2026 Regional Transportation Plan
We’re looking for community members to participate in video and photo interviews for the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan. This is your chance to share how you move through our region whether by public transit, walking, biking, driving or other modes of travel.
We’re looking to feature real people from across the region, reflecting its many voices and stories. People of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are welcome to apply! You’ll take part in a quick interview and photo session that could be featured in the 2026 RTP and on CMAP’s social channels.
Interested in being part of the story? Learn more and sign up.
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is guiding the development of the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) for northeastern Illinois. The RTP serves as the long-term blueprint for our region’s transportation system guiding decision-making and infrastructure investments for the next two decades.
The RTP is developed in collaboration with local leaders, transportation agencies, community organizations, and people who live, work, and travel in northeastern Illinois! It is informed by research, technical analysis, policy development, and community outreach.
We need your input to answer three key questions:
- What is the transportation system the region wants?
- What are the challenges and opportunities to get there?
- And how will the region implement the system it wants?
The plan will shape how the region will manage, operate, fund, and achieve goals for our transportation system — including public transit, highway, freight, bicycle, pedestrian, and accessible transportation.
The RTP’s approval is targeted for fall 2026.
Recent updates
(June 2025) CMAP releases the Existing Conditions report — a major milestone in developing the 2026 RTP for northeastern Illinois. This report builds on the goal areas identified in the Emerging Priorities report and outlines key trends and challenges shaping the region’s transportation future. Highlights include shifting commute patterns, rising traffic fatalities, uneven access to transit, and growing climate risks. It also notes that while the population has remained steady, household growth and development patterns are influencing travel demand. The report underscores the need for coordinated investment to maintain aging infrastructure, support economic activity, and ensure a more connected, safe, resilient, and equitable transportation system. These insights will guide the next phase of RTP development and help set shared regional priorities.
To view the maps in the report in greater detail, please visit the ArcGIS data explorer.
RTP project team members
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Regional Policy and Implementation
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Communications and Engagement
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Regional Policy and Implementation
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Communications and Engagement
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Regional Policy and Implementation
