The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) invites you to submit award nominations for the 2023 Regional Excellence Awards. The agency seeks nominations for individuals and projects that prioritize equity, strengthen the resiliency of our 284 communities, and make them more economically competitive.
This awards program offers an opportunity for municipal leaders, nonprofits, transportation agencies, and advocates to have their exceptional work recognized by peers from across northeastern Illinois. If you know of a community, agency, or partner organization deserving of recognition, learn more about the awards program below and make a nomination by 5:00 p.m. Friday, December 16.
From innovative projects to visionary leaders, the winners of the 2021 Regional Excellence Awards showed Northeastern Illinois what it takes to create a more inclusive and thriving northeastern Illinois. Learn more about each winner and click on the photos to relive their accomplishments.
Equity with Impact: Austin Coming Together
The organization led a community effort to develop a quality-of-life plan to improve education, housing, youth empowerment, economic development, public safety, and civic engagement in Chicago's West Side neighborhood.
Regional Resilience: Buffalo Creek Reservoir Expansion
The $9.7 million project in the northwest suburbs increased the region’s resiliency to flooding, while improving recreational opportunities. The Lake County Forest Preserve District, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, and Village of Buffalo Grove all partnered to make the project a reality.
Partners for Progress: Connect2Work
The Village of Bedford Park partnered with Cook County and the Regional Transportation Authority to develop and launch Connect2Work, a pilot program that helped transit riders navigate Bedford Park throughout the day.
Visionary Leaders: Dr. Brian Sager
Dr. Brian Sager served as mayor of Woodstock for 16 years, working to make the McHenry County community more inclusive and economically competitive through countless projects and initiatives.
Visionary Leaders: Allison Swisher
As the city of Joliet faced a depleting groundwater source, Allison Swisher, director of public utilities for Joliet, led the complex task of securing a new water supply for the Will County community and neighboring towns.
