ABOUT THE PLANNING & DESIGN CONFERENCE
Attend the largest transportation planning and design event of the year, IRTBA Planning & Design Annual Conference 2022, "Bringing Communities Together" on Thursday, August 11, 2022 from 12:00p-5:00p at the Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook.

IRTBA is pleased to welcome Federal Transit Administrator, Nuria Fernandez as the keynote speaker. With over 35 years of experience, Fernandez has made a name for herself as an inspiring leader in the transportation industry. She came to FTA after serving as General Manager and CEO of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), where she was responsible for 2,100 employees and oversaw projects, programs, and transit services that provide mobility solutions for more than two million people who live and work in the Silicon Valley. Read more about Nuria Fernandez here.
The conference will also feature panel discussions focusing on projects that will bring communities together.
We Like Ike:
The “Ike” was designed when Eisenhower was President. Planned to handle 40,000 vehicles daily, it is now choked with over 200,000 cars and trucks every day, making it the most congested highway in North America. The CTA Blue Line shares right of way with I-290, and it is due for serious improvements as well. Both the Blue Line and the Eisenhower expressway were built by dividing communities. Panelists will address how the 290-Corridor project can meet the Biden Administration’s goal of reconnecting and revitalizing communities, improving mobility, and enhancing alternative transportation modes.
Green Light for the Red Line:
The Chicago Transit Authority proposal to extend the Red Line from the existing terminal at 95th/Dan Ryan to 130th Street would be the most significant addition to the CTA in decades. The proposed 5.6-mile extension would include four new stations in what is now considered a transit desert. Multimodal connections at each station would include bus, bike, pedestrian, and park & ride facilities. Panelists will discuss funding, planning, engineering, construction, design-build, and community relations associated with this major undertaking.
Calling an Audible:
Everybody’s talking about the Bears' move to Arlington Heights, but few have mentioned how the redevelopment of Arlington Park may impact area infrastructure. Published reports indicate that the Chicago Bears intend to redevelop the 326-acre parcel to include a not just a new stadium, but also a variety of other land uses. If fully developed for year-round use, the site will become a major destination in the Chicagoland region. The panelists will discuss various scenarios on how a major new destination in the Northwest Suburbs would reshape the region, open opportunities for improving aging infrastructure, and lead the way to new transportation amenities.
Network with your peers, meet new leaders in State government and Illinois State agency leadership, and also get up to speed on the latest trends in the industry at IRTBA's Planning & Design Annual Conference.Three (3) Professional Development Hours (PDH) will be awarded to attendees.
Registration is $195 for members - all registration must be completed online. Deadline to register is Friday, August 5th.
Members should note that this event is not exclusive to Planning & Design members -- all interested parties are welcome to attend.
LOCATION
The Hyatt Lodge, Prairie Ballroom
2815 Jorie Boulevard, Oakbrook, Illinois 60523
AGENDA
11:00AM Registration Opens
12:00PM Keynote Address
Followed by Lunch
1:00PM We Like Ike, Panel Discussion
1:45PM Green Light for Red Line, Panel Discussion
2:30PM Afternoon Break
2:45PM Calling an Audible, Panel Discussion
3:30PM Networking Reception
4:30PM Conference Concludes