Media Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2026
Media contact:
Ted Villaire
Active Transportation Alliance
(312) 563-1118
[email protected]
April 13, 2026, Suburban Cook County — 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.
Administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the funding comes from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), the state’s largest funding source dedicated to walking, biking, and trail 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.
ATA and CCDPH will provide technical assistance to 15 suburban Cook County municipalities, helping them submit strong, competitive applications. In addition, seven of the participating communities will be selected through a raffle to receive $2,000 to support small-scale safe streets improvements, such as pedestrian crossing signage or bike racks.
Projects eligible for ITEP funding include sidewalk building and replacement, pedestrian crossings, curb bump-outs, bike lanes, side paths, and trails that provide a transportation option for people walking or biking.
“We’re thrilled to help local communities jumpstart their ITEP applications,” said Amy Rynell, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance. “This program is crucial for creating affordable, equitable transportation options in communities throughout Illinois. Dream big Illinois, and let’s make our streets safer for all!”
How to Request Technical Assistance
Communities interested in receiving technical assistance must complete this request form by Monday, May 11: Request for ITEP Technical Assistance (TA) – Fill out form
Fifteen municipalities will be selected to participate in the program. Here’s additional information.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to:
— Municipalities or partner organizations in suburban Cook County planning to apply for ITEP
— Teams committed to submitting a 2026 ITEP application (due Oct.5 )
— 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.
Applying for ITEP Funding
— Application period: Aug. 1 to Oct. 5, 2026 (5 pm CST)
— Maximum award: $5 million per project
— Learn more: Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program
####
About the Partners
Active Transportation Alliance (ATA)
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.
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH)
Cook County Department of Public Health is the nationally accredited, state-certified local health department serving suburban Cook County. They build healthier, more equitable communities by protecting health, preventing disease, engaging communities, and analyzing and sharing data for action.
For more information about the ITEP Technical Assistance Program, visit https://www2.activetrans.org/e/213232/CookCountyITEP-/318g64/1219563606/h/8RbpQptYnCIGj5TpxheXHBtMYTiWynsiHOYKAkXxNhY