The annual call for technical assistance — a resource tailored to help communities throughout northeastern Illinois prosper — is now open. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) — the regional metropolitan planning organization — and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) — the transit agency with responsibility for oversight, funding, and regional planning for the transit service boards (Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace) — have partnered every year for the last decade to help local governments build capacity and plan for their communities. While CMAP and the RTA have separate technical assistance programs, both agencies offer the same online application during the joint call for projects. This coordinated approach allows CMAP and the RTA to offer planning and implementation assistance to a larger base of eligible applicants. Both agencies are also able to align these efforts with ON TO 2050, the comprehensive plan for northeastern Illinois, as well as Transit is the Answer, the regional transit strategic plan.

The deadline to apply is Friday, April 17 at noon.

WATERCON is Illinois’ Total Water Conference. WATERCON brings together utilities and industry suppliers, consultants, manufacturers and regulators to share information through the exhibits, education and networking events. The focus of WATERCON is to create a learning culture and networking opportunities. The education sessions will provide all participants with various levels of experience - operator in training to superintendent - new and creative ideas and tools to implement in their own utilities. April 14-16, 20-26 in Peoria REGISTER  

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS CHICAGO DISTRICT ILLINOIS URBAN MANUAL PRACTICE STANDARDS: Dry Detention Basin Code 809 Extended Detention Basin Code 810 Wet Bottom Detention Basin Code 811 Wetland Detention Basin Code 812 COMMENT PERIOD BEGINS: March 17, 2026 COMMENT PERIOD EXPIRES: April 17, 2026 The above-referenced IUM practice standards are currently utilized for sediment control on construction/development sites. Each referenced standard and associated drawing (attached) is being updated by the IUM Technical Review Committee (TRC). The TRC is comprised of representatives of various regulatory agencies, consultants, developers, and other stakeholders. The Illinois Urban Manual is the primary technical manual for Erosion and Sediment Control in the State of Illinois. The practice standards must be updated due to advances in product development and associated operation and maintenance practices. The Corps of Engineers and the IUM Technical Review Committee are requesting comments from erosion and sediment control professionals, developers, engineers, contractors, and other interested parties on the enclosed standards. The comments are reviewed by the Technical Review Committee prior to the finalization of an IUM update. The approved standard will be incorporated into the Illinois Urban Manual immediately upon approval by the IUM Steering Committee, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. For more info and to comment, visit : https://illinoisurbanmanual.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IUM-Updates.pdf

The IAA and CRTI Urban Forestry Basic Training course is designed for individuals who are not forestry professionals and who work with or near trees or manage staff or contractors who work with trees. These expert-led sessions include important forestry topics such as planting, pruning, tree biology, providing proper tree care, and avoiding tree damage during construction. There is also a second day that is focused on basic chainsaw skills and knowledge. This program meets offsite at the Homer Glen Village Hall, 14240 W. 151st Street, Homer Glen, IL 60491. April 9-10, 2026 REGISTER

Join Landscape Illinois for an In-Depth One-Day Workshop: Wading into Stormwater Are you ready to make a splash in stormwater management? Trevor Smith is back to guide you through innovative Nature-Based Solutions that can transform how we handle stormwater! Registration Fees:

• $175 for Members
• $185 for Government/Park District
• $190 for Non-Members