The Transportation Equity Network (TEN), a coalition of organizations that work in communities on Chicago’s South and West sides, is asking Mayor Brandon Johnson to appoint a new Department of Transportation Commissioner committed to equitable and sustainable mobility.
Following the recent resignation of Commissioner Tom Carney, the coalition would like to see the next leader expanding upon efforts such as pedestrian safety enhancements, the expansion of the citywide bike network, and, notably, the implementation of the Better Streets for Buses Plan in cooperation with the CTA.
The coalition, which includes the Active Transportation Alliance, is calling for a leader who will prioritize community collaboration, ADA-compliant infrastructure, racial and mobility justice, and investments in walking, biking, and public transit.
In the coalition’s letter to Mayor Johnson, TEN said city’s next transportation leader should help make Chicago a national model for inclusive, safe, and just mobility. Read the full letter below.
__________________________________________________________________
The Honorable Mayor Brandon Johnson
Mayor, City of Chicago
City Hall
121 N La Salle St,
Chicago, IL 60602-1201
Dear Mayor Johnson:
The Transportation Equity Network (TEN) is a coalition of community-based organizations that work in marginalized communities on Chicago’s South and West sides. Since 2019, TEN has built power in communities of color by engaging community organizations to participate in transportation decision-making processes.
Considering the recent resignation of Commissioner of the Department of Transportation, Tom Carney, TEN implores that the next appointment for commissioner be someone strongly committed to continue the work that CDOT started on prioritizing pedestrian safety, increasing the city-wide bike network, and most importantly, someone who works with the Chicago Transit Authority to prioritize the implementation of the Better Streets for Buses Plan, to improve bus infrastructure, such as dedicated bus lanes and transit priority signals so that residents will benefit from shorter and more reliable travel times. In recent years, numerous bump-outs to shorten pedestrian crossings, more protected bike lanes, and designated bus lanes have begun to appear throughout Chicago. This is just the beginning of what’s needed to create a truly safe, accessible multimodal system; more needs to be done. These initiatives should be expanded across Chicago.
Chicago needs a CDOT Commissioner who will:
- Lead with a spirit of collaboration and compassion. Community and advocate voices should be heard and uplifted. Interagency collaboration must be a focus: CDOT cannot enact the impactful change Chicago needs on its own. It needs to work closely with other agencies, particularly CTA, to implement bus priority infrastructure such as dedicated lanes and improved stations.
- Center the mobility of people over the movement of private automobiles. For decades the scales have been tipped in one direction. It’s time to tip them back through safe and accessible infrastructure investments that prioritizes bike, walking, and transit.
- Prioritize building and investing in ADA-compliant infrastructure in direct collaboration with people with disabilities that ensures equal access in Chicago for all people with disabilities.
- Be bold and empowered. Our problems are big and so must be our solutions. Be willing to take risks, learn from peer cities–and adopt best practices in all communities.
- Accelerate traffic safety efforts. The number of traffic fatalities and injuries in Chicago remains unacceptably high. We must continue to prioritize efforts that slow vehicle speeds, improve the comfort and safety of pedestrians and cyclists and encourage use of transit, which is ten times safer than driving.
- Commit to racial equity and mobility justice. CDOT must formalize a comprehensive, sincere, and unflinching commitment to racial equity and mobility justice in Chicago’s transportation system to dismantle structural racism, remove racialized inequities, and improve life outcomes for racially marginalized communities.
Over the past few years, TEN has worked closely with CDOT and CTA to enhance community engagement and collaboration, particularly along the future bus priority corridors identified in the Better Streets for Buses plan. As advocates, we stand ready to work with the next-appointed CDOT commissioner to work toward a Chicago of the future where the alternatives of walking, biking, and public transportation are given the same degree of support that has been given to automobiles in Chicago.
We envision a city where every resident can move freely and safely, regardless of zip code, age, ability, or mode of travel. The next era of leadership at CDOT should be defined by transparency, accountability, and a willingness to challenge the status quo for the greater good. By forging new partnerships, fostering innovation, and centering the lived experiences of Chicagoans, we can transform our streets into places of connection and opportunity.
Let us seize this pivotal moment together—one that demands urgent action, visionary leadership, and an unwavering belief in sustainable, safe and affordable transportation as a fundamental right. If we align our policies and investments with these values, Chicago can serve as a national model for inclusive, sustainable, and just mobility.
Sincerely,
Active Transportation Alliance, TEN Advocacy Chair
Center for Neighborhood Technology, TEN Co-Chair
Elevated Chicago
The Equiticity Racial Equity Movement, TEN Co-Chair
Far South Community Development Corporation
Garfield Park Community Council
Lillian Augusta Beauty
North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council
Northwest Side Community Development Corporation