What kind of region do you want to live in? CMAP seeks feedback on new ‘Century Plan’
The Chicago Metropolitan Planning Agency is asking a lot of tough questions as it develops “The Century Plan,” a new agenda for the region.
Those include: How has our population changed? How much does it cost to live here? What will it take to handle more rainfall and subsequent flooding?
The answers will come from residents, businesses, local governments and other stakeholders over the next two years as the agency creates a comprehensive road map for 2060 and beyond, leaders said.
“The region — its leaders, stakeholders, and residents — are invited to join us on this journey of developing our next big plan,” CMAP Board Chair Gerald Bennett said at a kickoff event Tuesday.
Executive Director Erin Aleman noted the agency gathers the information but “this is not CMAP’s plan — it is everyone’s plan for a better, stronger northeastern Illinois.”
“The Century Plan” includes Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. CMAP researchers released updated information to frame the issues confronting the metro area. Here’s a sampling.
• The economy. If Chicagoland was a country, it would be in the “top 25 largest economies in the world,” planners said. However, “despite strong growth in key sectors, overall economic growth has been modest and most new jobs are in clusters that serve local residents rather than global markets, such as hospitality, health services, and real estate development.”
• Flooding. Climate change is causing torrential downpours more often, which brings high-impact flooding, CMAP said. Since 2018, the region has suffered three federally declared flood disasters and other intense storms. Older communities with outdated stormwater systems are especially hard hit in locations like Chicago, Cook County, Aurora and Elgin.
• Housing. Homes in the region tend to be less pricey than in other U.S. metros but nearly half of Chicagoland renters spend more than 30% of their incomes on rent. Also, “newer housing development favors the ends of the spectrum — large single-family homes and small apartments/condos — with fewer options in the middle,” CMAP noted.
• Population trends. The number of people living in the metro area has stayed stable since 2010 with “international immigration offsetting slight decreases in recent years,” planners said. Interestingly, the top states Chicagolanders move to are Florida, Texas and Indiana, while many newcomers moving in hail from Colorado, Arizona and California.
Also, with many Baby Boomers retired or getting ready to retire, younger generations are having “fewer children, later in life,” the agency reported. That means declining numbers at schools and fewer working adults “putting pressure on the local workforce and tax-base.”
The Century Plan builds on earlier versions like Go To 2040 and On To 2050. In preparing those documents, CMAP held workshops and forums across the seven counties to stimulate discussion about what the region needs.
That will occur again in the coming months, officials said, adding that residents can learn more at cmap.illinois.gov/regional-plan/the-next-plans/century-plan.