Lalaine Alvarez

This Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP) for Northeastern Illinois aims to identify mobility needs, update coordination strategies, and establish goals for improving passenger transportation services. The plan focuses on enhancing mobility for older adults, individuals with disabilities, people with low incomes, and the general public. Key objectives include ensuring countywide coverage, conducting a regional dial-a-ride study, improving paratransit subsidy programs, modernizing trip scheduling and vehicle location software, expanding access to suburban jobs and health/wellness services, and enhancing travel training and education.

The board meeting agenda focused on key administrative and financial actions, including a legislative update and the Executive Director's report. Action items included the consideration of ordinances to amend the Retailers' Occupation Tax, Service Occupation Tax, and Use Tax. Furthermore, the board reviewed the release of the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and received a presentation on the 2025 audit results. Discussions also touched upon the necessity of sales tax increments for fiscal sustainability and the impact of transit funding on regional economic growth and service accessibility.

The Board of Directors discussed a new ridership campaign and a legislative update. A draft operating budget amendment for the current year was presented for Board discussion. Monthly financial results for February were reviewed. Several organizational actions were taken, including the appointment of two trustees to the Pension Board of Trustees, the appointment of two acting positions to the same board to fill vacancies, and the appointment of an acting treasurer for the authority. New business included a discussion on zero-emission buses and the requirement for service boards to update their transition plans.

The Board of Directors covered several key agenda items, including the certification of first-quarter financial results and performance measures. The Board approved the 2026 budget amendment, letters of understanding regarding federal funding allocations with Indiana and Wisconsin, and the 2026-2030 capital program amendment. Furthermore, the meeting addressed the 2027 budget call, the adoption of the Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP), and authorizations for a new human capital management system and excess liability insurance coverage.

The meeting included an executive session regarding an audit matter and public comment on topics such as transit accessibility and service frequency. Key updates were provided on the transition to the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority, including the appointment process for the new board and assurance that customer service functions will not be impacted. The executive director reported on participation in an industry mobility conference, provided an update on the federal Build America 250 Act, and discussed the state's budget negotiations. Additionally, the Board received a report from the Transit Access and Citizens Advisory Board.