FAQs

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is the regional planning agency for northeastern Illinois, the third largest metropolitan region in the United States.

CMAP serves seven counties, 284 municipalities, and more than 1,200 units of government. Established in 2005, CMAP helps address regional land use and transportation challenges, and coordinates comprehensive planning to improve quality of life throughout northeastern Illinois.

CMAP and its partners continually work to implement ON TO 2050, the long-range plan for northeastern Illinois, carrying through polices and strategies that address transportation, housing, economic development, open space, the environment, and other quality-of-life issues. Visit CMAP's website to learn more.

This project is funded through CMAP’s Technical Assistance program. Established in 2010, the Technical Assistance program allows CMAP to partner with communities throughout northeastern Illinois and work with them to develop and implement planning projects that address local needs and advance the principles of ON TO 2050.

The Technical Assistance program has funded more than 300 planning projects, helping communities build capacity, engage underrepresented groups, develop solutions to difficult challenges, and create connections to implementing agencies and funding opportunities.

A Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a 5-year planning document that helps the Village identify, prioritize, and schedule major capital projects and purchases. It guides decisions concerning how we invest in our community's essential infrastructure and long-term assets. It's a statement of intent, not an appropriation of funds for specific projects.

A capital project is typically large in size, scope, and/or cost. It has long-term usefulness and permanence and is a non-recurring expense. Examples of capital projects can include: 

• Construction and maintenance of public buildings
• Street projects, including traffic safety enhancements
• Water and wastewater system improvements  
• Sidewalks, crosswalks, trails, and bike infrastructure
• Public spaces such as plazas, parks, and community centers
• Vehicles and equipment
• Internet connectivity or upgrades to software
• Tree planting and placemaking
• A comprehensive plan or large-scale study

A Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) typically is funded through a combination of sources. These sources can include grants, bond proceeds, dedicated taxes or user fees, and general fund revenues. The mix of funding sources used depends on the size and scope of the projects identified in the plan.

A CIP identifies, prioritizes, and plans major investments in infrastructure, facilities, and equipment that create a long-term impact and require significant funding.

A CIP can include various types of projects, including road construction and maintenance, water and sewer infrastructure, building construction and renovations, and public space improvements. A CIP also considers the ongoing maintenance and repair needs of existing assets, as well as the replacement of aging equipment.

By creating a comprehensive CIP, a municipality can assess its financial resources, identify funding sources, and prioritize capital projects based on need, urgency, and impact.

A CIP also can help coordinate and streamline project delivery by aligning various departments, stakeholders, and the many resources involved in planning, designing, funding, and implementing capital projects.

A well-developed CIP helps a municipality invest in capital projects strategically and thoroughly, ensuring projects provide the greatest benefit to a municipality's constituents and stakeholders.