Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about State Policy

Chicago Gets First Curb-Protected Lanes; Many Other Bike Projects on Deck

By John Greenfield | May 18, 2015 | 36 Comments

In a surprise move, the Chicago Department of Transportation recently began building the city’s first curb-protected bike lanes on Sacramento Drive through Douglas Park. This morning, assistant director of transportation planning Mike Amsden provided an update on this game-changing facility, plus a slew of other bikeways projects slated for 2015. Four years ago, Mayor Rahm […]

The Way Forward: Gas Tax, Vehicle Miles Traveled, or Value Capture?

By John Greenfield | May 15, 2015 | 1 Comment

Local leaders agree that Chicago region’s public transit system, and Illinois transportation infrastructure in general, are sorely underfunded. However, it’s clear that the traditional strategy of relying on gas tax revenue to fund projects is no longer working. The state gas tax has been stuck at 19 cents a gallon since 1990, and due to […]

New Type of TIF District Would Increase Funding for Transit Projects

By Steven Vance | May 11, 2015 | 15 Comments

A new bill that passed the Illinois Senate last week would create a new class of tax increment financing district that could only be created around Chicago transit stations and lines to capture the property value that being near transit generates. Most of the revenue generated by these TIFs would be earmarked to pay for construction […]

Rauner’s IDOT Listening Tour Only Includes a Sprinkling of Cook County Stops

By Steven Vance | Apr 28, 2015 | 5 Comments

Cook County represents 41 percent of Illinois’ population yet only three of the 30 scheduled stops on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s upcoming listening tour regarding Governor Rauner’s proposed state budget will take place in the county: two in suburban Cook County and a single meeting in Chicago. Rauner has proposed a budget that slashes funding for […]

Three Transit Campaigns: Do They Compete or Complement Each Other?

By Steven Vance | Apr 23, 2015 | 8 Comments

As the Chicago region grows in population, we’re going to need to provide efficient and affordable transportation options in order to compete in the global economy, and that’s going to require more and better transit. People who live near transit pay less in transportation costs as a portion of their household income, and have better access […]

Active Trans Launches Campaign to Beef Up Illinois’ Safe Routes Programs

By John Greenfield | Apr 21, 2015 | No Comments

In the wake of new analysis that shows nearly five children are struck by drivers within a block of an Illinois school every day, the Active Transportation Alliance is spearheading a campaign to overhaul the state’s Safe Routes to School program. “We’re really hoping to highlight the program, and also emphasize the need to improve […]

Show More Stories