FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)  is a regional planning government agency that works on behalf of the 7 counties, 284 municipalities, and 8.6 million residents of northeastern Illinois.  

CMAP is the state-authorized regional planning agency and federally designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO). State law gives CMAP the responsibility to effectively address development and transportation challenges in northeastern Illinois through streamlined, consolidated regional planning and integrated plans for land use and transportation. 

This project is funded by CMAP’s Technical Assistance program. This program started in 2010. It allows CMAP to work with communities across northeastern Illinois. They help these communities plan and carry out projects that meet local needs and support the goals of ON TO 2050, the comprehensive plan that guides regional priorities and transportation investments across the region."

The Technical Assistance program has funded over 300 planning projects. It helps communities build their capacity, includes groups that are often overlooked, finds solutions to tough problems, and connects agencies and funding.

A Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a 5-year planning document. It helps the village identify, prioritize, and schedule major capital projects and purchases. The CIP guides how we invest in our community's essential infrastructure and long-lasting assets. It shows our intentions, but it does not mean funds have been set aside for specific projects yet.

A capital project is usually large in size, scope, or cost. It is useful for a long time, is permanent, and is not a regular expense. Examples of capital projects include: 

• Building and maintaining public buildings
• Street projects, including traffic safety improvements
• Upgrades to water and wastewater systems
• Sidewalks, crosswalks, trails, and bike paths
• Public spaces like plazas, parks, and community centers
• Vehicles and equipment
•  Internet connections or software upgrades
• Tree planting and creating appealing public spaces
• A major plan or large study

A Capital Improvement Plan is usually funded by several sources. These can include grants, money from bonds, special taxes or user fees, and general fund revenues. The types of funding used depend on the size and scope of the projects in the plan.

The CIP will help the village plan for major investments. These include infrastructure, facilities, and equipment that have a long-term impact and need a lot of money. By creating a detailed CIP, Worth can better manage its financial resources. It can identify funding sources and prioritize projects based on need, urgency, and impact. The plan can help coordinate and streamline project delivery. This is done by aligning different departments, groups, and resources.