Tuesday, 7/1/2025 - The Village of Bartlett is one of 30 communities across northeastern Illinois getting a boost from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) through its annual technical assistance program to invest in local plans for safer streets, stronger infrastructure, and more inclusive growth. CMAP’s support helps communities build capacity, plan strategically, and access funding to turn ideas into action.
Bartlett was selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 80 applications submitted by 72 communities. The NEXT Grant awarded to the village is primarily intended to support implementation of Bartlett's Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Plan. CMAP staff will work with the Village of Bartlett to help organize implementation efforts, prioritize planned improvements, promote economic prosperity, and develop and carry out a clear action plan.
A team of developers from the Urban Land Institute will tour the downtown area with village staff and Mayor Dan Gunsteen. They will review and evaluate the plan, then reconvene for further analysis and discussion. Following that, they will review their findings along with feedback from the village and provide guidance on possible amendments and implementation strategies.
The goal of creating developments in close proximity to public transit options is to use transit resources effectively, reduce congestion, and give a boost to the local economy. TOD plans promote walking and an active lifestyle, by encouraging quality streetscape and buildings in a compact layout.
Planning for new development around the Bartlett Metra station will help expand Metra ridership, attract new visitors, and investment to downtown. Locally, making transit options and the downtown more attractive will help to bring new customers to existing businesses, as well as attract new shopping, restaurant, and employment options to the area. Regionally, the increase in transit ridership helps to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce the need for new roadways, and reduce air pollution.
Since its launch in 2012, CMAP’s technical assistance program has supported more than 300 planning efforts throughout the region. These projects help communities identify solutions, leverage resources, and advance plans that contribute to a stronger, more connected northeastern Illinois.
