Government plays an important role in building communities where all residents can enjoy good quality of life. Read on to learn about how Cook County government, a regional council of government, and local municipalities are making a commitment to building walkable, bikeable communities where people can move more; breathe cleaner air; feel safer on roadways; and have easier access to places they want to go, and opportunities to connect with others.

Cook County Invests in Walking, Bicycling, and Transit

This spring, the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways launched the inaugural Invest in Cook grant program. The awardees were recently announced: over $7.2 million will fund 30 projects touching 42 Cook County municipalities. The projects make critical investments in walking, bicycling, and transit facilities and many of the road and freight projects include multi-modal elements. Invest in Cook also leverages federal, state, and local dollars, unlocking an additional $7.6 million in funding. Five municipalities that received planning support from the Healthy HotSpot Complete Streets and Active Transportation Technical Assistance Program successfully applied for and received Invest in Cook funding.Read more about projects >>

Steger and Other South Suburban Communities Take Action Aligned with Regional Plan

Towns like Steger, in southern Cook County, are finding it beneficial to the entire community to incorporate health in all policies, from housing to nutrition to sidewalks and streets. Recently, aligned with South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association’s Complete Streets and Trails Plan, Steger officials adopted a Complete Streets policy that demonstrates their commitment to build a walkable, more bikeable community. Steger’s Complete Streets implementation plan aims to reduce existing traffic lanes to allow for bicycle lanes, and eliminate sidewalk gaps by installing new walkways. Funded in part by Cook County’s Invest in Cook grant program, these improvements will benefit pedestrians, bikers, and transit riders, and encourage healthier lifestyles. By increasing community walkability, Steger is well on its way to becoming a premier Healthy HotSpot. Learn more about Complete Streets >>

Walk Arlington: Explore It, One Step at a Time

Village Trustee Thomas Glasgow of Arlington Heights spearheaded the Walk Arlington initiative, which promotes the health benefits of walking, and the walkability of downtown Arlington Heights. Walk Arlington encourages residents to walk to places they want to go --- restaurants, entertainment venues, and other stores. The Village created eight Walk Arlington Business Directories and placed them in large kiosks located in various Downtown locations. Walkable communities have multiple benefits, as summarized by Trustee Glasgow in a local news story from the Village: “Walkability is not only good for our younger and older residents, but it also increases property values, promotes businesses, cuts down on pollution and enhances residents’ lifestyle in Arlington Heights.” Read full news story. Watch video about initiative >>