The RTA, in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), are hosting their annual call for communities to apply for technical assistance and help them prosper in the years ahead.
Donor Name: Regional Transportation Authority
State: Illinois
County: Selected Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/14/2022
Details:
The purpose of the RTA Community Planning and CMAP Technical Assistance programs is to assist communities with planning and implementation, providing them interagency expertise that can build up their capacity and help them better leverage the region’s transit network.
Thematic priorities
When evaluating applications, the RTA and CMAP will consider the following thematic priorities. Does the proposed project:
- Strengthen planning capacity in communities with disadvantaged populations
- Cultivate innovative approaches that implement the principles of ON TO 2050 and prepare communities for funding available under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
- Approaches should focus on improving a transportation system so that it works better for everyone (i.e. improved travel safety, increased and better-connected options for bicyclists and pedestrians, and easier access for people with disabilities).
- Provide assistance on emerging topics, challenges, and innovations to achieve the RTA’s Strategic Plan vision of:
- Safe, reliable, accessible public transportation that connects people with opportunity, advances equity, and combats climate change.
- Increase community empowerment and equitable engagement
- Implement previously developed local plans
- Facilitate collaboration across jurisdictions
The RTA and CMAP will review applications through three phases, including:
- Phase 1: Initial applications are submitted during this phase. Once the application period closes, the RTA and CMAP then determine which agency will evaluate each application. The RTA evaluates applications for transit-related projects that will be managed by the RTA, and CMAP evaluates initial applications for projects that will be managed by CMAP.
- Phase 2: During this phase, the RTA will conduct follow-up interviews with all applicants applying for transit-related technical assistance. CMAP selects a limited number of applications for follow-up interviews to gather and evaluate additional information before selecting projects.
- Phase 3: The RTA and CMAP refine applications and determine the final list of project awards.
Eligibility Criteria
The RTA will accept applications from local governments in the six-county Northeastern Illinois region and from the transit service boards. Local governments (municipalities and counties) throughout northeastern Illinois, Chicago community areas and non-governmental organizations that partner with communities in Chicago are eligible to apply for CMAP assistance.
For more information, visit RTA.
