The projects are among 16 that were awarded in 2015 with funding totaling $810,000. The RTA is providing approximately $85,000 in federal grant and local match funds to support these zoning updates that will encourage transit-friendly development.
Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) announced four transit-oriented development (TOD) zoning projects were allocated funding through the RTA’s 2015 Community Planning Program.
The projects are among 16 that were awarded in 2015 with funding totaling $810,000. The RTA is providing approximately $85,000 in federal grant and local match funds to support these zoning updates that will encourage transit-friendly development.
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The new zoning regulations will encourage transit-oriented development (TOD), streamline the approval process for future TOD projects, examine and possibly adjust off-street parking regulations, and ultimately help each of these communities achieve a pedestrian and transit-friendly environment that complements its community's character.
To date, the program has completed more than 90 TOD plans using a combination of RTA, local and federal funds, totaling nearly $10 million.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.
The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.