Title
Update regarding application to Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning/Regional Transit Authority (CMAP/RTA) Community Planning Program for technical assistance in developing a potential transit focus in Lake County’s five-year community development and housing plan.
Body
• On an annual basis, up to 15 percent of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) federal entitlement can be spent on public services such as transit, training, daycare and other employment supports.
• The lack of transit options in Lake County is a barrier to employment that potentially exacerbates poverty, a priority that needs to be addressed by CDBG. In collaboration with the Lake County Coordinated Transportation Services Committee, the Lake County Division of Transportation, in both its 2011 market study and 2018 paratransit strategic plan, has identified specific gaps in employment transit. Short-term recommendations include late-night employment transportation, vanpool first/last mile access to transit, and paratransit service expansion; all of which could be considered for CDBG Public Service dollars on a pilot basis only.
• Community Development has partnered with the Lake County Division of Transportation to apply for technical assistance from the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) to assist in planning by the Housing & Community Development Commission (HCDC) as it considers which transit gaps could potentially be best addressed in the next five-year community development and housing plan.