HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 24-1 - 02/05/2024 - CMAPResolution 24-1
Resolution Regarding CMAP’s Report Entitled
PLAN OF ACTION FOR REGIONAL TRANSIT (PART)
WHEREAS, transit agencies in Northeastern Illinois are facing an estimated $730 million
operating budget shortfall beginning in 2026 due to changes in travel behavior following the
COVID-19 pandemic and expiration of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) emergency
assistance funds; and
WHEREAS, through Public Act 102-1028 in 2022, the Illinois General Assembly tasked the
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) with identifying options regarding funding
and governance for the Chicago region’s transit system; and
WHEREAS, CMAP considered the findings of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)
strategic plan, Transit is the Answer, and CMAP’s Mobility Recovery project; conducted multiple
discussions at various levels from riders to system administrators and boards; and developed
an in-depth analysis of three question areas: the system we want, how to pay for it, and how
to implement it; and
WHEREAS, CMAP completed its analysis and final report in the last half of October 2023
and will submit the report to the Geneal Assembly for review and consideration during the 2024
Legislative Session;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of McHenry supports all efforts to
strengthen the region’s transit system and understands that transit is crucial to addressing the
region’s goals of improving mobility, increasing economic development and competitiveness,
combating climate change, and building a more equitable region; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of McHenry supports a combination of new
revenue options in the form of: System Generated Revenues, Baseline Actions and Durable
Sources, as well as Transformational Investment and Meaningful Change, all outlined in the
PART report. The City of McHenry does so recognizing new revenue options as necessary to
maintaining the region’s transit system and making visionary, targeted improvements and
investments for the future. However, the City of McHenry strongly voices the position that any
new revenue generated from residents of McHenry County be largely directed to service
improvements in areas of McHenry County currently unserved or underserved by transit; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of McHenry strongly opposes the integration of
the RTA board and associated service boards (CTA, METRA and PACE) into one single regional
transit agency governance unit. Instead, the Council strongly supports keeping the current
transit governance structure with the unique service boards and strengthening of the RTA; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of McHenry also strongly opposes any changes
made to regional board appointments that would dilute the voices of suburban residents who
today feel underrepresented in regional transit decision-making. Instead, the Council strongly
supports increased local government representation from collar counties; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that regardless of the governance structure, funding
allocation policy remain the same as current policy; that is, CTA 58%, METRA 34% and Pace 8%,
and that a super majority vote be required to pass any budget or funding for any City or
suburban program or project; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to The Honorable
Governor JB Pritzker, Members of the Illinois General Assembly, Chicago Regional Councils of
Governments, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and the Metropolitan Mayors
Caucus to make them aware of the commitments of the City of McHenry regarding regional
transit.
PASSED this 5th day of January, 2024.
___________________________________________
Wayne Jett
Mayor
City of McHenry
Attested:
___________________________________________
Monte Johnson
Deputy City Clerk
City of McHenry