Lake County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting – November 4, 2026

On November 4, 2026, the Lake County Public Works and Transportation Committee convened at 8:30 AM to receive a presentation on the proposed 2027 regional transit budget from the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) and to vote on two software renewal agreements. Committee members expressed strong support for the historic investments and discussed specific improvements for Lake County.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• NITA 2027 Budget Presentation: Gary Gordon (Lake County representative on NITA Board), interim NITA Executive Director Jamie Ree, NITA CFO Tom McCone, Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger, and Metra CFO Andrew Holloway presented the first annual budget developed by the new regional authority. Key points:
  • Proposed operating budget of $5.04 billion for 2027, with $9.73 billion in capital investments over five years.
  • Ridership is at its highest since 2022, with 417.2 million rides projected in 2027; ridership has grown year-over-year for 60+ months.
  • A 'What Moves You' survey received 4,368 responses; 75% of respondents rated improving connections between transit services as important or extremely important.
  • Service investments: no fare increases, expanded night/weekend service, new Sunday service on Pace Route 213, frequency improvements on Route 565 (Waukegan–Grayslake), and expanded Metra Rock Island regional rail pilot.
  • Capital investments for Lake County: Deerfield Metra station ADA upgrades, signal improvements on Milwaukee District North Line, completion of Pace's all-electric North Division Garage in Waukegan with electric buses, and $10 million for sidewalk/access improvements in collar counties (including Rollins Road, Green Bay Road, Lewis Avenue).
  • Safety improvements: transit ambassador program (training starting Jan 1, full deployment June 2027) and the NEATA Ride Safe app launching November 2026.
  • Paratransit: $10 million initial regional dial-a-ride fund and a study underway due by year-end.
  • $60.1 million in operating efficiencies identified, exceeding the $46.9 million statutory requirement.
  • Public comment on the budget is open through December 4, with a public hearing on November 12; NITA Board adoption vote scheduled for December 10.
• Committee members asked questions about specifics (e.g., Route 565 frequency, North Central Line weekend service, transit-oriented development hubs, safety, sidewalks/shelters, integration with trails). Multiple members advocated for expanded evening/weekend service and noted constituent demand.
• Chair Clark expressed enthusiasm for the regional approach and thanked state leaders.

Key Outcomes

• Item 8.2 – Joint resolution authorizing a five-year agreement with Eco Interactive LLC for capital program management software and appropriating $160,000 from quarter-percent sales tax for transportation funds (Year 1). Motion by Hewitt, second by Roberts; unanimous approval.
• Item 8.3 – Joint resolution authorizing a five-year agreement with Xy Vision Inc. for construction management software and equipment and appropriating $155,000 from quarter-percent sales tax for transportation funds (Year 1). Motion by Hunter, second by Hewitt; unanimous approval.
• Public Hearing Notice: IDOT will hold a public meeting on Route 120 (feasibility study) on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 3-7 PM at the University Center of Lake County in Grayslake.
• The meeting concluded with remarks from Chair Clark and members thanking Vice Chair Maine for her 24 years of service on the committee and her advocacy for trails, safety, and infrastructure.