Media Contact: Efrat Dallal Stein
Email: [email protected]
SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY, IL – The Active Transportation Alliance (ATA) and Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) today announced a new opportunity for suburban Cook County communities to receive free technical assistance in preparing applications for state-funded walking and biking improvements.
Over the years, ITEP funding has helped hundreds of communities enhance their transportation options, making them safer, healthier, and more connected.
In 2026, IDOT will make $157 million available through ITEP — the largest annual funding amount to date. Applications can be submitted from August through October, with a maximum award of $5 million per project and potential match assistance for communities with high economic need.
“The built environment plays a critical role in chronic disease prevention by shaping the conditions in which people live, work, and move. By expanding opportunities for safe physical activity and connected social spaces, communities promote healthier behaviors and reduce the burden of chronic disease. ITEP funding prioritizes healthy community design, which is essential to advancing health equity and ensuring all residents have the opportunity to live healthier lives,” said Dr. Kiran Joshi, chief operating officer of Cook County Department of Public Health.
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Municipalities or partner organizations in suburban Cook County planning to apply for ITEP
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Teams committed to submitting a 2026 ITEP application (due Oct.5 )
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Priority will be given to communities in Cohorts 3 and 4 of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) , though all eligible communities are encouraged to apply.
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Application period: Aug. 1 to Oct. 5, 2026 (5 pm CST)
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Maximum award: $5 million per project
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Learn more: Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program
The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that advocates for walking, bicycling and public transit to create healthy, sustainable and equitable communities. The organization works to build a movement around active transportation, encourage physical activity, increase safety and build a world-class transportation network. The Active Transportation Alliance has more than 20,0000 members and supporters in the Chicago region. For more information about the Active Transportation Alliance, visit activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.