Challenge

CTA, Metra, and Pace are heading toward a fiscal cliff as emergency federal assistance is expiring and ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels. Without action, a $730 million (20%) budget shortfall is projected for 2026. This will lead to service cuts of 30 to 40 percent and a vicious cycle of lower ridership and fare revenue, which, in turn, would require further budget cuts.

To address this critical issue, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) was required by law to make recommendations to the State legislature by January 2024 to ensure transit’s long-term financial viability. CMAP’s recommendations needed to address both the immediate budget crisis and the underlying reforms needed for a sustainable, thriving transit system, which is crucial for our region’s growth.

Action

CMAP enlisted Civic Consulting Alliance to advise on a strategic approach for convening a cross-sector steering committee to develop transit recommendations. Two pro bono partners contributed to educational materials for the steering committee: Crowe helped with research materials for a briefing book, and Analytics8 developed an interactive dashboard to visualize the impacts of various potential funding cuts to transit. These materials gave the steering committee a better understanding of the fiscal, environmental, and equity impact scenarios to consider.

“Our goal was to actively involve a diverse range of stakeholders in the regional transit conversation. Civic Consulting Alliance’s expertise in civic engagement strategies and their ability to quickly tap into their partner network was instrumental in laying the groundwork for a successful process. We’re incredibly grateful for their support in building consensus around a sustainable future for transportation.”
– Erin Aleman, Executive Director, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

Result

In January 2023, CMAP launched the steering committee of non-government stakeholders from the business, community, environmental, labor, and civic sectors. The report development process also included meaningful public engagement and discussions to help shape the final set of recommendations.

Now, with official approval by the CMAP Board and the Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee, which consists of the county board chairs and other regional stakeholders, PART was transmitted to the Governor and Illinois General Assembly ahead of the prescribed legislative deadline of January 1, 2024.

The Chicago Tribune article, “Recommended changes to transit head to state lawmakers, who could debate expanded sales tax and consolidating agencies” is a straightforward overview of the report, and the many levers that need to be pulled to secure the future of our transit system.

Elected officials, as well as business and civic leaders, spotlight the final Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART):