New awards program lifts up regional accomplishments to improve quality of life in northeastern Illinois

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning has launched a new awards program to honor communities and organizations for their work to make northeastern Illinois a better place to live, work and do business.

The agency is seeking nominations that recognize leaders and community planning projects in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties through Wednesday, June 30.

Communities, advocates, nonprofits, transit agencies and municipal leaders interested in the CMAP Regional Excellence Awards can submit nominations at cmap.is/awards.

"CMAP is looking forward to celebrating the people, projects and places that make northeastern Illinois a more equitable and prosperous region," said Erin Aleman, executive director. "By recognizing our individual achievements, we can inspire and learn from one another to improve quality of life for our residents and communities."

The program features four award categories that embody the principles of "ON TO 2050," the region's long-range plan, to promote inclusive growth, strengthen regional resilience, and prioritize investment.

Three categories recognize plans, projects or initiatives that have advanced inclusive regional growth, targeted regional investment in fiscally sound and equitable ways or helped communities respond to economic or environmental challenges.

The fourth category celebrates visionary leaders who make Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning's seven-county region more inclusive, resilient and economically competitive.

Award winners will be recognized during the inaugural State of the Region event on Thursday, Oct. 7.

The event will bring together leaders and policymakers throughout the region to honor different achievements happening in northeastern Illinois.