TIP belong to IDOT and all projects  
involve resurfacing or ADA improvements. Administrative amendments resulted in an increase of  
$55.4 million in total project costs for all prior, current, and future years. The net change from both  
formal and administrative changes resulted in $ 126.7 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 26-06.  
A motion was made by DuPage Co Representative John Loper, seconded by McHenry Co  
Representative Scott Hennings, that formal amendment 26-06 be approved. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
Aye:  
Academic Research Representative 2, 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, Kane Co Representative, Lake Co  
Representative, McHenry Co Representative, Metra Representative, Advocacy (MPC)  
Representative, NIRPC Representative, Pace Representative, RTA Representative and  
Tollway Representative  
Absent:  
Academic Research Representative 1, IEPA Representative, Kendall Co Representative,  
SEWRPC Representative and Will Co Representative  
Non-Voting: FHWA Representative  
Absent (NV): FTA Representative  
5.02 FFY 2026 FTA Sub-Area Allocation between Indiana-Illinois and Wisconsin-Illinois of  
Section 5307/5340 Urbanized Area, Section 5337 State of Good Repair, Section 5339  
Bus and Bus Facilities and Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals  
with Disabilities funds  
26-144  
Attachments: TC(RTAFormulaFundingMemo)05-29-2026  
Russell Pietrowiak, Program Lead, presented the FFY 20266 subarea allocation splits between Indiana  
and Illinois, and Wisconsin and Illinois. The RTA Board approved the funding splits at its May 21st  
meeting, and the Transportation Committee is asked to recommend to the MPO Policy Committee  
the approval of the subarea allocation splits.  
A motion was made by McHenry Co Representative Scott Hennings, seconded by RTA Representative  
Kyle Whitehead, to recommend to the MPO Policy Committee the approval of the subarea allocation  
splits. The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye:  
Academic Research Representative 2, 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, Kane Co Representative, Lake Co  
Representative, McHenry Co Representative, Metra Representative, Advocacy (MPC)  
Representative, NIRPC Representative, Pace Representative, RTA Representative and  
Tollway Representative  
Absent:  
Academic Research Representative 1, IEPA Representative, Kendall Co Representative,  
SEWRPC Representative and Will Co Representative  
Non-Voting: FHWA Representative  
Absent (NV): FTA Representative  
FFY 2027 - 2031 STP-Local Programs Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) plan  
revisions  
5.03  
26-143  
Attachments: FFY 2027-2031 STP-L TIP Plan Revisions Memo  
CDOT 2027-2031 STP-L  
Central 2027-2031  
DuPage 2027-2031 STP-L  
Kane Kendall 2027-2031 STP-L  
Lake 2027-2031 STP-L  
McHenry 2027-2031 STP-L  
North Central 2027-2031 STP-L  
Northwest 2027-2031 STP-L  
North Shore 2027-2031 STP-L  
South 2027 STP-L  
Southwest 2027-2031 STP-L  
Will 2027-2031 STP-L  
Jon Haadsma, Analyst, reported the local Council of Mayors and Chicago Department of  
Transportation identified 12 TIP plan revisions as part of the STP-Local(STP-L) call for projects for the  
Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2027-2031 plan cycle. In total, 296 projects were submitted between the 11  
councils and CDOT and the funding proposed for these projects is $885 million over the FFY  
2027-2031 cycle. Of the 296 projects, 97 are new projects that add $229.1 million in STP local funding  
between 2027 and 2031. It was noted that the South Council's full program was not submitted for  
inclusion in the TIP and that it will be brought forward for approval for later this fall. Haadsma  
provided an overview of the projects. At this time, it is requested that the committee recommend to  
the MPO Policy Committee the approval of the FFY 2027-2031 STP-Local Programs TIP revisions.  
A motion was made by CMAP Representative Aimee Lee, seconded by DuPage Co Representative John  
Loper, to recommend to the MPO Policy Committee the approval of the FFY 2027-2031 STP-Local  
Programs TIP revisions. The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye:  
Academic Research Representative 2, 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, Kane Co Representative, Lake Co  
Representative, McHenry Co Representative, Metra Representative, Advocacy (MPC)  
Representative, NIRPC Representative, Pace Representative, RTA Representative and  
Tollway Representative  
Absent:  
Academic Research Representative 1, IEPA Representative, Kendall Co Representative,  
SEWRPC Representative and Will Co Representative  
Non-Voting: FHWA Representative  
Absent (NV): FTA Representative  
5.04 2026 RTP/FFY 2027-2032 TIP Conformity Determination and Regional Capital  
Projects (RCPs) plan revision.  
26-139  
Attachments: Conformity RCP Memo for May TC  
2026 RTP (All RCPs) and FFY 27-32 TIP (Conformity Determination)  
Russell Pietrowiak, Program Lead, reported that in the committee's packet is a memo that details the  
2026 RTP and FFY 2027-2032 TIP Conformity Determination and Regional Capital Projects (RCPs) Plan  
revision as federally required. The plan revisions include all physically constrained regional capital  
projects, RCPs, and any projects that are not exempt from air quality requirements that submitted a  
conformity-related TIP Change.  
There are 104 projects on the plan revision, of which 100 are RCPs and 78 are not exempt from  
conformity requirements. The CMAP region is a non-attainment area for ozone and is required under  
the Clean Air Act to demonstrate that its projects in the TIP conform to the motor vehicle emissions  
budget for our area through a regional emissions analysis. The regional emissions analysis is  
demonstrated in the memo and confirms that the region does not exceed the motor vehicle  
emissions budget for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides. It was requested that  
the committee recommend to the MPO Policy Committee the release of the 2026 RTP, all RCPs, and  
FFY 2027-2032 TIP conformity determination plan revision for public comment.  
It was noted that reductions in emissions further out can be attributed to more fuel-efficient vehicles  
and technological improvements in vehicle operations. Discussion ensued.  
A motion was made by CoM Representative Leon Rockingham, seconded by Kane Co Representative  
Heidi Files, to recommend to the MPO Policy Committee the release of the 2026 RTP, all RCPs, and FFY  
2027-2032 TIP conformity determination plan revision for public comment. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
Aye:  
Academic Research Representative 2, 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, Kane Co Representative, Lake Co  
Representative, McHenry Co Representative, Metra Representative, Advocacy (MPC)  
Representative, NIRPC Representative, Pace Representative, RTA Representative and  
Tollway Representative  
Absent:  
Academic Research Representative 1, IEPA Representative, Kendall Co Representative,  
SEWRPC Representative and Will Co Representative  
Non-Voting: FHWA Representative  
Absent (NV): FTA Representative  
5.05 Draft Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) for public comment  
26-141  
Attachments: TC Memo (Update on the RTP) 05-29-2026  
NDLSD Attachment 05192026  
Ryan Thompto, Principal, presented the draft Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). He provided an  
overview of the work and collaboration among staff, stakeholders, and the public who contributed to  
the plan.  
Work on the RTP began with extensive listening sessions across communities, stakeholders, partner  
agencies, and CMAP's committees to understand what people valued most in northeastern Illinois'  
transportation system. This input shaped the plan's goals and objectives and informed the Emerging  
Priorities Report, which helped identify key regional challenges and opportunities.  
CMAP then developed an Existing Conditions report to establish a baseline and a comprehensive  
assessment of the current transportation network. The report examined travel reliability, safety  
trends, asset conditions, accessibility gaps, freight performance, and the system's relationship to the  
broader economy. It identified strengths, areas of strengths, areas of stress, and gaps in performance  
relative to regional goals.  
The Socioeconomic Forecast provided future projections while the travel demand model translated  
those projections into expected travel patterns. The Emerging Priorities Report guided CMAP's  
strategy developed. CMAP also worked with consultants to produce a series of policy briefs, giving  
transportation partners a shared analytical foundation for key decisions across a wide range of topics.  
The strategy development process improved financial planning by updating and strengthening  
forecasting tools, assessing the costs of transportation enhancements, creating a new risk assessment  
tool to stress-test assumptions, and revenue-focused policy briefs that supported conversations with  
partners.  
Thompto emphasized that public engagement was embedded through every phase of the RTP. The  
plan includes five goal chapters: Connections, Safety, Environment, Economy, and Financial  
Stewardship - and identifies 15 projects and programs through rigorous evaluation and extensive  
public input.  
Thompto also clarified the status of public engagement regarding the DuSable/Lake Shore Drive  
Project. Although the project remains on the constrained list for eligibility, it does not carry any  
design endorsement. IDOT and CDOT have been conducting an environmental review of the corridor  
for several years. In 2024, they released a recommended preferred alternative that received  
substantial public feedback. In response, IDOT and CDOT are revisiting alternatives analysis with  
updated modeling data. Once this analysis is complete, there will be meaningful opportunities for the  
public to continue shaping the project's outcome.  
Next steps include releasing the RTP for public comment from June 12 - July 31. A public hearing is  
scheduled for August 6, with final adoption of the RTP anticipated at the CMAP Board/MPO Policy  
joint committee meeting in October.  
The committee was asked to recommend that the MPO Policy Committee approve the release of the  
draft RTP for public comment.  
Discussion followed regarding the timing of the DuSable/Lake Shore Drive Project and the impact of  
state funding changes related to the creation of the Northern Illinois Transit Agency (NITA).  
A motion was made by Tollway Representative Karyn Robles, seconded by IDOT - OP&P Representative  
Brandon Geber, to recommend that the MPO Policy approve the release of the draft RTP for public  
comment. The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye:  
Academic Research Representative 2, 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, Kane Co Representative, Lake Co  
Representative, McHenry Co Representative, Metra Representative, Advocacy (MPC)  
Representative, NIRPC Representative, Pace Representative, RTA Representative and  
Tollway Representative  
Absent:  
Academic Research Representative 1, IEPA Representative, Kendall Co Representative,  
SEWRPC Representative and Will Co Representative  
Non-Voting: FHWA Representative  
Absent (NV): FTA Representative  
5.06 Draft FFY 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for public comment  
26-138  
Attachments: TIP_27-32_Doc_TC_Memo_5-22-26  
2027-32_TIP Document_DRAFT  
Doug Ferguson, Senior Analyst, presented the FFY 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program.  
He reported that federal regulations require the TIP to be updated by October 2026. Included in the  
committee's packet is a draft TIP document for federal fiscal years 2027-2032, which explains how the  
TIP implements recommendations from the 2026 draft Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and ON TO  
2050, within the constraints of the updated financial plan. The draft also outlines the federal state,  
and local resources available to support the program.  
It was requested that the committee forward a recommendation to the MPO Policy Committee to  
release the draft FFY2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program for public comment.  
A motion was made by Lake Co Representative Mike Clemens, seconded by CoM Representative Leon  
Rockingham, to forward its recommendation to the MPO Policy Committee to release the draft  
FFY2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program for public comment. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
Aye:  
Academic Research Representative 2, 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, Kane Co Representative, Lake Co  
Representative, McHenry Co Representative, Metra Representative, Advocacy (MPC)  
Representative, NIRPC Representative, Pace Representative, RTA Representative and  
Tollway Representative  
Absent:  
Academic Research Representative 1, IEPA Representative, Kendall Co Representative,  
SEWRPC Representative and Will Co Representative  
Non-Voting: FHWA Representative  
Absent (NV): FTA Representative  
6.0  
Information items  
6.01 Legislative update  
Attachments: TC Memo (Legislative Update) 5-29-2026  
26-142  
Kasia Hart, Governmental Affairs Principal, provided a legislative update.  
Federal update  
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee filed its Surface Transportation Reauthorization  
proposal, called the Build America 250 Act, which would succeed the Infrastructure Investment and  
Jobs Act (ILJA) when it expires on September 30. The proposed bill would authorize $580 billion for  
surface transportation programs over the next five fiscal years (FY27 - 31), covering federal funding  
for highways, bridges, and transit. Of the $580 billion, $474 billion would be guaranteed, with the  
remaining amount subject to the annual federal appropriations process.  
The proposal expands eligibility for some programs, but several discretionary programs, such as the  
Carbon Reduction Program and PROTECT, are proposed for repeal under this legislation. The federal  
share of PL funds would increase to 90%, and PL eligibility would be expanded to include preliminary  
design, local technical assistance, fiscal administration of local projects, transportation studies, and  
procurement of critical data.  
State update  
Staff are tracking the Northern Illinois Transportation Authority (NITA) trailer bill. The bill clarifies that  
the RTA Board remain in place until the new NITA Board takes effect. RTA Representative, Kyle  
Whitehead, noted that an appropriations bill related to transportation funding is also moving through  
the House. Discussion followed regarding the funding implications.  
The legislative update was presented.  
7.0  
8.0  
Other Business  
There was no other business before the committee.  
Public Comment  
Chair Orbon reported that more than 35 people registered to speak in-person and virtually at today's  
meeting. She reported that comments will be taken in the following order: in-person comments,  
virtual comments, and written comments if time permits.  
In person comments  
William Rudnick, Dr. Chloe Groome, Felix Tello, provided public comment regarding the North  
DuSable Lake Shore Drive project. They advocated for a redesign that better serves the public, reflects  
the community's long-standing requests, and ensures the process is carried out transparently.  
(Academic Representative 2 P.S. Sriraj left the meeting at 10:58 a.m.)  
Alex Thrush and Henry Firth expressed opposition to the North DuSable Lake Shore Drive project as  
proposed in the Regional Transportation Plan. They raised concerns about environmental pollution  
and emissions but appreciated hearing that a final design has not been determined and that IDOT is  
considering alternative options. They asked that the project's modeling be made publicly available for  
review and that dedicated bus lanes be included in the design.  
Roman Schuster expressed support for the North DuSable Lake Shore Drive project. He noted that  
diverting traffic would only push vehicles onto neighborhood streets, increasing congestion. IDOT's  
recommended changes would expand public space, improve lakefront accessibility, and make the  
roadway safer.  
Ellen Stein and Addison Baker expressed opposition to the North DuSable Lake Shore Drive project as  
proposed in the Regional Transportation Plan. They said the project presents an opportunity to  
reimagine what Lake Shore could be. They cited air pollution and noted that transit is often unreliable  
because of traffic.  
A motion was made by CMAP Representative Aimee Lee, seconded by McHenry Co Representative  
Scott Hennings, to continue public comments for 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, Kane Co Representative, Lake Co Representative, McHenry Co  
Representative, Metra Representative, Advocacy (MPC) Representative, NIRPC  
Representative, Pace Representative, RTA Representative and Tollway Representative  
Academic Research Representative 1, IEPA Representative, Kendall Co Representative,  
SEWRPC Representative and Will Co Representative  
Absent:  
Non-Voting: FHWA Representative  
Not Present: Academic Research Representative 2  
Absent (NV): FTA Representative  
In person comments continued  
Steven Cianciarulo, Delores Pino, Tom Christianson, and Ben Schepler provided public comment on  
the North DuSable Lake Shore Drive project as it relates to the Regional Transportation Plan. They  
encouraged IDOT to revisit the proposal, noting the importance of lowering speed limits and  
addressing the pollution generated by vehicle traffic. They also expressed concern that, if the project  
exceeds its budget, the proposed recreation improvements will likely be the first elements to be  
eliminated to meet budget.  
Doug Jesseph stated that, based on his academic background in modeling, he believes the North  
DuSable Lake Shore Drive travel demand model is obscure and may rely on outdated assumptions.  
Kaveh Hemmat and Kyle Lucas emphasized that residents in the area who do not own cars continue  
to experience congestion and noise pollution. They asked CMAP to voice their concerns about the  
project, noting that such advocacy is common among other metropolitan planning organizations and  
government agencies.  
A motion was made by IDOT - OP&P Representative Brandon Geber, seconded by McHenry Co  
Representative Scott Hennings, to extend the public comment period by 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, Kane Co Representative, Lake Co Representative, McHenry Co  
Representative, Metra Representative, Advocacy (MPC) Representative, NIRPC  
Representative, Pace Representative, RTA Representative and Tollway Representative  
Academic Research Representative 1, IEPA Representative, Kendall Co Representative,  
SEWRPC Representative and Will Co Representative  
Absent:  
Non-Voting: FHWA Representative  
Not Present: Academic Research Representative 2  
Absent (NV): FTA Representative  
In person comments continued  
CJ Blair commented on the Regional Transit Plan, noting that he is a multi-modal transit user. He  
highlighted the opportunity to add green cap areas to expand Chicago's parkland.  
Clare Fauke, Josh Hannan, Jibraan Ghani, and Caterine Zedell urged that Lake Shore Drive become a  
true boulevard and be preserved for future generations. They requested that CTA be included in the  
planning process to ensure public transit needs are incorporated. They also noted that the  
affordability crisis in America makes public transit essential to keeping life in Chicago more affordable.  
Virtual comments  
Garland Armstrong, former Illinois resident, expressed concern regarding the absence of flashing  
signals at certain Metra crosswalks. Armstrong also raised concerns about uneven sidewalks  
maintained by CDOT and IDOT, noting that these conditions are particularly challenging for people  
with mobility impairments.  
Hunter Heyman expressed concern about any new designs proposed by IDOT and recommended  
creating a task force to work with the agency to address the public's concerns.  
A motion was made by CoM Representative Leon Rockingham, 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, Kane Co Representative, Lake Co Representative, McHenry Co  
Representative, Metra Representative, Advocacy (MPC) Representative, NIRPC  
Representative, Pace Representative, RTA Representative and Tollway Representative  
Academic Research Representative 1, IEPA Representative, Kendall Co Representative,  
SEWRPC Representative and Will Co Representative  
Absent:  
Non-Voting: FHWA Representative  
Not Present: Academic Research Representative 2  
Absent (NV): FTA Representative  
Virtual comments continued  
Lee Overholser, Craig Stern, Courtney Cobbs, Louis Warner, Paul Jacobs, and Nathan Bean expressed  
their opposition to the North DuSable Lake Shore Drive project. They raised concerns about the high  
amount of traffic crashes along the corridor, ongoing traffic congestion, and environmental pollution.  
They emphasized the need to make Lake Shore Drive more accessible for all users, including  
individuals who use wheelchairs. They also encouraged IDOT to prioritize public transit in order to  
shift people's travel behaviors.  
Ian Horvath and Aleah Rogalski also expressed their opposition to the project. They asked that the  
planning be more collaborative and focused on providing easier access to the lakefront without  
requiring pedestrians and bicyclists to use underpasses that frequently flood and accumulate debris.  
A motion was made by CoM Representative Leon Rockingham, seconded by McHenry Co  
Representative Scott Hennings, to extend the public comment period. 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, Kane Co Representative, Lake Co Representative, McHenry Co  
Representative, Metra Representative, Advocacy (MPC) Representative, NIRPC  
Representative, Pace Representative, RTA Representative and Tollway Representative  
Academic Research Representative 1, IEPA Representative, Kendall Co Representative,  
SEWRPC Representative and Will Co Representative  
Absent:  
Non-Voting: FHWA Representative  
Not Present: Academic Research Representative 2  
Absent (NV): FTA Representative  
Virtual comments continued  
Nathan Roberts expressed his opposition to the North DuSable Lake Shore Drive project as proposed  
and requested that the community be meaningfully included in the process to create a better Lake  
Shore Drive for residents.  
(CoM Representative Leon Rockingham left the meeting at 11:55 a.m.)  
Boyce Oudersluys, Bronte Hoefer, Matthew Truskowski, Benjamin Nagy, Adam Vogel, Paul Soud, EK  
Scheffler, and Diana Smith also voiced opposition to the North DuSable Lake Shore project. They  
stated it was important not to base the project on outdated or flawed travel models that lead to  
budgets being misaligned with the Transportation Committee's goals.  
They indicated that vehicles prohibited from Lake Shore Drive are commonly using the roadway, and  
that speeding by motorists contribute to congestion and fatalities. They emphasized that redesigning  
Lake Shore Drive as a boulevard could lower vehicle speeds and reduce the number of crashes and  
fatalities.  
A motion was made by McHenry Co Representative Scott Hennings, seconded by RTA Representative  
Kyle Whitehead, to extend public comment an additional 15 minutes. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
Aye:  
Advocacy (ATA) Representative, CDOT Representative, CMAP Representative, Cook Co  
Representative, CTA Representative, DuPage Co Representative, IDOT-D1  
Representative, IDOT - OIPI Representative, IDOT - OP&P Representative, Kane Co  
Representative, Lake Co Representative, McHenry Co Representative, Metra  
Representative, Advocacy (MPC) Representative, NIRPC Representative, Pace  
Representative, RTA Representative and Tollway Representative  
Absent:  
Academic Research Representative 1, IEPA Representative, Kendall Co Representative,  
SEWRPC Representative and Will Co Representative  
Non-Voting: FHWA Representative  
Not Present: Academic Research Representative 2 and CoM Representative  
Absent (NV): FTA Representative  
Virtual comments continued  
Lucas Van Dijk, Emilio Vasquez, Teresa Hull, and Simone Suri expressed opposition to the North  
DuSable Lake Shore Drive project. They said the public would like to see more transit service in the  
area, along with bike, pedestrian, and park amenities that are easier to access.  
Carlos, a former resident of the South Side, shared concerns that congestion pricing could harm those  
who can least afford it. He noted that many South Side residents are already being priced out of the  
city and often need a vehicle to reach higher-quality hospitals and jobs that are located on the North  
Side. He expressed support for adding lanes to Lake Shore Drive to make travel easier for South Side  
residents.  
Insiya B and Evan Velline said IDOT sought limited input from the public and did not incorporate any  
feedback in its current plan. As the agency develops its new proposal, they suggested that IDOT  
actively seek public engagement by holding public hearings and attending community events and  
farmers markets to gather input.  
Written comment  
Chair Orbon reported that CMAP received 370 written comments as of 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 28,  
2026. These comments will be included in the meeting minutes. All other comments received will be  
kept on record by CMAP.  
Vice-Chair Scott Hennings read a written comment from Will Haley.  
Virtual Comment  
Andrew Harris requested to make a public comment regarding North DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Chair  
Orbon approved the request. Harris suggested that IDOT focus on using biodiversity to mitigate the  
flooding and erosion of the roads, similarly to what was used at Montrose Harbor.  
Chair Orbon closed the public comment period.  
8.1  
9.0  
Written public comment  
26-214  
Attachments: 5.22.26 Comments  
5.23.26-5.26.26 Comments  
5.27.26 Comments  
5.28.26 Comments  
Next Meeting  
The next meeting is scheduled for July 31, 2026.  
10.0 Adjournment  
A motion was made by CMAP Representative Aimee Lee, seconded by Kane Co Representative Heidi  
Files, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried.  
The meeting was adjourned at 12:25 p.m.  
Minutes prepared by Blanca Vela-Schneider.