433 West Van Buren Street

Suite 450

Chicago, IL 60607

312-454-0400

cmap.illinois.gov

CMAP BOARD

MEETING MINUTES - FINAL

Wednesday, March 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 March 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 9:33 a.m.

Present:

Gerald Bennett, Frank Beal, Matthew Brolley, Jada Curry, Nina Idemudia, John Noak,

Richard Reinbold, Nancy Rotering, Joanna Ruiz, Carolyn Schofield, Anne Sheahan,

Matthew Walsh, Jung Yoon and Kouros Mohammadian

Gary Grasso and Paul Hoefert

Absent:

Noting a physical quorum of the Board, Chair Bennett reported requests were received from

Members Nina Idemudia, John Noak, Anne Sheahan and Jung Yoon 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 Nancy Rotering, seconded by Member Carolyn Schofield, to permit

Members Nina Idemudia, John Noak, Anne Sheahan and Jung Yoon 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, Jada Curry, Richard Reinbold, Nancy

Rotering, Joanna Ruiz, Carolyn Schofield and Matthew Walsh

Gary Grasso and Paul Hoefert

Absent:

Non-Voting: Kouros Mohammadian

Not Present: Nina Idemudia, John Noak, Anne Sheahan and Jung Yoon

Staff present: Erin Aleman, Bill Barnes, Vas Boykovskyy, John Carpenter, Austen Edwards, Elizabeth

Ginsberg, Ryan Gougis, Kasia Hart, Aimee Lee, Maren Lutterbach, George Rivera, Kyle Schulz, Ryan

Thompto, Jennie Vana, Blanca Vela-Schneider, Elizabeth Scott, Ismet Sulamc, Claire Williams

Others present: Garland Armstrong, Eric Czarnota, Heidi Files, Neil James, George Kandathil, Gretchen

Klock, David Kovarik, Brian Larson, Heidi Lichtenberger, Megan Miller, Leslie Rauer, Vicky Smith, Joe

Surdam, Adalee Wasikonis

(Non-voting CMAP Board Member Kouros Mohammadian arrived at 9:39 a.m. CMAP Board Memberꢀ

Nina Idemudia arrived at 9:40ꢀa.m. CMAP Board MemberꢀMatt Walsh arrived at 9:46ꢀa.m.)ꢀ

2.0

Agenda Changes and Announcements

There were no changes to the agenda.

2.01 Executive Director’s report

26-050

Attachments: Memo - Executive Director report

Executive Director Erin Aleman provided several agency updates. She reminded the Board that

CMAP’s Technical Assistance Program will open its annual call for projects on March 30, closing April

17. This year includes a new node-oriented development assistance category focused on

strengthening activity centers - such as recreation areas, healthcare districts, higher education

campuses, and downtowns - through improved walkability and coordinated land use and

transportation planning. CMAP will host virtual open houses on April 2 and April 8 for interested

communities.

Aleman reported on ongoing regional housing work, including a recent Housing Lake County Summit,

thanking local leaders for their participation. She noted the strong engagement and the development

of a pro-housing toolkit to help reduce barriers to affordable housing. Similar work is underway in

McHenry County in partnership with the Urban Land Institute, including an assessment of local

housing readiness. CMAP also released a housing rehabilitation toolkit to support reinvestment in

existing homes as a strategy to increase housing supply and affordability.

She also highlighted CMAP’s new Transportation Resiliency Improvement Plan (TRIP), developed to

strengthen the region’s infrastructure against extreme weather. Once approved by the Federal

Highway Administration, the plan will make CMAP and local partners eligible for higher federal match

ratios. Recommendations are already being incorporated into the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan.

Erin Aleman then summarized recent legislative activities and provided an update on HB 4689, a bill

proposing that CMAP lead a regional water governance assessment. She clarified that while CMAP has

substantial experience in water supply planning, the agency would require dedicated funding for any

additional responsibilities. Aleman also referenced the Governor’s BUILD proposal, which includes

housing, zoning, and permitting reforms intended to support missing middle housing production. She

noted that CMAP is monitoring the proposal while recognizing the challenges presented by diverse

local land use authority across the region.

Chair Gerald Bennett addressed the state’s proposed zoning and housing reforms, stressing that while

additional housing is needed, he strongly opposes any legislation that removes or overrides local

zoning authority. Bennett noted that CMAP and local governments have spent decades planning for

housing, encouraging infill development, and aligning land use with community goals. He stated that

housing challenges stem primarily from costs, including construction and property taxes, rather than

zoning barriers. He shared that the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus is seeking a task force to discuss the

potential impacts of the Governor’s proposal and ensure local voices are included as bills move

forward.

Erin Aleman concluded by previewing the meeting agenda, including an update on the 2026 Regional

Transportation Plan, and a panel discussion on economic trends, workforce and site readiness, and

regional strategies to strengthen long-term competitiveness. She also highlighted an upcoming

Century Plan event on the future of industrial development in Oswego.

The Executive Director's report was presented.

CONSENT AGENDA

Approval of the Group Vote

A motion was made by Member Matt Brolley, seconded by Member Jada Curry, 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, Nina Idemudia, John Noak,

Richard Reinbold, Nancy Rotering, Joanna Ruiz, Carolyn Schofield, Anne Sheahan and

Matthew Walsh

Absent:

Gary Grasso and Paul Hoefert

Non-Voting: Kouros Mohammadian

Not Present: Jung Yoon

3.0

Approval of Minutes

3.01 Minutes from February 11, 2026

26-051

26-065

Attachments: 2.11.26 CMAP Board meeting minutes draft

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 - March 2026

Agenda items 3.01 through 4.01ꢀwere approved under the Consent Agenda.

REGULAR AGENDA

5.0

Executive Session

5.01 Executive Session to review closed session minutes pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(21)

26-052

26-053

The Board did not enter into Executive Session.

The agenda item was withdrawn.

5.02 Action on the recommendation regarding closed session minutes

A motion was made by Member Frank Beal, seconded by Member Nancy Rotering, to approve the

staff’s recommendation to release the closed session minutes. The motion carried by the following roll

call vote:

Aye:

Gerald Bennett, Frank Beal, Matthew Brolley, Jada Curry, Nina Idemudia, John Noak,

Richard Reinbold, Nancy Rotering, Joanna Ruiz, Carolyn Schofield, Anne Sheahan and

Matthew Walsh

Absent:

Gary Grasso and Paul Hoefert

Non-Voting: Kouros Mohammadian

Not Present: Jung Yoon

6.0

Information Items

6.01 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) update

26-057

Attachments: Memo - RTP update

Draft RTP priority investments

Draft RTP constraint list

Draft RTP objectives and strategies

Ryan Thompto, Principal Policy Analyst, provided an update on the development of the 2026 Regional

Transportation Plan (RTP), the region's long-range blueprint guiding transportation investments for

the next 25 years. He noted that CMAP is in an intensive phase of work as it prepares to release the

draft plan for public comment in June. Thompto highlighted progress on strategy development,

project prioritization, and the financial plan. Draft RTP strategies were included in the Board packet,

and CMAP continues extensive engagement with regional partners. He noted that discussions with

implementing agencies have been highly collaborative, particularly regarding rising transportation

costs and the need to phase or refine projects to meet fiscal constraints.

The current draft fiscally constrained project list - which identifies projects eligible for federal funding

and approvals - was shared with the Board. Required air quality conformity analysis will begin later

this month.

Thompto then focused on a new feature of the RTP: a proposed list of priority investments. This list

responds to federal certification review recommendations, stakeholder input, and feedback from civic

and community groups. It aims to sharpen regional priorities, elevate multimodal investments, and

better position the region for federal discretionary funding. The list includes 15 priority investments

spanning major corridors as well as programmatic categories such as transit station accessibility and

connected bicycle/pedestrian networks.

Thompto noted that the list has been well received by the Regional Capital Projects Resource Group

but acknowledged that CMAP has also received significant public comment on one project in

particular - the North DuSable Lake Shore Drive reconstruction - which has been included as a

constrained project in the two previous regional plans. He emphasized that while projects on the

priority list represent regional priorities, specific design and implementation decisions remain with

the responsible agencies.

He concluded by outlining next steps. Following feedback from the Board and the MPO Policy

Committee, CMAP will complete the required conformity analyses and incorporate results into the

draft RTP, which will be presented to the Board in June for release to public comment. Final adoption

of the RTP is planned for October 2026.

The RTP update was presented.

6.02 The Century Plan update

26-066

Attachments: Memo - The Century Plan update

Deputy for Strategic Advancement Kyle Schulz facilitated a panel discussion examining the region’s

competitive position, economic opportunities, and challenges that will shape CMAP’s Century Plan.

Panelists included Cathriona Fey (Illinois EDC), Rachel Barker (Brookings Institution), and Doug Pryor

(Will County Center for Economic Development and Vice Chair of the Greater Chicagoland Economic

Partnership).

Panelists discussed the region’s core strengths, including diversified industry sectors, extensive

logistics and transportation assets, access to water, climate stability relative to peer states, and

continued improvements in state-level business incentives. They noted growing interest in the region

from water-intensive industries such as data centers, food and beverage production, and advanced

battery manufacturing, while emphasizing that power availability and utility timelines have become

major constraints for projects.

The region is also seeing growing investment in emerging sectors, including quantum technologies,

battery and clean energy storage, pharmaceuticals, and electronics manufacturing. Panelists noted

that Chicagoland’s recent designation as a national quantum hub reflects years of regional investment

rather than a single recruitment effort.

Turning to workforce trends, Barker highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as a major unknown that will

reshape labor markets. She emphasized that regional competitiveness will depend on embracing AI

innovation rather than avoiding it, and on stronger coordination across workforce development,

higher education, and economic development systems to respond quickly to future disruptions.

Board members engaged in an extended dialogue with panelists, focusing on the region’s deficits,

barriers, and structural challenges. Members asked the panel to identify the region’s vulnerabilities

alongside its strengths. Pryor noted that population stagnation and an aging workforce pose

long-term competitiveness challenges, particularly if the region cannot supply enough housing for

younger workers. Both Pryor and Barker emphasized that the region’s longstanding economic

inequities also limit economic potential and workforce participation. Fey highlighted power

availability, aging industrial infrastructure, and limited shovel ready sites as major barriers to business

attraction. She explained that extended timelines to secure adequate electric capacity are causing

Illinois to lose projects. She also emphasized that communities often struggle to provide the needed

building stock or utility infrastructure for modern industrial investments.

Board members raised concerns about utility costs, grid capacity, and affordability, noting that rising

electricity costs impact both residents and businesses. They asked whether the pace of data center

development is outstripping infrastructure and questioned who bears the cost of new substations

and grid improvements. Panelists acknowledged the challenges, noting that utilities are attempting to

adjust, but that national demand growth is unprecedented and will require coordinated planning.

Multiple Board members raised concerns about housing supply and affordability, citing compelling

evidence that limited housing stock is hindering economic growth. Members noted that employers

evaluate housing availability in their site selection decisions, and the region is increasingly losing

opportunities because housing construction is not keeping pace with job growth. Several members

highlighted the direct connection between zoning, land use, and housing supply, and urged CMAP to

continue elevating housing as a core economic competitiveness issue.

Panelists echoed these concerns, confirming that companies regularly inquire about housing

availability during recruitment processes. Fey shared that Illinois EDC increasingly encounters

communities that feel unable to accommodate workforce demands due to insufficient local housing.

Several Board members referenced studies showing that the region has already lost substantial

economic output due to housing shortages.

Members also discussed the need for more inclusive approaches to development, the importance of

community voices, and the need to consider equity in economic planning. They raised the question of

whether corporate-led workforce housing could become part of future projects; panelists noted this

concept is discussed nationally but has not yet materialized at meaningful scale.

Questions also addressed opportunities in Southland communities, with mayors emphasizing the

availability of land and interest in capturing industrial growth. Fey encouraged continued

coordination with regional economic development organizations to ensure such opportunities are

visible in state level site marketing.

In response to inquiries about future power capacity, Fey noted recent state action to lift the

moratorium on next generation nuclear development, though timelines remain long. She stated that

interim solutions, including energy-storage technologies and private onsite power generation by large

industrial users, are becoming increasingly common.

Board members concluded by emphasizing the need for balanced planning - addressing

infrastructure, regulations, incentives, and long-term community impacts - to avoid repeating past

cycles of overbuilding or policy-driven distortions. They stressed that the Century Plan should guide

the region toward smart, equitable, and strategically competitive growth.

The Century Plan update was discussed.

6.03 Legislative update

Attachments: Memo - Legislative update

26-062

A substantial legislative update was provided in the Board’s agenda packet; no verbal presentation

was given during the meeting.

(CMAP Board Member Frank Beal left the meeting at 10:51 a.m.)

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 commented on the need for greater attention to the housing challenges faced by

people with disabilities. He urged CMAP and panel participants to engage directly with disability

communities and organizations (such as Access Living) to understand the barriers individuals face in

securing accessible, independent housing rather than institutional placements. Armstrong

emphasized that ADA considerations must remain central to planning discussions and highlighted the

broader national need for accessible, affordable housing.

9.0

Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2026.

10.0 Adjournment

A motion was made by Member Nancy Rotering, seconded by Member Matt Walsh, toꢀadjourn the

meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:

Gerald Bennett, Frank Beal, Matthew Brolley, Jada Curry, Nina Idemudia, John Noak,

Richard Reinbold, Nancy Rotering, Joanna Ruiz, Carolyn Schofield, Anne Sheahan and

Matthew Walsh

Absent:

Gary Grasso and Paul Hoefert

Non-Voting: Kouros Mohammadian

Not Present: Jung Yoon

The meeting was adjourned at 11:04 a.m.ꢀ

Minutes prepared by Maren Lutterbachꢀusing Microsoft Copilot M365.